Rating: 3.84
(125)

Beef and Chickpea Stuffed Bell Peppers

August 9, 2023

Beef and Chickpea Stuffed Bell Peppers are a hearty, wholesome twist on a classic comfort food. Packed with protein and flavor, this dish combines seasoned ground beef, tender chickpeas, rice, and spices inside sweet roasted bell peppers. It’s a satisfying and colorful meal that works well for dinner or meal prep.

The filling starts with ground beef sautéed with onions, garlic, and a warm blend of spices like cumin, paprika, and coriander. Chickpeas are added for extra texture and nutritional value, along with cooked rice to bind everything together. A bit of tomato paste or crushed tomatoes helps bring it all together with a touch of tang and moisture. Once the mixture is cooked and well-seasoned, it’s spooned into halved or hollowed-out bell peppers.

Roasting the stuffed peppers until they’re soft and slightly charred enhances their natural sweetness and brings out even more depth in the dish. A sprinkle of cheese on top is optional but adds a melty, golden finish if desired. For a dairy-free version, a drizzle of tahini or a spoonful of plant-based yogurt works beautifully too.

These peppers are great for serving a crowd or for making ahead and reheating during the week. You can also switch things up by using quinoa instead of rice, or lentils instead of beef for a vegetarian take.

Serve these stuffed bell peppers with a side salad or some crusty bread for a well-rounded meal. The combination of savory meat, creamy chickpeas, and sweet roasted pepper creates a balanced and flavorful dish that’s easy to love. It’s a simple way to get a lot of nutrients into one meal while still feeling comforting and familiar.

Beef and Chickpea Stuffed Bell Peppers
Beef and Chickpea Stuffed Bell Peppers
3.84 from 125 votes
Delicious and healthy stuffed bell peppers filled with beef and chickpeas.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Bell peppers any color
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 can chickpeas drained and rinsed
  • onion small, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup quinoa cooked
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  • Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the chickpeas, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
  • Stir in the cooked quinoa and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Place the bell peppers in a baking dish and fill each one with the beef and chickpea mixture. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 375kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 27gFat: 15gFiber: 8g
Calories: 375kcal
Keyword: Stuffed Bell Peppers, stuffed peppers
Cooking Method: Grilled
Time: >45 Min
Level: Medium
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar burt.ward64 says:

    1 star
    Too many steps, I don’t have time for this. Just goes to show cooking is for the fancy people.

    1. 4 stars
      Cooking doesn’t have to be fancy! Try simplifying or just enjoy the process. You might find it fun!

  2. User avatar dee.crooks38 says:

    4 stars
    I had no idea chickpeas could go in peppers! What a creative twist. Loved it!

  3. User avatar shakira.greenfelder99 says:

    2 stars
    Honestly, it was just okay. A bit bland for my taste. Needed more spices.

  4. 5 stars
    So delish! I added some hot sauce for a kick, and it was perfect. Highly recommend it!

  5. 4 stars
    Yummy! But I forgot to add cheese, oh well! Still tasty.

  6. 4 stars
    I was a little skeptical about using chickpeas in this recipe, but it actually worked out well. Surprised me.

    1. User avatar basementDweller says:

      5 stars
      I thought chickpeas would ruin it too, but they actually made it hearty! Totally love this combo.

    2. 3 stars
      Seriously? Chickpeas in beef? Sounds weird, but I guess if it worked for you… maybe I’ll try it. 🤔

  7. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    4 stars
    Can you use turkey instead of beef? I don’t eat beef.

  8. User avatar lavette.ratke says:

    5 stars
    These stuffed peppers are AMAZING! So tasty and filling, my family loved them! Definitely making again!

  9. User avatar maurice.mohr19 says:

    2 stars
    Isn’t quinoa that bird food? I prefer rice myself.

  10. 3 stars
    I tried this and it turned out which was cool, but honestly, not as great as I thought it would be. Needed more flavor.

  11. 5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! The flavors blend so well together, and my family loved it. Definitely making it again!

  12. 3 stars
    I messed up the steps a little—pretty sure I forgot to cook the onion long enough. Still edible, but I think the next time I’ll be more patient with the sauté.

  13. User avatar ArabianNights says:

    5 stars
    Made these tonight and they came out really flavorful. The quinoa + chickpeas makes the filling hearty without feeling heavy. I topped with extra cheddar and it was perfect.

    1. User avatar Genghis Khan says:

      5 stars
      Yes!! I love that combo too—quinoa + chickpeas is such a good way to make it filling without getting heavy. Extra cheddar is always the correct answer 😄

  14. User avatar lashawn.hoeger says:

    2 stars
    Didn’t work out for me, my peppers were still crunchy after cooking. I am not a good cook tho. 😅

  15. User avatar newton.rolfson says:

    5 stars
    One of the best meals I’ve ever made. Easy and delicious!

  16. User avatar eldridge.rodriguez1997 says:

    1 star
    Gotta say, not a big fan of chickpeas. Took a risk and it didn’t pay off for me. 1 star.

  17. User avatar mercedes.brekke20 says:

    4 stars
    Simple and easy to make for busy weeknights! I love that it’s healthy with the quinoa and chickpeas.

  18. User avatar providencia.predovic95 says:

    2 stars
    This is not how you make stuffed peppers! Where’s the rice? 😒

    1. User avatar jacinda.greenfelder98 says:

      5 stars
      But you don’t need rice for this recipe! Quinoa is a great alternative. 👍

  19. User avatar cornell.stokes15 says:

    4 stars
    Easy to prep! I had my kids help with the stuffing part, made it a fun activity. 😊

  20. 4 stars
    Took me a bit longer than expected but worth it! Will definitely make it again. 👍

    1. User avatar shellie.shields says:

      3 stars
      It took you longer? I thought it was quick to make, but maybe I’m just fast! 😂

    2. User avatar joe_banana says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I love stuffed peppers, they’re so versatile! 🌶️

3.84 from 125 votes
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