When it comes to adding flavor and crunch to your meals, few vegetables can rival the humble green pepper. Whether you like them sweet and mild or hot and spicy, there’s a world of possibilities when it comes to cooking with green peppers. In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious and varied recipes that showcase the versatility of this tasty vegetable.
From classic stuffed peppers to innovative stir-fries and salads, our collection of recipes is sure to inspire you to get creative in the kitchen. So why not start your culinary journey today by discovering a new favorite way to enjoy green peppers?
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Stuffed Green Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice
Savor the flavors of this classic American dish, where tender green peppers are filled to the brim with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 4 large green peppers
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add chopped onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in cooked rice and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
6. Stuff each pepper with the ground beef mixture and cover with aluminum foil.
7. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Green Pepper and Onion Stir-Fry
This recipe is a flavorful and nutritious stir-fry that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick lunch. The combination of green peppers, onions, and savory seasonings will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 2 large green peppers, sliced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the green peppers and onion; cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
4. Stir in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Grilled Green Pepper Skewers with Chicken
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with these flavorful and colorful skewers, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 4 large green bell peppers, sliced into 1-inch strips
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 10 wooden skewers
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, and oregano. Add chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Thread chicken, green pepper strips, and any remaining marinade onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Green Pepper and Tomato Salad
This vibrant salad combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the crunch of green peppers, all tied together with a zesty dressing. Perfect for a light and refreshing lunch or as a side dish for your next BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 2 large green peppers, sliced into rings
– 3 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced green peppers and diced tomatoes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar and olive oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Green Pepper and Mushroom Frittata
A flavorful and nutritious breakfast or brunch option that combines the sweetness of green peppers with the earthiness of mushrooms, all wrapped up in a crispy egg blanket.
Ingredients:
– 6 eggs
– 1 large green pepper, diced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the green pepper and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the mushrooms and onion to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Crack in the eggs and stir gently to combine with the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9-inch (23cm) pie plate or cast-iron skillet.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the frittata is set and golden brown on top.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Green Pepper and Sausage Pasta
A classic combination of flavors and textures, this recipe is a quick and easy weeknight dinner solution.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 large green peppers, sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese, optional
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
3. Add sliced peppers, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring sauce to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine cooked pasta and sausage-pepper sauce. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency.
6. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Green Pepper and Potato Hash
This hearty hash combines the natural sweetness of potatoes with the crunchy freshness of green peppers, perfect for a satisfying breakfast or brunch option.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large green pepper, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss potatoes with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the green pepper to the skillet and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until potatoes are golden brown and tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using garlic, add it to the skillet during the last minute of cooking.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Green Pepper and Cheese Stuffed Quesadillas
A flavorful twist on classic quesadillas, this recipe fills crispy tortillas with a savory blend of green peppers, melted cheese, and spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tortillas
– 2 green bell peppers, diced
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together diced green peppers, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the pepper-cheese mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is crispy and the cheese is melted, flipping halfway through.
6. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Green Pepper and Corn Chowder
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of sweet corn, crunchy green peppers, and tender potatoes, all wrapped up in a creamy broth. A comforting and flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
– 2 medium green peppers, diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the diced green peppers and cook until tender.
3. Add the corn kernels, potatoes, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
4. Stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Green Pepper and Shrimp Stir-Fry
This quick and flavorful stir-fry is a perfect combination of crunchy green peppers and succulent shrimp, cooked to perfection with aromatic garlic and ginger. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 medium green peppers, sliced into thin strips
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they turn pink and are almost cooked through.
3. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Add the green pepper strips to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, until they start to soften.
6. Return the shrimp to the skillet and stir in soy sauce. Cook for an additional minute, until the shrimp are fully cooked.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Green Pepper and Egg Breakfast Scramble
This flavorful breakfast scramble combines sautéed green peppers with scrambled eggs, perfect for a morning pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1 large green pepper, sliced
– 1 tablespoon butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for an extra burst of flavor)
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk until well-beaten.
2. Heat the butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced green peppers and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until tender.
3. Pour the egg mixture over the green peppers. Scramble the eggs until cooked through, about 3-4 minutes more.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top and cook until melted.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Green Pepper and Lentil Curry
This flavorful and nutritious curry is a perfect blend of spices, lentils, and green peppers. Serve with steamed rice or naan bread for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 medium green peppers, sliced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt, to taste
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add garlic, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add lentils, green peppers, and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until lentils are tender.
5. Season with salt to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Green Pepper and Chickpea Stew
This hearty stew is a flavorful and nutritious blend of green peppers, chickpeas, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying meal any time.
Ingredients:
– 2 large green peppers, sliced
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the sliced green peppers and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the chickpeas and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
7. Reduce heat to low and let stew cook for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Green Pepper and Tofu Stir-Fry
This recipe is a flavorful and healthy vegetarian option that combines the crunch of green peppers with the tenderness of tofu. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 2 green peppers, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the tofu and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add the green peppers and garlic to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the peppers are tender-crisp.
4. Return the tofu to the pan and stir in soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Green Pepper and Beef Kebabs
A flavorful and colorful twist on traditional kebabs, this recipe combines the sweetness of green peppers with the savory taste of beef. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 large green bell peppers, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 1 onion, sliced into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite seasonings (e.g., paprika, chili powder)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread beef, green peppers, onion, and garlic onto skewers.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and desired seasonings.
4. Grill for 8-10 minutes per side, or until beef reaches desired level of doneness.
5. Serve hot with your favorite sides or condiments.
Cooking Time: 16-20 minutes
Green Pepper and Zucchini Noodles
This recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with the sweetness of green peppers and zucchinis complemented by garlic and herbs. It’s an easy and healthy option for a quick lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium green peppers, sliced
– 1 medium zucchini, spiralized into noodles
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss the sliced green peppers with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
4. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly softened.
5. Combine the roasted green peppers with the zucchini noodles and season with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley (if using).
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Green Pepper and Avocado Salsa
A vibrant and creamy salsa perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or veggies. This recipe combines the crunch of green peppers with the richness of avocados.
Ingredients:
- 2 large green peppers, seeded and chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine chopped green peppers, diced avocado, red onion, jalapeño pepper, and lime juice.
2. Stir in minced garlic until well combined.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (includes chilling time)
Green Pepper and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
This recipe combines the flavors of roasted green peppers with nutty quinoa and savory ground beef, all wrapped up in a vibrant and nutritious package. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the peppers in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until charred and tender.
3. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
4. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking into small pieces as it cooks.
5. Add chopped onion, garlic, cumin, and paprika to the skillet and cook until onion is translucent.
6. Stuff each roasted pepper with a portion of the quinoa mixture, followed by a spoonful of the beef mixture.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Discover the versatility of green peppers with these 18 flavorful recipes, perfect for any occasion. From hearty stuffed peppers to quick and easy stir-fries, these dishes showcase the pepper’s sweet and slightly crunchy flavor. Try your hand at Stuffed Green Peppers with Ground Beef and Rice, or add a pop of color to your meal with Grilled Green Pepper Skewers with Chicken. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food or something light and fresh, there’s a recipe on this list that’s sure to please.
