These quinoa stuffed peppers are a hearty and wholesome dish filled with protein-rich quinoa, tender vegetables, and warm seasonings. Baked until soft and flavorful, they offer a balanced meal that's easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep or a light dinner.
Baking Dish For holding the stuffed peppers while baking
Mixing bowl For preparing the quinoa mixture
saucepan For cooking the quinoa
Knife For slicing the bell peppers
Ingredients
6mediumbell peppersany color, tops removed and seeds cleaned out
1cupquinoarinsed
2cupsvegetable brothfor cooking quinoa
1smallonionfinely chopped
2clovesgarlicminced
1cupdiced tomatoesfresh or canned
1teaspooncumin
1teaspoonsmoked paprika
1tablespoonolive oilfor sautéing
½teaspoonsaltadjust to taste
¼teaspoonblack pepperfreshly ground
½cupshredded cheeseoptional, for topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside.
In a saucepan, bring vegetable broth to a boil. Add quinoa, cover, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until soft, about 3 minutes.
Stir in diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Combine cooked quinoa with the sautéed vegetable mixture. Stir well to distribute flavors.
Fill each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture, packing it down slightly. Place stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with cheese if using, and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes until cheese melts.
Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra protein, add cooked beans or ground turkey to the filling.
Use different colored bell peppers for variety and presentation.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Keyword quinoa stuffed peppers, stuffed bell peppers, vegetarian stuffed peppers