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Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan with lid
  • Large skillet
  • Baking Dish:
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Spoon or spatula for stirring
  • Foil (for covering the baking dish)

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers any color
  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 medium zucchini diced
  • 1 medium tomato diced
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels fresh, frozen, or canned
  • 1/2 cup black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese optional
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes from the inside. Place the hollowed-out peppers in a baking dish, standing upright.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
  • While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Stir in the diced zucchini, tomato, corn kernels, black beans, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  • Once the quinoa is cooked, add it to the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Spoon the quinoa and vegetable mixture evenly into the hollowed-out bell peppers, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
  • If using cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
  • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly (if using).
  • Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired, before serving.