Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers
Vibrant bell peppers are filled with a wholesome mix of fluffy quinoa, hearty black beans, and sweet corn, then baked until tender with a delicious cheesy topping. A perfect, colorful weeknight meal made entirely from scratch.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 50 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Cook the black beans and quinoa
- b.Soak the dried black beans in water overnight. Drain the soaking water.
- c.Add the soaked beans and 1.5 cups of fresh water to a pressure cooker. Cook for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- d.In a small saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and 2/3 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the bell peppers and preheat oven
- b.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- c.Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise, from stem to bottom. Remove the seeds and white membranes.
- d.Place the pepper halves cut-side up in a baking dish. Pour 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the dish to create steam.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté the filling base
- b.Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- c.Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine the filling ingredients
- b.Add the fresh corn kernels and diced tomato to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the corn is bright and tomatoes start to break down.
- c.Stir in the cooked black beans, chili powder, cumin powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- d.Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the cooked quinoa and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until everything is well combined.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Stuff and bake the peppers
- b.Divide the quinoa mixture evenly among the bell pepper halves, packing it in gently.
- c.Cover the baking dish tightly with foil.
- d.Bake for 20 minutes, until the peppers are tender-crisp.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Add cheese and finish baking
- b.Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper.
- c.Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- d.Let them rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For softer peppers, you can pre-bake them empty for 10 minutes before stuffing.
- 2To save time, cook a larger batch of quinoa and black beans ahead of time and use them for this recipe and other meals.
- 3Don't skip rinsing the quinoa! This removes its natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter.
- 4The stuffed peppers can be assembled a day in advance. Store covered in the fridge and add 5-10 minutes to the initial baking time.
- 5For a bit of heat, add a finely chopped jalapeño along with the onion.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the Monterey Jack cheese or replace it with your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the protein by adding 1/2 cup of crumbled firm tofu or tempeh to the filling when you sauté the vegetables.
quickQuick
For a faster version, use 1 can (15 oz) of black beans (rinsed and drained) and 1 can (15 oz) of corn (drained) instead of cooking from scratch.
gluten freeGluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as quinoa is a gluten-free grain. Always ensure your spices are certified gluten-free if you have a high sensitivity.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
The combination of black beans and quinoa provides a high amount of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps you feel full and satisfied.
Excellent Source of Vitamins
Bell peppers are packed with Vitamin C, an important antioxidant for immune function, and Vitamin A, which is crucial for vision and skin health.
Complete Plant-Based Protein
Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. Paired with black beans, this dish offers a substantial amount of high-quality protein for muscle repair and energy.
Heart-Healthy
This dish is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. The fiber from beans and healthy fats from olive oil contribute to cardiovascular health by helping to manage cholesterol levels.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, they are very healthy. They are packed with fiber from black beans and quinoa, rich in vitamins A and C from the bell peppers, and provide plant-based protein. Using fresh ingredients and minimal oil makes it a nutritious meal.