Stuffed Peppers, Southwest Style

Prep Time: 20, Cook Time: 30-40, Ready-in: 60 minutes

Ingredients
1 cup long-grain white rice
1 Tbsp olive oil
6 green onions, thinly sliced, white and green parts separated
1 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup black beans, optional
1 4.5 ounce can chopped green chilies 
1/4 cup canned diced tomatoes or salsa  (optional to omit green chilies and double the quantity of salsa)
1 tsp cumin  
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne red pepper
4 ounces (1 cup) grated Monterey Jack cheese, divided
kosher salt and black pepper
4 large bell peppers, halved lengthwise, ribs and seeds removed

Directions 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
Prepare the rice according to the package. 

Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high, heat the olive oil. Stir in the rice, corn, green chilies, diced tomatoes, and 1/2 cup of cheese. Add the green onion whites, cumin, paprika, and cayenne red pepper.

Add 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish, then arrange bell peppers, cut side up in the dish. Fill the peppers with the filling. Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the bell peppers are tender. Uncover and add the remaining cheese. Bake for 5-8 more minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and turning golden brown.  

Garnish with green onions and drizzle with salsa (if desired), and serve. 

Comments:
Adapted from Sunny Side Up.
Peppers were still fresh after 50 minutes in 350. Next time try 400 degrees. 
Definitely think a meat version would be better, but this was still very good.