How to Make Quinoa and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers in

Stuffed peppers are a delicious and nutritious meal packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors. Below, you’ll find a detailed step-by-step guide to making quinoa and black bean stuffed peppers, ensuring they turn out perfectly every time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, let’s make sure you have all the necessary ingredients to prepare these delicious stuffed peppers.

For the Peppers:

To start, you will need:

• 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green) – These will serve as the base for the dish.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing) – This helps the peppers soften while baking.

For the Filling:

Next, gather the ingredients for the flavorful filling:

• Rinsed quinoa (1 cup) adds a light and fluffy texture while keeping the dish protein-rich. To infuse more flavor, cook the quinoa in 1 ¾ cups of vegetable broth (or water) instead of plain water. For a hearty bite, add 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed. Juicy diced tomatoes (1 cup, fresh or canned) bring a natural sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) – These juicy, vibrant tomatoes add a natural sweetness that balances the dish beautifully.
• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) – Adds a pop of sweetness and color.
• ½ cup diced red onion – Provides a mild yet slightly tangy flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the overall taste with its rich aroma.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – Gives the filling a warm, earthy depth.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – Adds a bit of spice to balance the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Introduces a subtle smokiness.
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste) – Brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste) – Adds just a hint of heat.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro – Gives the dish a fresh, herby finish.
• Juice of 1 lime – Provides a zesty, citrusy contrast to the savory filling.

For Garnishing (Optional):

• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or vegan alternative)
• Sliced avocado
• Extra cilantro and lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is hot and ready when it’s time to bake the stuffed peppers.

Step 2: Prepare the Bell Peppers

Meanwhile, wash the bell peppers thoroughly under running water. Then, carefully cut them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes using a spoon or your hands.
After that, lightly brush both the inside and outside of the peppers with olive oil to help them soften while baking. Finally, place them cut-side up in a baking dish and set them aside.

Step 3: Cook the Quinoa

While the oven is preheating and the peppers are prepped, it’s time to cook the quinoa.

1. First, in a medium saucepan, bring 1 ¾ cups of vegetable broth (or water) to a boil.
2. Once boiling, add 1 cup of rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, and cover with a lid.
3. Let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed.
4. When done, fluff the quinoa with a fork and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

Now that the quinoa is ready, you can move on to making the flavorful filling.

1. In a large pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Next, add the diced red onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until it becomes soft and slightly translucent.
3. After that, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, making sure not to burn it.
4. Then, add the black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn, stirring everything together.
5. At this point, sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
6. Let the mixture cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
7. Once the filling is well combined, add the cooked quinoa, fresh cilantro, and lime juice. Stir everything together and remove the pan from the heat.

Step 5: Stuff the Peppers

Now that the filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the stuffed peppers.

1. Using a spoon, carefully fill each bell pepper half with the quinoa and black bean mixture.
2. If you’d like, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper for extra flavor.

Step 6: Bake the Peppers

After stuffing the peppers, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This helps trap steam and allows the peppers to soften without drying out.

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
2. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and slightly roasted.
3. If you added cheese, it should be melted and bubbly by now.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the stuffed peppers are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

For extra flavor, garnish with sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. You can also serve them with a side of salad or guacamole for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—delicious, protein-packed quinoa and black bean stuffed peppers! This dish is not only healthy but also bursting with flavors and textures. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, these stuffed peppers are sure to be a hit.

Enjoy your meal! 😊🌱