Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Beans – Healthy, Cheap, and Delicious

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Looking for a nutritious, filling, and cheap dinner option? Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice and Beans are here to save the day. Loaded with flavor, packed with protein, and ridiculously easy to make, this dish is perfect for budget-conscious foodies.

Why This Recipe Works for Budget Foodies

Affordable Ingredients: Bell peppers, rice, beans, and spices are all budget-friendly staples.
Packed with Protein: Thanks to the beans, this dish is hearty and satisfying.
Versatile: Customize with your favorite toppings or add-ins like cheese, avocado, or hot sauce.
Healthy: It’s a balanced meal with veggies, protein, and fiber.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bell Peppers: 4 large peppers (any color you prefer).
Rice: 1 cup, cooked (white, brown, or whatever you have on hand).
Beans: 1 can (15 oz) of black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed.
Onion: 1 medium, diced.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
Tomato Sauce: 1 cup (or canned diced tomatoes).
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons.
Cumin: 1 teaspoon (or your preferred spice).
Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Cheese (optional): Shredded cheddar or mozzarella.
Cilantro (optional): For garnish.

Instructions

Prepare the Bell Peppers:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds. Place them upright in a baking dish.
Cook the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in cooked rice, beans, tomato sauce, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
Stuff the Peppers:
- Spoon the rice and bean mixture into each bell pepper until full. Top with cheese if using.
Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
Serve:
- Garnish with cilantro if desired and serve hot.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Use Leftover Rice: This is a great way to repurpose leftover rice from another meal.
Buy Beans in Bulk: Canned beans are cheap, but dried beans are even cheaper if you cook them yourself.
Go Meatless: Skip the cheese for a fully vegan meal that’s still packed with protein.