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- 4 large bell peppers (any color) - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 small red onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) - Fresh cilantro, for garnish - Variations of grains or beans for filling - Seasonings or spices for added flavor When choosing your bell peppers, pick ones that feel heavy and firm. Any color works great, so go with your favorites. Quinoa adds a nutty taste to the dish. It is easy to cook and packed with nutrients. The black beans and corn provide extra protein and fiber. Diced tomatoes bring moisture and flavor to the filling. You can customize the spices to match your taste. If you like heat, add more chili powder. For a bit of zest, try lime juice. You can switch up the cheese too. Goat cheese or feta can give a fresh twist to the dish. These ingredients come together to create a colorful and tasty meal. Every bite will be full of flavor! {{ingredient_image_1}} To prepare the bell peppers, first cut off the tops. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Next, remove the seeds and membranes inside. I like to use large bell peppers since they hold more filling. You can pick any color you like. Red, yellow, or green peppers all work well and add a nice touch. To cook quinoa, you need one cup of rinsed quinoa and two cups of vegetable broth. Rinse the quinoa under cold water. This step removes the bitter taste. Then, bring the broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the quinoa, reduce the heat, and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. The quinoa is done when it becomes fluffy and absorbs all the liquid. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, and minced garlic. Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well. Taste the filling to check the flavor. If you want it spicier, add more chili powder. This balance of flavors makes the dish shine. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture. Press the filling down gently to pack it in. Top with shredded cheese for that creamy finish. Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This lets the cheese melt and turn golden. You'll know they are done when the peppers are tender. When you pick bell peppers, look for ones that feel firm. They should have smooth skin and no blemishes. A weighty pepper usually means it is fresh. Bell peppers come in many colors. Red peppers are the sweetest. Yellow and orange peppers are milder. Green peppers taste more bitter and less sweet. Choose your favorite color for the best flavor in your dish. To make your stuffed peppers even tastier, add spices and herbs you love. Try adding oregano or paprika for more depth. A pinch of cayenne can give it a nice kick. If you want it less spicy, skip the chili powder. For a sweeter taste, add some corn or a dash of honey. Taste as you mix to get it just right. You will need a few tools for this recipe. A sharp knife helps cut the peppers easily. A baking dish should fit all the peppers snugly. Using a thermometer is smart. It helps you check when the peppers are done. This way, the cheese melts just right, and the peppers stay tender. Pro Tips Choose Colorful Peppers: Using a mix of colorful bell peppers not only makes the dish visually appealing but also adds a variety of flavors. Cook Quinoa Perfectly: Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitterness and enhance its nutty flavor. Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your heat preference. Adding jalapeños or hot sauce can give your stuffed peppers an extra kick! Customize Your Filling: You can add other ingredients like diced zucchini, mushrooms, or ground meat to the filling for a different twist. {{image_2}} You can easily make stuffed bell peppers vegetarian or vegan. Start by swapping quinoa with other grains. Brown rice, bulgur, or even farro work great. These grains give different textures and flavors. For plant-based protein, use lentils or chickpeas. They add protein and enhance the dish's heartiness. To ensure your stuffed peppers are gluten-free, check all ingredients. Many grains and beans are gluten-free, but always verify. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the filling. If the recipe calls for cheese, choose a gluten-free brand. This way, you’ll keep the dish safe and tasty for everyone. If you love meat, add ground meat to the filling mix. Ground beef, chicken, or turkey are all fantastic options. For a tasty twist, mix different meats together. Just cook the meat before adding it to the filling. This keeps everything safe and ensures great flavor. To keep your stuffed peppers fresh, place them in an airtight container. Wrap them well to avoid any air. You can store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you're ready to enjoy them, just reheat in the oven or microwave. You can freeze stuffed peppers for later use. If you freeze them before baking, wrap each pepper in plastic wrap and then foil. This way, they stay fresh. If you freeze them after baking, let them cool first. Then, store them in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, place the peppers in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Reheat them until hot. Enjoy your delicious peppers even after freezing! Stuffed bell peppers take about 40 to 45 minutes to bake. First, cover them with foil and bake for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an extra 10 to 15 minutes. This helps the cheese melt and turn golden. The peppers should be tender when done. Yes! You can make stuffed bell peppers ahead of time. Just prepare them, but do not bake them. Store the stuffed peppers in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake them straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time. You can get creative with fillings! Some tasty options include: - Cooked grains like rice or farro - Ground meat like beef or turkey - Lentils or chickpeas for a protein boost - Chopped veggies or even fruits like diced apples for a sweet touch Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! Stuffed bell peppers are a healthy option! They are low in calories and high in nutrients. The veggies provide fiber, while quinoa and beans add protein. You can adjust the filling to suit your health goals. Using fresh ingredients makes them even better for you. Yes, you can use cooked rice instead of quinoa. Both work well as a base for the filling. Just make sure your rice is cooked and cooled before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will keep the filling from getting too sticky. Stuffed bell peppers are a great meal choice. We explored their ingredients, prep steps, and variations. I highlighted tips for choosing peppers and enhancing flavors. Whether you prefer vegetarian options or meat-filled versions, there’s something for everyone. Store leftovers smartly, and freezing them is easy. Following these steps brings delicious stuffed peppers to your table. Enjoy this healthy and customizable dish with family or friends!

Flavorful Fiesta Stuffed Bell Peppers

Delicious stuffed bell peppers filled with quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices, topped with cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 small red onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 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, chopped red onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
  • Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
  • Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with fresh cilantro and a wedge of lime for added flavor.
Keyword healthy, quinoa, stuffed peppers, vegetarian