Mediterranean Hidden Veggie Stuffed Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Colorful bell peppers filled with a hidden blend of lentils, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes for a vibrant, protein-rich meal. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 65 minutes pairs large bell peppers, brown lentils, sun-dried tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.8 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Cook lentils in 1 cup water for 20 minutes until tender. Drain and return to pot.
  3. Step 3: Finely chop 1/2 cup red onion and 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, then sauté in 1 tsp olive oil for 3 minutes until onions are translucent.
  4. Step 4: Stir sautéed mixture into lentils, add 1 tbsp lemon juice, and mix in 2 tbsp chopped parsley until combined.
  5. Step 5: Stuff each pepper with 3/4 cup lentil mixture, pressing gently to fill.
  6. Step 6: Place peppers in a baking dish, pour 1/2 cup chicken broth around them, and cover with foil.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for 10 more minutes until peppers are tender and edges are slightly charred.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mediterranean Hidden Veggie Stuffed Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mediterranean Hidden Veggie Stuffed Peppers?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep large bell peppers from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Hidden Veggie Stuffed Peppers?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mediterranean Hidden Veggie Stuffed Peppers for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Mediterranean Hidden Veggie Stuffed Peppers vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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