Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa
Hearty bell peppers filled with a savory mix of fluffy quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices, all baked under a blanket of melted cheese. A wholesome and colorful vegetarian meal that's both satisfying and beautiful on the plate.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 55 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Peppers and Cook Quinoa (20 minutes)
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- c.Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise through the stem. Remove the seeds and white membranes.
- d.In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Create the Savory Filling (10 minutes)
- b.While the quinoa cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- e.Add the black beans, corn, chili powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- f.Stir in the cooked quinoa, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Stuff and Bake the Peppers (25 minutes)
- b.Arrange the bell pepper halves, cut-side up, in the prepared baking dish.
- c.Generously stuff each pepper half with the quinoa mixture, mounding it on top.
- d.Pour 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish. This creates steam to help soften the peppers.
- e.Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- f.Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the peppers, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the peppers are tender-crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Let the peppers cool for a few minutes before serving.
- c.Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve warm, optionally with a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For softer peppers, blanch the halves in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before stuffing and baking.
- 2Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers are sweeter and often preferred for stuffing, but green peppers work well too.
- 3The quinoa filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a quick assembly.
- 4To ensure even cooking, select bell peppers that are similar in size and shape.
- 5For a bit of crunch, add 1/4 cup of toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) to the filling.
- 6Leftovers are delicious and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
For a non-vegetarian version, add 1/2 pound of cooked ground turkey, chicken, or lean beef to the filling mixture.
Vegan DelightVegan Delight
Omit the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese alternative to make this dish completely vegan.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Add one finely chopped jalapeño along with the onion, or mix 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper into the spices for extra heat.
Grain SwapGrain Swap
Feel free to substitute the quinoa with an equal amount of cooked brown rice, farro, or couscous.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
The combination of quinoa, black beans, and vegetables provides a substantial amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes a feeling of fullness, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Complete Plant-Based Protein
Quinoa is a rare plant-based source of complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids. Paired with black beans, this dish is excellent for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Packed with Vitamins and Antioxidants
Bell peppers are an outstanding source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A. These powerful antioxidants help protect your cells from damage, boost your immune system, and support eye health.
Supports Heart Health
This meal is rich in heart-healthy components like fiber, which can help lower cholesterol. It is also low in saturated fat and can be made with reduced-sodium ingredients to support cardiovascular wellness.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving, which consists of two stuffed pepper halves, contains approximately 480-550 calories, depending on the size of the peppers and the amount of cheese used.