Healthy Stuffed Peppers with Cilantro Avocado Sauce Recipe (2024)

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Published: February 28, 2017Updated: September 23, 2018Author: Jenn Laughlin

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These Healthy Stuffed Peppers with Cilantro Avocado Sauce prove that vegetarian eats can be tasty and filling!

Healthy Stuffed Peppers with Cilantro Avocado Sauce Recipe (1)

This weekend I’m picking up seeds to start our garden and I’m SO EXCITED! Each year we grow 2-3 varieties of peppers to feed my stuffed pepper addiction. Last year I ran out way earlier than expected so I fully intend on going overboard this year. Buckets of bell peppers, here I come!

Expect lots of pepper-spiked recipes this Spring/Summer. And today, duh.

Today we’re diving into a totally tastySouthwestern spin on my beloved Baked Bell Pepper Tacos. Just don’t tell my husband. I miiiight have eaten all 6 while he was out flying all weekend.Sorry babe!

Each overstuffed pepper is gluten-free and gloriously vegetarian! For extra protein you can add more beans to the mix (woot!), crumbled taco-seasoned tofu (umm… YUM!) or even break out the t-rex options if you’re a carnivore. Anything goes! I threw together a list of subs and swaps below the recipe so feel free to check that out for ideas.

Healthy Stuffed Peppers with Cilantro Avocado Sauce Recipe (2)

Healthy Stuffed Peppers with Cilantro Avocado Sauce

As written, this recipe makes 6 stuffed pepper boats and serves 2-3 adults. Feed a crowd by doubling the recipe or squirrel a few away for lunch the next day if you’re cooking for one. The sauce recipe makes a hah-uge serving (hooray leftovers!) and is great on everything from tortilla chips tocruidite to chicken!

Pair it with a veggie-packed side salad or a bowl of tortilla soup!

Healthy Stuffed Peppers with Cilantro Avocado Sauce Recipe (3)

Healthy Stuffed Peppers with Cilantro Avocado Sauce

These Healthy Stuffed Peppers with Cilantro Avocado Sauce prove that vegetarian eats can be tasty and filling!

5 from 2 votes

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Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: Vegetarian

Keyword: Healthy Stuffed Peppers

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 pepper boats

Author: Jenn Laughlin - Peas and Crayons

Ingredients

  • 3 large bell peppers
  • cup diced bell pepper (I cut up the bits that I sliced off the tops of the peppers when removing the stem or jalapeño pepper for a kick!)
  • 2 cups yellow rice (cooked via package instructions)
  • cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • cup onion
  • cup chopped tomato
  • 2-4 oz grated pepper jack cheese
  • season to taste
  • Add any extra veggies/cheese/beans/protein as desired - go crazy!

Tasty Toppings(choose your favorites)

  • shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
  • sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • fresh cilantro
  • sliced jalapeños
  • fresh or leftover grilled/roasted/sautéed veggies
  • fresh chopped avocado
  • guacamole
  • pico de gallo
  • salsa verde
  • salsa

Creamy Cilantro Avocado Sauce

  • 1 avocado
  • 2 TBSP cream cheese
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain greek yogurt
  • ½ bunch of cilantro stems removed
  • 2 jalapeno peppers seeds/veins/stem removed
  • 2 large cloves of garlic
  • pinch of salt + pepper

Instructions

  • Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.

  • Cook rice via preferred method until fluffy.

  • Slice each bell pepper in half. Hollow out each pepper, removing stem and seeds.

  • Lay peppers on a baking sheet and cook for 8-10 minutes until al-tente or for 15-20 minutes for softer peppers.

  • While the peppers bake, sauté yourpepper, corn, and onion until tender. Set aside.

  • Once rice is fluffy and finished, combine with sautéed veggies and half of your grated cheese. Season to taste with anything from salt and pepper to your favorite blend of taco seasonings.

  • Top with remaining cheese and bake for an additional 10 minutes, then pile mile-high with all your favorite toppings! Anything goes!

Notes

Nutrition Facts below are estimated for peppers with avocado sauce using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed based on extras/swaps and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 222kcal, Carbohydrates: 26g, Protein: 8g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 98mg, Potassium: 430mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 2408IU, Vitamin C: 98mg, Calcium: 115mg, Iron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe?I want to see! Tag @peasandcrayons on Instagram and Facebook!

special diets and swaps

There are a million and one ways to make these healthy stuffed peppers! Here are some swaps if you need them!

  • vegansaurus chefs:Snag your favorite plant based cheeze for the peppers or leave it out, tossing the veggies and rice in your favorite salsa before stuffing into the peppers. For the sauce, you can snag vegan sour cream and cream cheese (both super delicious!) or revamp it entirely with extra avocado and amped up herbs/spices to taste. Have fun with it!
  • t-rex chefs: You can 110% add your favorite protein to the mix if desired. Shredded salsa chicken would be amazing here and you could even use pulled pork or rotisserie chicken. These would be a great way to revamp leftovers and turn them into something tasty!
  • No rice? No problem! Try it with quinoa or cauliflower rice.

Healthy Stuffed Peppers with Cilantro Avocado Sauce Recipe (4)

Healthy Stuffed Peppers with Cilantro Avocado Sauce Recipe (5)

Healthy Stuffed Peppers with Cilantro Avocado Sauce Recipe (6)

If you get a chance to try this Healthy Stuffed Peppers with Cilantro Avocado Sauce, let me know! You can leave me a comment here (LOVE checking those daily!) or tag @PEASandCRAYONS on Instagram so I can happy dance over your creations. I can’t wait to see what you whip up!

ready for a stuffed pepper palooza?!

  • Baked Bell Pepper Tacost-rex vegetarian + vegan versions available
  • Cheesy Buffalo Chicken and Veggie Stuffed Peppers
  • Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Peppersvegetarian + GF
  • Healthy Hummus Stuffed Peppers
  • Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Stuffed Peppers
  • 6 Ways to Stuff a Pepper

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Healthy Stuffed Peppers with Cilantro Avocado Sauce Recipe (7)

About The Author:

Jenn Laughlin

Hi! I’m Jenn and I’m here to help you eat your veggies! It'll be fun, painless, and pretty darn delicious as I teach you to plan your meals around fresh, seasonal produce with a little help from healthy freezer and pantry staples.

Learn More

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Healthy Stuffed Peppers with Cilantro Avocado Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is the best pepper to stuff? ›

Stuffed Peppers Recipe Ingredients

Red bell peppers – Red bell peppers will always be my #1 pick. If you want to try a different color, use yellow or orange peppers, as they're sweeter than their green counterparts. Black beans – Use canned, or cook your own.

Why are stuffed peppers good for you? ›

Along with taste, the insoluble fiber found in peppers and spinach is beneficial for keeping your digestive tract healthy, while the brown rice can help control blood cholesterol levels. Another bonus: Spinach is high in calcium – a half cup provides 122 milligrams of calcium!

How do you're cook stuffed peppers? ›

Oven reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 60-75 minutes or until heated through. For a crispy topping, remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking and top with cheese.

What is the number 1 pepper in the world? ›

The world's hottest pepper is the Pepper X, grown by Ed Currie of the PuckerButt Pepper Company in South Carolina. The Pepper X dethroned the Caroline Reaper (also created by Currie) in October 2023 and now holds the Guinness World Record title.

What is the healthiest pepper to buy? ›

You've seen bell peppers -- green, orange, yellow, and red -- in the grocery store or in a salad bar. Red peppers pack the most nutrition, because they've been on the vine longest.

Which color bell pepper is the healthiest? ›

Red bell peppers are the most nutrient-dense, which makes them the healthiest pepper. This is because they've been on the vine for longer when compared to orange, yellow and green peppers, and in that order too.

Do you have to boil peppers before stuffing them? ›

I definitely suggest par-cooking the bell peppers first, just a little bit before stuffing them. Not only does this help to soften the bell peppers, but it also cuts down on your cook time. As the bell peppers are cooking you can make the filling, shaving off about 20 minutes from your total cook time.

What seasonings are good on peppers? ›

Try adding basil, chives, cilantro, coriander, cumin, curry, garlic, marjoram, or rosemary to you bell peppers when cooking for more amazing flavor combinations. Top them with cheese. Sautéed bell peppers are amazing with a little added cheese and can really elevate their flavor and presentation.

Is it OK to eat peppers everyday? ›

It's OK to eat bell peppers every day, but some people may need to limit their intake to one per day. Consuming too many bell peppers may cause gas and bloating in some, due to their high fiber content. It's also a good idea to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet.

What happens to your body when you eat peppers? ›

This phytonutrient can have many health benefits, including reducing pain, protecting your cells against damage, and decreasing inflammation. Eating hot peppers may also help relieve your stuffy nose. Too much heat, however, can result in unpleasant side effects like abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

How long can you eat stuffed peppers? ›

TO STORE: Refrigerate stuffed peppers in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days. TO REHEAT: Rewarm leftovers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F. TO FREEZE: Freeze peppers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Why are my stuffed peppers soggy? ›

Roasting lightly oiled peppers at a high heat gives the outside a chance to release some moisture so they can brown a bit, and placing the cut peppers face-side down allows that moisture to drain out rather than making them sit in their own liquid and get mushy.

How do you keep stuffed peppers from falling apart? ›

Choose ground beef with the highest percentage of fat, as more fat equals more flavor. Watch the clock. Avoid baking the stuffed peppers for too long. This causes them to fall apart and become soggy.

What pepper has the best flavor? ›

In talking with many pepper enthusiasts, we've found the Habanero to be universally considered to be one of the best tasting peppers. It's flesh holds up to and absorbs smoking well.

What is the best pepper to snack on? ›

The best snacking peppers are crunchy and have just a few seeds or no seeds at all.
  • Pepper Just Sweet F1. Deliciously sweet fruit with thick walls on plants that grow up to 36 inches tall and 15 inches wide.
  • Pepper Sweetie Pie F1. ...
  • Pepper Pretty N Sweet F1.
Mar 25, 2021

What is the best pepper for a grinder? ›

Black Peppercorns.

Each peppercorn has its own place in your spice grinder, as you can see! Try them all, and you will soon begin to enjoy the versatility and taste that freshly ground peppercorns add to your meals.

Which bell pepper has the best flavor? ›

Red bell peppers are the sweetest of the bell pepper varieties while green peppers will taste more bitter because they are in their less mature and unripe forms. For this reason, slicing and snacking on raw bell peppers may be more palatable if you choose a red bell pepper, or even a yellow or orange color variety.

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