Smoky Corn and Wild Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers
Vibrant bell peppers filled with a hearty mixture of wild rice, sweet corn, and smoky spices, baked until tender for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 75 minutes pairs large bell peppers, uncooked wild rice, corn kernels for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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
- 1 cup, uncooked wild rice
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup, finely diced red onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut the top off each bell pepper, remove seeds and membranes, and set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup uncooked wild rice, 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth, and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup diced red onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp tomato paste and 1 tsp smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until paste darkens slightly.
- Step 5: Add 1 cup corn kernels and cook for 2 minutes until heated through. Mix in cooked wild rice, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 6: Stuff each bell pepper with rice mixture, pressing gently to pack. Place in baking dish, top with 1/4 cup crumbled feta, and bake for 25 minutes until peppers are tender and filling is heated through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Corn and Wild Rice Stuffed Bell Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 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 Smoky Corn and Wild Rice Stuffed Bell 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 Smoky Corn and Wild Rice Stuffed Bell 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 Smoky Corn and Wild Rice Stuffed Bell 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 Smoky Corn and Wild Rice Stuffed Bell 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.