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Cheesy Cowboy Caviar Stuffed Bell Peppers

cheesy cowboy caviar stuffed bell peppers - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring bell peppers stuffed with a vibrant cowboy caviar mix and topped with melty sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (canned is fine)
  • 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen and thawed
  • 1 medium tomato, diced (Roma tomatoes recommended)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: diced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the tops off each bell pepper and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside the tops or chop them for the filling if desired.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine black beans, corn, diced tomato, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño.
  4. Stir in olive oil, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Spoon the cowboy caviar mixture evenly into each hollowed bell pepper, leaving a little room for the cheese.
  6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper.
  7. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish. Add about 1/4 inch of water to the bottom of the dish to keep peppers moist during baking.
  8. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and the peppers are tender but still hold their shape.
  10. Let the peppers cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If peppers aren’t softening enough, steam them for 5 minutes before stuffing. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and browning. Keep lime juice fresh and add just before baking to preserve brightness. You can also cook peppers in an air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning the cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, cowboy caviar, cheesy stuffed peppers, quick dinner, fresh veggies, vegetarian, easy recipe