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Meal Prep Unstuffed Pepper Bowls

Colorful bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice, savory spices, and your choice of protein, ready in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Vegetables
  • 2-3 pieces Bell Peppers Choose vibrant red, yellow, or green.
  • 1 unit Onion, diced Yellow or red works well.
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced Because everything is better with garlic!
Grains
  • 1 cup Quinoa or Brown Rice Quinoa cooks quicker and is gluten-free.
Proteins
  • 1 lb Ground Turkey Or substitute with 1 can of black beans.
Canned Goods
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes Provides moisture and acidity.
Spices and Seasonings
  • 1 tsp Cumin Warm, inviting flavor.
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder Add cayenne for heat if desired.
Other
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil For sautéing veggies.
  • 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast (optional) Adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse quinoa or rice. Chop the bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
Cooking the Base
  1. In a medium pot, cook quinoa or brown rice according to package instructions.
  2. While the grains cook, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Stir in your choice of ground turkey or black beans and cook until browned (if using turkey); if using beans, just heat them through.
  2. Add the diced tomatoes, spices, and cooked grains to the skillet. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Filling the Peppers
  1. Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the mixture into the halved bell peppers, packing them generously.
  2. For a baked version, place stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until the peppers are tender.
Serving
  1. Disperse bowls with the filling, garnishing with cilantro, avocado slices, or a sprinkle of cheese if desired!

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months, thaw before reheating.