Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers.

1. Step 1

   To start your delicious stuffed bell peppers, grab a small saucepan and combine water and rice.

2. Step 2

   Bring this mixture to a lively boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, which should take about 15 minutes.

3. Step 3

   While that’s cooking, preheat your oven to a cozy 400°F (205°C).

4. Step 4

   Next, take your vibrant bell peppers and carefully cut off their tops, making sure to remove the seeds inside.

5. Step 5

   Stand the peppers upright in a large baking dish, and don’t toss those tops just yet—chop up the usable parts for later.

6. Step 6

   Now, let’s move to a large skillet.

7. Step 7

   Heat some olive oil over medium heat, and add the chopped bell pepper tops along with diced onion.

8. Step 8

   Sauté these until they become soft and fragrant, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.

9. Step 9

   Once they’re ready, stir in the textured vegetable protein and fresh chopped parsley, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

10. Step 10

    When the time is up, mix in your cooked rice and 1 1/4 cups of the tomato sauce.

11. Step 11

    Season this hearty mixture with salt and pepper to your liking, making sure it’s just right for your taste buds.

12. Step 12

    Now comes the fun part—spoon the flavorful filling into each bell pepper, and don’t forget to drizzle the remaining tomato sauce on top for an extra burst of flavor.

13. Step 13

    Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it into the preheated oven.

14. Step 14

    Let it bake for about 45 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften and soak up all those delicious flavors.

15. Step 15

    When the time is up, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella cheese on top of each pepper.

16. Step 16

    Return them to the oven for about 5 more minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.

17. Step 17

    And there you have it—your stuffed bell peppers are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm and watch as everyone digs in, savoring every bite of this comforting dish.