Sweet Potato Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
Roasted sweet potato and black beans make these stuffed peppers hearty and colorful. A small layer of cheddar melts over the smoky filling.
Serves: 4 | Estimated total time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1 large sweet potato (about 12 ounces), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup chunky salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar (4 ounces)
- 1/4 cup water
How to make it
- Heat oven to 425°F. Toss sweet potato with 2 teaspoons oil, cumin, paprika and 1/4 teaspoon salt on a sheet pan. Roast 20–25 minutes until tender.
- Meanwhile, rub pepper halves with remaining oil. Arrange cut side up in a baking dish with 1/4 cup water in the bottom. Cover with foil and bake beside the potatoes for 15 minutes.
- Mix roasted sweet potato with beans, cooked rice, salsa and remaining salt. Carefully drain water from pepper dish and divide filling among halves.
- Top with cheddar, return uncovered to oven for 12–15 minutes until peppers are tender and filling is steaming hot.
Helpful tips
Use cooked rice that has been promptly refrigerated if using leftovers; heat the filling to 165°F. Eight pepper halves make four generous servings.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate perishable leftovers in shallow covered containers within 2 hours, or within 1 hour above 90°F. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below and use within 3–4 days. For dishes served hot, reheat leftovers to 165°F throughout. Keep bread and crisp toppings separate until serving. See USDA leftover storage guidance.
Common question
Can I skip the cheese? Yes, the filling works without it; add a spoonful of salsa after baking.
Keep your seasonings organized
Recipes like this put cumin and smoked paprika into regular rotation. Give your jars a dedicated spot with the Spiceo four-piece wall-mounted spice rack set. Mounting hardware is included; jars and spices are not included.
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Recipe image is AI-generated for illustration. Results vary with ingredients and equipment; this recipe has not been kitchen-tested.