Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

• 3 bell peppers, halved lengthwise, seeds and cores removed
• 1 tablespoon canola or olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup cauliflower rice (thawed if frozen)
• 1 15 oz can low sodium black beans, drained and rinsed well
• 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (see recipe below)
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro, plus additional for topping
• 1 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375° F.
2. In a large pot, bring two quarts of water to a boil. When it begins to boil, add halved bell peppers and cook for 3 minutes until slightly softened. Remove peppers, drain and blot dry with paper towels.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add oil. Once oil is shimmering, add onion and sauté for 3 minutes.  Add cauliflower rice and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
4. Add black beans, tomatoes, taco seasoning and cilantro to the cauliflower rice. Mix well and continue to cook for 3 more minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the cheese.
6. Put the peppers in a casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray. Fill peppers with black bean filling and bake for 20 minutes. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

Variations & Tips

• Use any combination of red, orange, yellow, or green peppers.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 6 months.
• To make your own taco seasoning: combine 4 teaspoons chili powder, 4 teaspoons cumin, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon dried oregano, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Store in an airtight container.

Nutrition Facts

YIELD: 6 servings (½ stuffed pepper per serving)

Calories: 194 per serving, Carbohydrates: 22g, Fiber: 7.7g, Sugar: 6.5g (0g added sugar), Protein: 10g, Fat: 8.1g, Saturated fat: 3.5g, Cholesterol: 18mg, Sodium: 253mg

* Nutrition facts will change as variations and substitutions are included. Above nutrition facts are based on including low sodium canned black beans and homemade taco seasoning.

SOURCE: adapted from Noplatelikehome.com

Watch the cooking demo video below for extra tips and guidance!