Looking for a budget-friendly, protein-packed, and healthy dinner that’s also easy to make? These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice & Beans are nutritious, delicious, and super affordable—perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner!
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Made with simple pantry staples, these stuffed peppers are vegetarian, high in fiber, and totally customizable. Plus, they cost less than $1.50 per serving!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Budget-Friendly – Uses cheap pantry staples like rice & beans.
✔ High in Protein & Fiber – Keeps you full & satisfied.
✔ Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with vitamins & plant-based protein.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Easy to make ahead & reheat.
✔ Super Customizable – Add meat, cheese, or different seasonings!
🛒 What You’ll Need
These simple, affordable ingredients make a filling, nutritious meal.
Main Ingredients:
✅ 4 large bell peppers (any color)
✅ 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown) 🛒 How to cook perfect rice
✅ 1 can (15 oz) black beans (or kidney beans), drained & rinsed
✅ 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
✅ ½ cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
✅ ½ onion, finely chopped
✅ 2 cloves garlic, minced
✅ 1 tsp chili powder
✅ ½ tsp cumin
✅ ½ tsp salt
✅ ½ tsp black pepper
✅ ½ cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
💡 Want extra flavor? Add 1 tbsp salsa or taco seasoning for a Tex-Mex twist!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Bell Peppers
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
3️⃣ Lightly brush the insides with oil and place them in a baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
4️⃣ In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp oil over medium heat.
5️⃣ Sauté onion & garlic for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
6️⃣ Add black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, rice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
7️⃣ Stir and simmer for 5 minutes, until flavors blend.
Step 3: Stuff & Bake
8️⃣ Spoon the filling mixture into each bell pepper.
9️⃣ Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
🔟 Remove foil, sprinkle with cheese (if using), and bake for 10 more minutes until melted.
🔥 Want crispy edges? Broil for 2 minutes at the end!
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
🔟 Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
🔟 Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado.
💡 Pro Tip: Serve with a side of guacamole or tortilla chips for extra flavor!
💰 Cost Breakdown (Estimated per Serving)
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bell peppers (4) | $2.50 |
| Rice (1 cup) | $0.75 |
| Black beans (1 can) | $1.00 |
| Diced tomatoes | $1.00 |
| Corn (½ cup) | $0.50 |
| Onion, garlic & spices | $0.50 |
| Total Cost: | $4.75 (~$1.20 per serving!) |
💡 Want to save more?
✔ Use dried beans instead of canned (cheaper in bulk).
✔ Swap bell peppers for zucchini boats or cabbage rolls.
✔ Buy rice & beans in bulk for long-term savings!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These stuffed peppers are great on their own, but you can pair them with:
🥗 Simple Side Salad – Best budget-friendly dressings
🥑 Homemade Guacamole – Easy 3-ingredient guac recipe
🌮 Corn Tortillas or Salsa – How to make homemade tortillas
❓ Common Questions
Can I Add Meat?
Yes! Add ½ lb ground turkey, chicken, or beef for extra protein.
Can I Make This Vegan?
Absolutely! Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
👉 Best vegan cheese substitutes
How Do I Store & Reheat Leftovers?
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze stuffed peppers individually for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 2 minutes.
👉 How to store & reheat stuffed peppers
🔗 Related Budget-Friendly Recipes
If you love cheap & easy meals, check out:
➡ One-Pot Spicy Cajun Chicken & Rice – Fast, Cheap & Delicious!
➡ Caramelized Onion & Mushroom Pasta – A Fancy Meal for $3
➡ The 50 Grocery Challenge – Can You Eat for a Week on This Budget?
🔗 Want more meal-planning hacks?
Check out Meal Prep 101: How to Save Time & Money on Family Dinners.
🌟 Final Thoughts: Healthy, Cheap & Satisfying!
These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Rice & Beans prove that eating healthy on a budget is totally doable! They’re nutritious, filling, and easy to customize, making them perfect for families, meal prep, or anyone looking for a cheap, homemade meal.
🔥 Tried this recipe? Drop a comment below & let us know your favorite add-ins!
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