Mushroom & Lentil Baked Stuffed Peppers
Hearty roasted bell peppers filled with a savory lentil and mushroom mixture, seasoned with rosemary and garlic. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian, gluten-free) ready in about 55 minutes pairs large bell peppers, extra-virgin olive oil, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 285 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.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced yellow onion
- 1.5 cups diced cremini mushrooms
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1.5 cups cooked brown lentils
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice 1 inch off the top of each bell pepper and remove seeds and membranes; brush insides lightly with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent, then add mushrooms and cook for 7 minutes until golden brown and moisture evaporates.
- Step 3: Stir in minced garlic, cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then add cooked lentils, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes, 3 tbsp chopped parsley, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3 minutes until flavors meld.
- Step 4: Divide lentil mixture evenly among prepared peppers, pressing down gently to fill. Top each with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Step 5: Place peppers in a baking dish, pour 1/4 cup water into the dish, and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for 10 minutes more until peppers are tender and cheese is golden.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mushroom & Lentil Baked Stuffed Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Mushroom & Lentil Baked 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 Mushroom & Lentil Baked 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 Mushroom & Lentil Baked 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 Mushroom & Lentil Baked Stuffed Peppers vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 35-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.