Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers Extravaganza

Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers Extravaganza

Bring the warmth and bold flavors of the Mediterranean to your kitchen with this stunning dish! Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers Extravaganza is a vibrant, wholesome, and satisfying meal that combines tender bell peppers with a savory filling of ground lamb (or plant-based alternative), quinoa or couscous, fresh herbs, and creamy feta. Bursting with sun-kissed ingredients like olives, lemon zest, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish offers the perfect balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats — all wrapped in a beautiful, edible vessel.

Ideal for family dinners, healthy meal prep, or a Mediterranean-themed dinner night!

Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: ~1 hour

Ingredients

For the Peppers:

4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), halved and seeds removed

Olive oil (for brushing)

For the Filling:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small red onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb (450g) ground lamb or ground chicken (or chickpeas for vegetarian)

1 cup cooked quinoa or couscous

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped

1/3 cup chopped spinach or kale

1/4 cup chopped Kalamata olives

2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Zest of 1 lemon

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp dried oregano

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (plus more for topping)

2 tbsp fresh parsley or mint, chopped

Instructions

Prep the Bell Peppers:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Arrange halved peppers in a baking dish, cut side up.

Brush lightly with olive oil and pre-bake for 10 minutes to soften.

Cook the Filling:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Sauté onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Add ground lamb/chicken (or chickpeas) and cook until browned.

Stir in quinoa or couscous, cherry tomatoes, spinach, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, lemon zest, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Cook for another 5 minutes until well combined. Remove from heat.

Stir in crumbled feta and chopped parsley or mint.

Stuff the Peppers:

Fill each pre-baked pepper half with the filling mixture.

Top with a bit of extra feta for a savory finish.

Bake:

Return stuffed peppers to the oven.

Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the top is slightly golden.

Serve:

Garnish with fresh herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice.

Serve warm with a side of Greek salad, tzatziki, or warm pita.

Tips & Variations

Expert Tips

Pre-roast your peppers: Softening the peppers first ensures they cook evenly and absorb flavor.

Balance the salt: Olives and feta add salt, so taste your filling before adding extra.

Double the batch: These freeze well and make an excellent next-day lunch.

Finish with lemon: A fresh squeeze of lemon before serving brightens the entire dish.

Delicious Variations

Vegan: Swap out lamb and feta for lentils and vegan feta.

Low-carb: Skip the grains and add finely chopped cauliflower or mushrooms instead.

Nutty twist: Sprinkle pine nuts or crushed almonds over the filling for crunch.

Spicy edge: Add harissa, chili flakes, or diced jalapeños for heat.

Add tahini drizzle: Mix tahini, lemon, garlic, and water for a creamy Mediterranean sauce.

Q&A – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! Stuff the peppers and refrigerate them up to 24 hours ahead. Bake when ready to serve.

Q: Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
A: Definitely. Wrap each pepper tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Q: What can I use instead of lamb?
A: Ground chicken, turkey, or a plant-based ground meat works well. For vegetarian versions, try lentils or chickpeas.

Q: What goes well with these stuffed peppers?
A: Serve with tzatziki, a fresh Greek salad, lemon orzo, or toasted pita bread.

Q: Can I use different grains?
A: Yes! Quinoa, couscous, bulgur, or even cooked farro all work beautifully.

Nutrition Info (per pepper half – estimate)

Note: Values may vary based on ingredients used.

Conclusion

The Mediterranean Stuffed Bell Peppers Extravaganza is more than just a recipe — it’s a feast of color, nutrition, and flavor. Whether you’re living the Mediterranean lifestyle or simply craving a fresh, nourishing dish, these stuffed peppers offer everything: protein-packed, veggie-forward, customizable, and irresistibly delicious. Serve them up with a drizzle of olive oil, a glass of chilled white wine, and bask in the satisfaction of a beautifully balanced meal.