Nutrition

18 Outstanding Bell Pepper Recipes

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Bell peppers, part of the pepper family, provide a crisp, sweet taste with a hint of mild heat. Renowned for their culinary versatility, they can enhance dishes as colorful sides or take center stage as main ingredients. 

Nutritious and delicious recipes such as stuffed bell peppers, roasted bell pepper soup, and bell pepper fajitas showcase their potential to both elevate meals and contribute to a balanced diet. Explore these 18 outstanding bell pepper recipes for inspiration.

1. Veggie Fajitas

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Veggie fajitas are a vibrant and nutritious dish, perfect for a wholesome meal. They typically feature a colorful mix of bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini, all sautéed to perfection. Often seasoned with a blend of cumin, chili powder, and garlic, these fajitas offer a rich, smoky flavor.

Served sizzling hot, they are usually accompanied by warm tortillas, fresh salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. Veggie fajitas are not only a feast for the eyes but also a delight for the palate, making them a popular choice for both vegetarians and those seeking a lighter, plant-based option.

2. Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Stuffed Bell Peppers

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Bursting with flavor, these stuffed bell peppers combine quinoa and roasted vegetables seasoned with herbs and spices. To vary the recipe, consider adding ground turkey, chicken, or beef for a non-vegetarian version.

Black beans or chickpeas can boost protein content, while a topping of melted cheese adds indulgence. For a Mediterranean twist, mix in olives, feta cheese, and spinach. These versatile stuffed peppers can be easily tailored to suit diverse tastes and dietary preferences.

3. Sausage and Peppers Foil Pack

When seeking a speedy summer dinner, we repeatedly rely on foil packs. Their charm lies in their simplicity: just toss your ingredients and seasonings in foil, grill, and enjoy! This sausage and peppers recipe is particularly beloved.

Packed with bell peppers, onions, and charred Italian sausage links, these packs are brimming with hearty, classic flavors. They’re delicious on their own, but even better in a bun or served with pasta. Starting the grill is a worthwhile endeavor for this dish.

4. Classic Shrimp Creole

When you're yearning for a boldly flavorful meal with a kick, shrimp Creole is the answer. This dish, rich in flavor and heat, evokes the lively streets of New Orleans. The aromatic trio of onion, green bell pepper, and celery—known as the holy trinity in Creole cuisine—forms the foundation of this and other Creole dishes.

Serve it over cooked white rice for a complete meal. Stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, shrimp Creole will stay fresh for about 4 days. Over time, the flavors meld, making it an ideal dish to prepare ahead at the start of the week and enjoy as a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.

5. Classic Caponata

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Classic Caponata is a traditional Sicilian dish celebrated for its sweet and sour flavors. This iconic eggplant-based stew features a medley of ingredients such as bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, celery, and capers, all simmered in olive oil. Enhanced with a touch of vinegar and sugar, it achieves a perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness.

Often enriched with pine nuts and raisins, Caponata offers a complex depth of flavors and textures. Served cold or at room temperature, it is a versatile dish enjoyed as a side, topping for bruschetta, or a standalone appetizer.

6. Roasted Red Pepper Soup

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Roasted Red Pepper Soup is a velvety and comforting dish, celebrated for its rich flavor and vibrant color. Made from roasted red peppers blended to smooth perfection, it offers a subtly sweet taste with a hint of smokiness. 

Served hot and garnished with a dollop of cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, it serves as a versatile starter or light meal. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a refreshing summer option, this soup promises a delightful culinary experience.

7. Spicy Glazed Chicken & Peppers

A stir-fry is a staple for hectic weeknights: it’s quick, simple, and incredibly versatile. This spicy glazed chicken and peppers dish follows suit. It’s ready in just 30 minutes and serves as a fantastic choice for a speedy and straightforward chicken dinner.

For those who love heat, set aside your traditional chicken stir-fry; this recipe delivers intense spice in a comforting manner. While Szechuan peppercorns are recommended for their strong flavor and heat, you can substitute black peppercorns if needed.

8. Chicken Enchiladas

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Chicken enchiladas are a classic Mexican dish known for their savory flavors and comforting appeal. Tender shredded chicken is typically rolled in corn tortillas, then smothered in a rich enchilada sauce and baked to perfection.

Bell peppers are often diced and mixed into the chicken filling for extra texture and sweetness, or included in the sauce to enhance its vibrant color and rich flavor. Finished with melted cheese, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream, this dish is cherished at family dinners and gatherings alike.

9. Ratatouille

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Ratatouille is a traditional French Provencal vegetable stew, celebrated for its rustic simplicity and robust flavors. It features a medley of seasonal vegetables such as tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, onions, and bell peppers, all simmered gently until tender yet retaining their distinct textures.

The dish is seasoned with aromatic herbs like thyme, basil, and oregano, enhancing its earthy profile. Ratatouille is often enjoyed as a side dish, served hot or cold, and its versatile nature allows it to be paired with crusty bread, pasta, or as an accompaniment to grilled meats or fish, showcasing the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

10. Beef with Red and Yellow Bell Peppers

This flavorful dish comes together swiftly once the meat has marinated in a blend of garlic, soy sauce, and sherry. The beef is stir-fried until tender, then mixed with vibrant strips of red and yellow bell peppers, adding both taste and a visually striking contrast.

When served over steamed rice, it creates a fulfilling meal that is quick to prepare yet packed with bold flavors and varied textures, making it a favored option in numerous Asian cuisines.

11. Red Bell Pepper and Kale Stir-Fry

This stir-fry combines the sweetness of red bell peppers with the earthy bitterness of kale, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Red bell peppers add a crisp, juicy crunch while kale offers a hearty and nutrient-rich base.

Enhanced with garlic and perhaps a hint of chili for a touch of heat, this dish showcases the simplicity and freshness of its ingredients. Ideal for a quick and nutritious meal, it can be enjoyed on its own or paired with grains like quinoa or brown rice, making it a versatile choice for both lunch and dinner menus.

12. Shakshuka

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A beloved Middle Eastern and North African dish, Shakshuka is known for its strong and spicy tomato sauce base, usually seasoned with spices like cumin, paprika, and occasionally harissa. Eggs are poached directly in this flavorful sauce, resulting in a hearty meal.

The dish often includes ingredients such as bell peppers, onions, and garlic, which enhance its rich and intricate flavor profile. Shakshuka is traditionally served in a cast-iron skillet or a similar cooking vessel, making it both visually striking and ideal for communal dining, best enjoyed with fresh bread or pita for dipping.

13. Muhammara

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Have you come across muhammara? It's a spicy dip made from red bell peppers, walnuts, pomegranate molasses, and breadcrumbs. Originating from Aleppo, it is also popular in Turkey, particularly in southeastern regions influenced by Syrian culinary traditions.

It is known as acuka in Turkey and is typically served as part of the mezze platter, an appetizer course. Muhammara is enjoyed as a dip with bread, a spread for toast, and a sauce accompanying kebabs, grilled meats, and fish. It may also be garnished with mint leaves or parsley.

14. Summer Chicken and Pepper Stew

This light stew highlights sweet peppers and fresh herbs, employing a classic cooking technique that enhances flavor while gently cooking the chicken for a satisfying summer meal. Tender chicken pieces are simmered with a mix of vibrant bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions, resulting in a colorful and nutritious dish.

Fresh herbs such as basil and oregano add aromatic depth, while a hint of lemon juice or zest provides a refreshing touch. Serve with polenta and crusty bread to soak up the garlicky sauce. The stew can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

15. Soba Noodle Salad

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This quick and easy soba noodle salad, mixed with red cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, is dressed in a smooth tahini ginger sauce. The noodles cook quickly, and using pre-shredded cabbage and carrots can further streamline preparation.

Ideal for a vegan lunch or dinner, the recipe is flexible—you can adjust the quantity of noodles and vegetables to your liking. It's also a practical way to incorporate other veggies and leftovers from your kitchen.

Tahini gives the dressing its creamy texture and sesame taste, while minced garlic and fresh ginger add a pleasant aroma.

16. Bell Pepper Pizza

Bell pepper pizza is a colorful and flavorful twist on the classic pizza, featuring the vibrant hues and crisp texture of bell peppers. The combination of sweet red, yellow, and green bell peppers adds a crunch and a burst of freshness to every bite.

Often paired with a tangy tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella cheese, the bell peppers complement other toppings like onions, olives, and pepperoni, enhancing the overall taste.

This pizza is not only visually appealing but also rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthier choice. It's perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

17. Steak, Potato, Bell Pepper Kabobs

These grilled steak, potato, and bell pepper kabobs offer a flavorful and enjoyable cooking experience. An 8-hour marinade works wonders on the steak, infusing it with rich flavors, and a finishing brush of homemade buttery herb oil enhances the taste.

The kabobs are a feast for the eyes with orange and red bell peppers, red cherry tomatoes, yellow petite potatoes, and purple onions. Fresh green rosemary and basil in the herb oil add aromatic notes.

For even cooking, place potatoes on the ends of the skewers, as vegetables on the outer edges tend to cook more. Perfect for a vibrant, delicious meal.

18. Szechuan Pork Stir Fry

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This Szechuan pork stir-fry is a flavor-packed dish ideal for any weeknight dinner. Tender pork loin pairs perfectly with crisp vegetables and a bold, spicy sauce, making it a staple in your meal lineup. What sets it apart is the unique citrusy and tingly heat of Szechuan pepper.

If unavailable, a pinch of black pepper with a hint of lemon zest can provide a similar zing. Red and green bell peppers add vibrant color and satisfying crunch, though any color of bell pepper works just as well. Customize with your preferred ingredients for a quick and delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes.