Bell peppers are one of the most versatile vegetables in your kitchen. They add color, crunch, and flavor to countless dishes.
From stuffed peppers to fajitas, these bright veggies can transform simple meals into exciting dishes that everyone will enjoy.
Adding bell peppers to your weekly menu brings nutrients and variety without much effort. You can roast them, stuff them, chop them for salads, or blend them into spreads.
With so many cooking methods available, bell peppers work well in cuisines from around the world, including Mexican, Mediterranean, and Indian dishes. They’re perfect for both quick weeknight meals and impressive weekend creations.
1. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Black Beans
Stuffed bell peppers with quinoa and black beans make a colorful, nutritious meal that’s both filling and flavorful. This vegetarian dish packs plenty of protein and fiber into one attractive package.
You can prepare these peppers with simple pantry ingredients. The combination of quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, and seasonings like cumin creates a delicious Mexican-inspired filling.
These stuffed peppers work well as a make-ahead meal. You can even prepare them in a slow cooker for minimal effort.
Top with a bit of cheese before serving for extra richness, or keep them dairy-free for a vegan option.
2. Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
This light, slightly spicy soup blends roasted red peppers with tomatoes for a delicious flavor combination. The peppers give the soup a smoky quality that’s more prominent than the tomato taste.
You only need about 5 ingredients to make this easy soup. The basic recipe includes red peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and basil.
You can prepare this soup in just 30 minutes. It’s both vegan and vegetarian friendly, making it perfect for many dietary needs.
This creamy soup works great as a side with sandwiches and salads. You can also freeze leftover portions for quick meals later.
3. Sausage and Bell Pepper Skewers
Sausage and bell pepper skewers are a delicious and easy meal option for your next cookout. The combination of savory sausage with sweet bell peppers creates a perfect flavor balance.
You can use any type of sausage you prefer, though chicken garlic sausage works especially well. Cut the sausage into 1-inch pieces for easy skewering.
Choose a mix of red and yellow bell peppers for a colorful presentation. Some recipes also include other vegetables like red onions and mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
These skewers need minimal seasoning since the sausage already contains plenty of flavor. Italian herbs complement the ingredients nicely.
4. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers
Stir-frying bell peppers with other vegetables creates a quick and flavorful dish. You can combine them with mushrooms, onions, and cabbage for a versatile meal.
Start by heating oil in a pan and adding chopped garlic for flavor. Slice your bell peppers and other vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
A simple sauce of soy sauce with a dash of salt and pepper works perfectly. For extra flavor, try adding a maple-soy combination that creates a sticky, delicious coating.
This dish comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve your stir-fry over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
5. Classic Pepper Steak
Pepper steak is a tasty dish where tender strips of beef are stir-fried with colorful bell peppers in a savory sauce. This family favorite is quick to make, usually taking only about 20 minutes from start to finish.
The key to great pepper steak is cutting the beef into thin strips and cooking it quickly over high heat. This keeps the meat juicy while giving it a nice sear.
You can serve pepper steak over white rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Some recipes include onions and garlic for extra flavor, making this dish both simple and satisfying.
6. Bell Pepper and Goat Cheese Tart
A roasted red pepper and goat cheese tart makes a beautiful and tasty dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. The colorful peppers and creamy cheese create a perfect flavor combination.
This tart works great as an appetizer for gatherings or as a light meal with a side salad. You can use store-bought puff pastry to save time while still creating an impressive result.
Even people who typically don’t enjoy bell peppers often love this tart. The roasting process brings out the peppers’ natural sweetness, which pairs wonderfully with the tangy goat cheese.
Try adding a drizzle of honey on top for an extra touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements.
7. Grilled Bell Peppers with Balsamic Glaze
Grilled bell peppers with balsamic glaze offer a simple yet flavorful side dish you can make in minutes. The natural sweetness of bell peppers intensifies when grilled, creating a perfect match for tangy balsamic.
To prepare, slice peppers into quarters and remove seeds. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before placing on a hot grill. Cook until tender with light char marks, about 5-7 minutes per side.
Once grilled, drizzle peppers with balsamic glaze or aged balsamic vinegar. For extra flavor, add fresh thyme leaves before serving. This versatile dish pairs well with grilled meats or can be added to sandwiches and salads.
8. Bell Pepper and Avocado Salad
Bell Pepper and Avocado Salad is a perfect dish for summer gatherings, taco nights, or when you want something fresh and healthy. This colorful salad combines crunchy bell peppers with creamy avocados for a delightful texture contrast.
You can make this salad quickly with just a few ingredients. Start with bell peppers – red, green, or a mix of colors work well – and slice them thinly. Add chunks of ripe avocado for creaminess.
Some recipes include cucumber for extra crunch and freshness. This salad is not only fulfilling but also a great way to incorporate nutritious vegetables into your diet.
9. Creamy Bell Pepper Pasta
Creamy bell pepper pasta combines tender noodles with a rich, velvety sauce made from blended roasted peppers. This dish offers a perfect balance of sweet pepper flavor and creamy texture.
You can make this pasta with red, yellow, or orange bell peppers, each bringing a slightly different sweetness to the dish. For a vegan version, use cashews to create the creamy base instead of dairy.
Adding blistered tomatoes gives this pasta extra freshness and a pop of color. Some recipes include protein like chicken or sausage to make it more filling.
This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something impressive but easy.
10. Cajun Chicken with Pepper Rice
Cajun Chicken with Pepper Rice brings bold southern flavors to your dinner table. This one-pan meal combines juicy chicken with colorful bell peppers and rice seasoned with spicy Cajun spices.
You can make this dish in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. The recipe typically uses boneless chicken thighs for extra flavor, but chicken breasts work well too.
Bell peppers add sweetness and crunch to balance the spicy Cajun seasoning. Some recipes include andouille sausage for an authentic Louisiana taste.
This meal cooks everything together, allowing the rice to absorb all the delicious flavors as it simmers.
11. Bell Pepper and Chickpea Curry
Bell pepper and chickpea curry makes a delicious, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This flavorful dish combines colorful bell peppers with hearty chickpeas in a creamy, spiced sauce.
You can make this curry quickly using canned chickpeas and jarred curry sauce, or create it from scratch with curry powder, coconut milk, and diced tomatoes. For extra flavor, try adding roasted red peppers to your sauce.
This versatile recipe works well with different bell pepper colors – red, yellow, and green all add their unique flavors. Serve your curry over jasmine rice for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
12. Sheet-Pan Sausage, Peppers, and Onions
This easy one-pan dish combines savory sausage with colorful bell peppers and onions for a simple weeknight meal. Preheat your oven to 400°F before getting started.
Arrange sliced bell peppers, onions, and sausage on a sheet pan. You can add baby potatoes for a heartier meal. Drizzle everything with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano.
Some recipes include a splash of red wine vinegar for extra flavor. The high heat of the oven caramelizes the vegetables while cooking the sausage to perfection.
This versatile dish requires minimal prep work and cleanup, making it perfect for busy evenings when you need a satisfying meal.
13. Bell Pepper and Mushroom Pizza
Bell pepper and mushroom pizza combines earthy mushrooms with sweet bell peppers for a delicious homemade meal. This classic topping combination offers both nutrition and flavor.
Start with your favorite pizza dough and sauce. Slice fresh bell peppers and mushrooms thinly for even cooking.
For extra flavor, try roasting your bell peppers first or using portobello mushrooms for a meatier texture. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper.
You can also add other complementary ingredients like olives, onions, or pickled jalapeños for more complexity. A drizzle of olive oil before baking enhances the flavors.
14. Spicy Thai Bell Pepper Slaw
This colorful slaw combines crisp bell peppers, shredded cabbage, and carrots for a refreshing dish with a Thai-inspired kick. The vibrant peppers add sweetness and crunch to balance the spicy elements.
For the dressing, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, a touch of honey, and as much Thai chili as you can handle. Add minced garlic and ginger for depth of flavor.
Top your slaw with crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, and scallions. This versatile dish works as a side for grilled meats or as a topping for tacos and burgers.
You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili according to your preference.
15. Bell Pepper Chutney
Bell Pepper Chutney is a flavorful South Indian side dish made with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and spices. This versatile condiment pairs perfectly with idli, dosa, or even as a sandwich spread.
You can use any color of bell pepper, though red ones add a vibrant hue and sweet flavor. Most recipes include ingredients like cumin seeds, lentils (especially Bengal gram dal), garlic, and chilies for depth of flavor.
For a smoky variation, try roasting the bell peppers, garlic, and tomatoes before blending. This creates a richer taste profile that works wonderfully with pasta dishes too.
Some recipes also incorporate peanuts and jaggery to balance the flavors with nutty and sweet notes.
16. Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers
Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers combine colorful peppers with savory fillings for a meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. These peppers typically contain a delicious mixture of ground meat, rice, and Mexican-inspired seasonings.
You can choose between ground beef or turkey as your protein base. Many recipes include black beans and corn for authentic Mexican flavor, along with rice to make the dish more filling.
Top your stuffed peppers with melted cheese for a finishing touch. They make a complete meal that’s perfect for dinner, with each pepper serving as its own edible bowl.
For the best results, look for large, firm bell peppers that can stand upright when cut and hollowed out.
17. Bell Pepper and Feta Frittata
Bell Pepper and Feta Frittata makes a quick, versatile meal that works for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. You need just a few simple ingredients to create this satisfying dish.
Start with 8 large eggs and ¼ cup of heavy cream or milk as your base.
Add roasted bell peppers for sweetness and 8 ounces of feta cheese for tangy flavor.
You can customize your frittata with other ingredients like green onions, leeks, or even black beans and sweet potatoes for a more substantial version.
Cook everything in an oven-safe skillet on the stovetop first, then finish in the oven until the eggs are set but still tender.
18. Pepper Jack Cheese-Stuffed Peppers
Pepper Jack cheese adds a spicy kick to stuffed bell peppers. This easy recipe makes a delicious dinner option that your whole family will enjoy.
Start by cutting bell peppers in half and removing the seeds. You can use any color peppers you prefer.
Fill the peppers with a mixture of cooked ground meat, rice, and diced vegetables. Top generously with shredded Pepper Jack cheese for that perfect spicy flavor.
Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. These stuffed peppers are flavorful, satisfying, and ready in just about 30 minutes.
19. Shrimp and Bell Pepper Fajitas
Shrimp fajitas are a quick and delicious dinner option you can prepare in about 20 minutes. The combination of juicy shrimp with colorful bell peppers and onions creates a flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and simple.
You can make this dish in a skillet for a quick stovetop version or try a sheet pan method for even easier cleanup.
Either way, the key is to get a nice char on your bell peppers while keeping the shrimp tender and perfectly cooked.
For weeknight convenience, prepare your bell peppers and onions ahead of time. When ready to eat, just cook everything with a homemade or store-bought fajita seasoning blend.
Serve with warm tortillas for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
20. Bell Pepper and Basil Risotto
Bell Pepper and Basil Risotto combines sweet bell peppers with fragrant basil for a colorful dinner option. This creamy rice dish feels comforting without being too heavy.
To make this risotto, cook diced bell peppers until soft. Red peppers work wonderfully, adding natural sweetness and bright color to your dish.
The cooking process allows you to easily peel the peppers if you prefer a smoother texture. Add fresh basil leaves near the end of cooking for the best flavor.
Finish your risotto with a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese for a creamy texture that complements the sweet peppers and aromatic basil perfectly.
21. Peanut Chicken & Bell Pepper Stir Fry
This flavorful dish combines juicy chicken with crisp bell peppers in a sweet and spicy peanut sauce. It’s a quick one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights.
You’ll need boneless skinless chicken breasts, bell peppers, garlic, and a simple peanut sauce. The sauce blends sweet, salty, and spicy flavors that coat every bite.
For extra heat, add some cayenne pepper or include jalapeños like some recipes suggest. Green onions make a great addition for freshness and color.
Serve this stir fry over rice for a traditional approach, or keep it low-carb by using cauliflower rice instead. It’s ready in minutes but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Nutritional Benefits of Bell Peppers
Bell peppers pack an impressive nutritional punch while being low in calories. These colorful vegetables offer substantial health benefits through their rich vitamin content and powerful plant compounds.
Vitamins and Minerals
Bell peppers are an exceptional source of vitamin C, with one medium pepper containing more than a day’s recommended amount. A single bell pepper provides more vitamin C than an orange.
Bell peppers also deliver significant amounts of vitamin B6, which supports brain development and function. They contain folate (vitamin B9), essential for cell growth and particularly important during pregnancy.
These vegetables provide vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene, promoting eye health and immune function. The red varieties contain more vitamin A than green ones.
For mineral content, bell peppers offer potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance. They also contain small amounts of iron, magnesium, and manganese that support various bodily functions.
Antioxidant Properties
Bell peppers contain powerful antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage. These compounds neutralize harmful free radicals that contribute to chronic diseases and aging.
The vibrant colors of bell peppers come from carotenoids and flavonoids, plant compounds with strong antioxidant effects. Red peppers contain lycopene and beta-carotene, similar to tomatoes.
Yellow and orange peppers provide different antioxidant profiles, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which support eye health. These compounds may help prevent age-related macular degeneration.
Bell peppers also contain quercetin, a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory properties. This antioxidant may help reduce inflammation and has been linked to improved heart health.
The antioxidant content increases as peppers ripen, making red peppers the most nutritious choice among the varieties.
Cooking Techniques for Bell Peppers
Bell peppers are versatile vegetables that taste amazing when prepared properly. The cooking method you choose can highlight different flavor aspects and textures of bell peppers.
Roasting
Roasting bell peppers brings out their natural sweetness while adding a smoky depth. You can roast peppers in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes on a baking sheet. Turn them occasionally until the skin blisters and blackens in spots.
For a quicker method, place peppers directly on a gas burner or grill, turning with tongs until all sides are charred. After roasting, place the hot peppers in a bowl covered with plastic wrap or in a paper bag. This steams them, making the skins easier to remove.
Once cooled, gently peel away the charred skin, remove the seeds, and slice as needed. Roasted peppers keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week when stored in olive oil.
Use roasted peppers in sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, or as a flavorful addition to dips.
Stuffing
Stuffing bell peppers creates a complete meal in an edible container. Start by cutting peppers in half lengthwise or removing the tops. Then, clear out the seeds and membranes.
For properly stuffed peppers, par-cook them before adding filling. You can blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes or microwave for 2-3 minutes to soften slightly without losing their shape.
Popular fillings include:
- Rice and ground meat mixtures
- Quinoa and vegetable combinations
- Cheese and herb blends
After filling, bake peppers at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. To prevent over-browning, cover with foil for the first 15 minutes.
For a quicker weeknight option, use pre-cooked fillings to reduce overall cooking time.
