Bell peppers are a versatile and colorful ingredient that can add flavor and nutrition to many dishes. From stuffed peppers to soups and stir-fries, these crisp veggies offer endless cooking possibilities.

You can use them raw, roasted, grilled, or sautéed in a wide range of recipes.

These 16 bell pepper recipes will give you new ideas for using this tasty vegetable in your meals. Whether you prefer sweet red peppers or tangy green ones, you’ll find options here to suit your taste.

Try incorporating bell peppers into appetizers, main dishes, and even pickles to enjoy their bright taste and crunchy texture.

1. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a classic comfort food. You can fill them with a tasty mix of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce.

Cut the peppers in half and remove the seeds. Cook the filling in a skillet, then spoon it into the pepper halves.

Bake the stuffed peppers in a 450°F oven until they’re tender and the filling is hot. Top with melted cheese for extra flavor.

For a healthier version, try using ground turkey and quinoa instead of beef and rice. You can also add veggies like mushrooms or zucchini to boost nutrition.

2. Bell Pepper Stir Fry

Bell pepper stir fry is a quick and tasty dish you can make in minutes. Start by heating oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Slice your bell peppers and add them to the hot pan.

Stir the peppers often to prevent sticking. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp.

Add garlic, onions, and spices like paprika or turmeric for extra flavor.

For a heartier meal, toss in some sliced beef or chicken. Cook the meat first, then add the peppers.

Serve your stir fry over rice for a complete and colorful dinner.

3. Bell Pepper Soup

Bell pepper soup is a tasty way to use up extra peppers. You can make it with red, green, or yellow peppers.

Start by cooking onions and garlic in butter or oil. Add chopped peppers and cook until soft.

Pour in broth and add potatoes for a heartier soup. Simmer everything until the potatoes are tender.

For extra flavor, try adding herbs like thyme or oregano. You can also include ground beef for a stuffed pepper soup variation.

Blend the soup if you prefer a smoother texture. Serve hot with crusty bread for a comforting meal.

4. Bell Pepper Salsa

Bell pepper salsa is a colorful and tasty twist on traditional tomato-based salsa. You can make it with a mix of red, green, yellow, and orange bell peppers for a vibrant appearance.

To prepare, dice the peppers and mix them with chopped tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Add fresh lime juice, orange juice, and a pinch of salt for flavor.

For extra kick, include a minced jalapeno pepper. You can also add sweet corn or garlic to enhance the taste.

This versatile salsa pairs well with chips, grilled meats, or as a flavorful addition to sandwiches. It’s a great way to use up extra bell peppers and create a fresh, homemade condiment.

5. Bell Pepper Fajitas

Bell pepper fajitas are a tasty and colorful dish you can easily make at home. Start by slicing bell peppers and onions into thin strips.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions first and cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

Next, add the bell pepper strips to the pan. Cook everything together for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should become tender but still have a slight crunch.

For added flavor, you can mix in some spices like garlic powder, chili powder, and paprika.

Serve your bell pepper fajitas with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

6. Bell Pepper Pizza

Bell pepper pizza is a tasty low-carb alternative to traditional pizza. You can make it by slicing bell peppers in half and using them as the “crust.”

Top the peppers with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings. Parmesan cheese adds extra flavor.

Bake the bell pepper pizzas until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This dish is easy to customize for each person’s preferences.

Bell pepper pizza is quick to make, taking about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a great option for a fun family dinner or a simple lunch.

7. Bell Pepper Salad

Bell pepper salad is a refreshing dish that’s easy to make. You can use a mix of red, yellow, and orange peppers for a colorful presentation.

Slice the peppers thinly and combine them in a bowl. Add some thinly sliced onion and chopped fresh dill for extra flavor.

For the dressing, mix olive oil, vinegar, garlic salt, and pepper. Pour it over the vegetables and toss well.

This salad is crunchy, tangy, and perfect for warm days. You can add other ingredients like tomatoes or olives to make it your own.

8. Roasted Bell Peppers

Roasted bell peppers are a tasty and versatile dish. You can easily make them at home with just a few simple steps.

Start by cutting your peppers into quarters and removing the seeds. Place them on a baking sheet and roast in a hot oven until the skin blisters.

Once done, let the peppers cool before peeling off the skin. You can season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and herbs like oregano.

Roasted peppers are great in salads, sandwiches, or as a side dish. They add a sweet, smoky flavor to many recipes.

9. Bell Pepper Omelette

Bell pepper omelettes are a tasty way to start your day. They’re packed with protein and vitamins from the eggs and peppers.

To make one, sauté diced bell peppers in a non-stick pan until softened.

Pour beaten eggs over the peppers and cook until set.

You can add cheese for extra flavor and protein. Ham or other meats are optional additions too.

This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings. It’s also versatile – use any color of bell pepper you like.

Bell pepper omelettes are filling and nutritious. They’ll keep you satisfied until lunchtime.

10. Bell Pepper Pasta

Bell pepper pasta is a colorful and tasty dish you can make easily at home. To prepare it, cook your favorite pasta according to package directions.

While the pasta cooks, sauté diced bell peppers, onions, and garlic in olive oil until soft. You can use red, yellow, or orange peppers for a vibrant mix.

Toss the cooked pasta with the sautéed vegetables. Add some olive oil, herbs like oregano or basil, and salt to taste.

For extra flavor, try adding olives, Italian sausage, or roasted red peppers from a jar. You can also make a creamy sauce using heavy cream or tomato sauce.

11. Grilled Bell Peppers

Grilled bell peppers are a tasty and easy side dish. Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F.

Cut the peppers into quarters and remove the seeds. Brush them with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Place the peppers directly on the grill grates. Cook for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway through. The peppers should have nice grill marks and be slightly softened.

For extra flavor, you can toss the grilled peppers in a simple dressing. Mix olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Add dried oregano for a Mediterranean twist.

Grilled bell peppers are great on their own or as part of other dishes. Try them in salads, sandwiches, or as a topping for grilled meats.

12. Bell Pepper Quiche

Bell pepper quiche is a tasty dish that combines eggs, cheese, and colorful peppers. You can make it with red, yellow, or green bell peppers for variety.

To start, sauté the peppers until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. This brings out their natural sweetness.

Mix the cooked peppers with eggs, cream, and your choice of cheese.

Pour the mixture into a pre-baked pie crust. Bake the quiche at 375°F until it’s set and golden on top. You can add other veggies like spinach or onions for extra flavor.

Bell pepper quiche works well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s a versatile recipe that you can easily customize to your liking.

13. Bell Pepper Hummus

Bell pepper hummus is a tasty twist on traditional hummus. It adds a sweet and smoky flavor to the classic chickpea dip.

To make it, you’ll need roasted red peppers, chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and spices.

Roast the peppers first by broiling them until charred.

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Add water if needed to reach your desired consistency.

For extra flavor, try adding cumin or smoked paprika. You can also use a mix of red, yellow, and orange peppers for variety.

Serve your bell pepper hummus with pita chips, veggie sticks, or as a sandwich spread. It’s a versatile and healthy snack option.

14. Bell Pepper Ratatouille

Bell pepper ratatouille brings a colorful twist to the classic French dish. You’ll love this tasty vegetable medley featuring bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes.

To make it, chop the veggies and sauté them with garlic and herbs. Simmer everything together until the flavors meld. The result is a savory, slightly sweet side dish.

For a fun variation, try stuffing the ratatouille into halved bell peppers. Roast them in the oven until the peppers are tender. This makes for an eye-catching presentation that’s sure to impress your dinner guests.

Serve your bell pepper ratatouille hot as a side dish or cold as a sandwich filling. It’s a versatile recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

15. Bell Pepper Curry

Bell pepper curry is a tasty dish that combines colorful peppers with aromatic spices. To make it, start by heating oil in a pan and frying onions until golden.

Add ginger and garlic paste, then stir in chopped tomatoes.

Next, add turmeric, cumin, coriander, and salt. Cook this mixture until the tomatoes soften. Then toss in sliced bell peppers and potatoes if desired. Pour in some water and let it simmer.

The curry is done when the peppers are tender and the flavors have melded. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.

Serve this vibrant curry with rice or flatbread for a satisfying meal.

16. Pickled Bell Peppers

Pickled bell peppers are a tasty way to preserve your peppers. They’re easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients.

To start, slice your bell peppers into thin strips. Mix vinegar, water, salt, and sugar in a pan and bring it to a boil.

Pour the hot brine over the peppers in a jar until they’re covered. You can add garlic or spices for extra flavor.

Seal the jar and refrigerate. Your pickled peppers will be ready to eat in a few hours. They’re great on sandwiches or as a snack.

Nutritional Benefits Of Bell Peppers

Bell peppers pack a powerful nutritional punch. These colorful veggies offer many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can boost your health in several ways.

Vitamins And Minerals

Bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C. Just one medium red bell pepper gives you 169% of your daily vitamin C needs. This helps keep your immune system strong and your skin healthy.

Bell peppers also provide:

• Vitamin A for good eyesight
• Vitamin B6 for energy
• Potassium for heart health
• Folate for cell growth

Red peppers have more vitamins than green ones. They contain beta-carotene, which turns into vitamin A in your body.

Bell peppers are low in calories but high in fiber. One cup has only 31 calories and 2.5 grams of fiber. This helps you feel full and keeps your digestion on track.

Antioxidant Properties

Bell peppers are rich in antioxidants that fight harmful molecules in your body. These compounds may help reduce your risk of certain diseases.

Key antioxidants in bell peppers include:

• Vitamin C
• Beta-carotene
• Quercetin
• Luteolin

The bright colors of bell peppers show their antioxidant content. Red peppers have the most, followed by orange, yellow, and green.

Eating bell peppers often may help:

• Lower inflammation
• Protect your cells from damage
• Support healthy aging

Try adding raw bell peppers to salads or cooking them in stir-fries to get these benefits.

Cooking Techniques For Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are versatile veggies that can be prepared in many ways. Two popular methods are roasting and grilling for a smoky flavor, or stuffing and baking for a hearty meal.

Roasting And Grilling

Roasting and grilling bell peppers brings out their natural sweetness.

To roast, cut peppers in half and remove seeds. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes until skin blisters.

For grilling, brush whole peppers with oil. Place them on a hot grill. Turn every few minutes until all sides are charred. This takes about 10-15 minutes.

After roasting or grilling, put peppers in a plastic bag to steam. This makes peeling easier. Once cool, remove the skin and slice as needed.

Roasted or grilled peppers are great in salads, sandwiches, or as a side dish.

Stuffing And Baking

Stuffed peppers make a filling meal. Cut off the tops and remove seeds.

Mix cooked rice, ground meat, and spices for the filling. Spoon the mixture into the peppers.

Place them in a baking dish. Add a little water to the dish to prevent burning.

Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. Top with cheese in the last 5 minutes if you like.

Try different fillings like quinoa, beans, or vegetables. You can also use various sauces or broths for extra flavor.

Stuffed peppers are a complete meal on their own. Serve with a side salad for a balanced dinner.