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- 4 large bell peppers - 1 cup quinoa - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 can black beans - 1 cup corn - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1 tsp cumin - 1 tsp paprika - 1/2 tsp chili powder - Salt and pepper - Cheese for topping The main ingredients make this dish hearty and filling. Start with vibrant bell peppers. They add color and crunch. Quinoa serves as a great base. It packs protein and fiber. Using vegetable broth adds flavor to the quinoa, too. Next, we have the additional ingredients. Black beans bring a nice texture and more protein. Corn adds sweetness and a pop of color. Diced tomatoes keep everything moist and tasty. Now, let's talk about spices. Cumin gives a warm, earthy flavor. Paprika adds a mild sweetness and rich color. Chili powder brings a little heat, but you can adjust it to your taste. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Finally, cheese on top makes everything more delicious. You can use cheddar or a dairy-free option if you prefer. This recipe is easy and fun. Follow the [Full Recipe] to create your own savory quinoa stuffed bell peppers! - Cut tops off and remove seeds. - Place in a baking dish. Start with the bell peppers. Choose four large ones, any color is fine. Cut the tops off and scoop out the seeds. This helps your filling fit inside nicely. Stand them in a baking dish, ready to be stuffed. - Combine quinoa and vegetable broth. - Simmer until fluffy. Next, you need to cook the quinoa. Rinse one cup of quinoa in cold water. This removes any bitterness. Then, mix it with two cups of vegetable broth in a pot. Bring it to a boil, then cover and let it simmer for about fifteen minutes. When it's fluffy, it’s ready. - Combine cooked quinoa with all filling ingredients. - Spoon mixture into bell peppers. In a large bowl, mix the fluffy quinoa with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients blend well. Then, take a spoon and fill each bell pepper with the mixture. Pack it in nicely, so you have enough for each pepper. - Cover with foil and bake. - Remove foil for browning cheese. Now, it’s time to bake. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for twenty-five minutes. After that, take off the foil and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Bake for another ten minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy your savory quinoa stuffed bell peppers! For a complete guide, check the Full Recipe. Rinsing quinoa is a key step. This removes its natural bitterness and helps enhance the flavor. Just place it in a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water for a minute. After rinsing, cook the quinoa in vegetable broth for added taste. The optimal cooking time is about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. When stuffing bell peppers, pack the filling tightly. This keeps the filling from falling out when you serve them. Spoon the mixture in layers to ensure even cooking. You want each bite to be packed with flavor. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. This helps them cook evenly and look great on your plate. If you want dairy-free options, try almond or cashew cheese. These melt well and taste great. For those who enjoy cheese, cheddar is always a favorite. It melts beautifully and adds a nice richness to the dish. You can also experiment with mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy kick. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish suit your diet. For cheese, try using nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also use cashew cheese or almond cheese as tasty substitutes. Adding extra veggies can boost nutrition and flavor. Try chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. These veggies blend well with the quinoa and beans. You can also use kale or shredded carrots for more color and crunch. Want to spice things up? Add diced jalapeños to your filling. They add heat and a fresh taste. You can mix in diced bell peppers for added sweetness, too. For a Mediterranean twist, add feta cheese and olives. This gives your dish a rich and tangy flavor. You can also use sun-dried tomatoes and artichokes for extra flair. If you want more protein, use ground turkey or chicken. Brown the meat before mixing it with quinoa and veggies. This adds a hearty texture and flavor. You can swap beans for lentils if you prefer. Lentils cook quickly and add a nice earthy taste. They are also a great source of protein and fiber. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To keep your stuffed peppers fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. This helps them last for up to four days. If you want to freeze them, wrap each pepper in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will stay good for up to three months. You can reheat your peppers in the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the peppers in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. The cheese will melt nicely this way. If you use a microwave, heat them on a plate for about 2-3 minutes. Check to see if they are warm all the way through. Meal prep can save you time in the kitchen. Make the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. You can also chop the peppers in advance. Use clear containers for easy viewing. When you are ready to eat, just stuff the peppers and bake them. This method works well for busy weeks. Yes, you can use other grains. Some great alternatives are: - Brown rice - Farro - Barley - Couscous These grains offer different textures and flavors, making the dish unique. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the grain you choose. You will know the peppers are done when they are tender. Look for these signs: - The skin looks slightly wrinkled. - A fork easily pierces the flesh. - The cheese on top is melted and bubbly. These signs show that your peppers are ready to enjoy. Yes, preparing the filling ahead saves time. Here are some tips: - Cook the quinoa and mix it with the other ingredients. - Store the filling in the fridge for up to three days. - Stuff the peppers just before baking. This makes meal prep easy and quick! These stuffed peppers pair well with many sides. Here are some suggestions: - A fresh green salad - Garlic bread - Roasted vegetables - Avocado slices These options complement the flavors of the stuffed peppers perfectly. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. In this post, we explored how to make delicious quinoa-stuffed bell peppers. We covered ingredients like peppers, quinoa, spices, and beans, plus step-by-step cooking instructions. I shared tips for perfecting your filling and cheese options. You can also try various flavors or add proteins for extra nutrition. Remember to store leftovers properly and reheat them with care. These stuffed peppers are easy to make and can fit any dietary needs. Enjoy your cooking journey with this healthy dish!

Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

Get ready to savor a delicious and healthy meal with these Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers! Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, this easy recipe combines quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices, all baked to perfection. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, these colorful peppers are not only nutritious but also visually stunning. Click through to discover step-by-step instructions and indulge in this tasty dish today!

Ingredients
  

4 large bell peppers (any color)

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn (frozen or canned)

1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a dairy-free alternative)

Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them upright in a baking dish.

      In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed.

        In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

          Carefully spoon the quinoa mixture into each bell pepper, packing it in as needed.

            Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese.

              Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

                Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peppers are tender.

                  Once done, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4