Easy Stuffed Bell Peppers

$- 4 large bell peppers (any color) - 1 cup cooked quinoa (or rice) - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 tsp cumin - 1 tsp chili powder - 1/2 tsp garlic powder - 1/2 tsp onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) - Chopped cilantro for garnish - Olive oil for drizzling When I make stuffed bell peppers, I love to use colorful peppers. They make the dish look bright and fun. You can pick any color you like: red, green, yellow, or orange. The choice is yours! Quinoa is my go-to grain for these peppers, but rice works too. It fills up the peppers and adds a nice texture. Black beans bring protein and fiber. They also give a lovely flavor. I often add corn for a sweet crunch. You can use fresh corn or frozen; both taste great! Diced tomatoes add juiciness. They keep the filling moist and delicious. For seasonings, I like to keep it simple. Cumin and chili powder add warmth and depth. Garlic and onion powders give extra flavor without being too strong. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Don't forget the cheese! It melts beautifully on top and makes the dish extra tasty. I like using a mix of cheddar and Mexican cheese. Lastly, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds freshness. Drizzle a bit of olive oil inside the peppers for extra flavor. This will help them cook evenly and taste amazing. For the full recipe, check out my colorful stuffed bell peppers recipe. Enjoy cooking! - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cut tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds. - Drizzle olive oil inside each pepper for flavor. Start by preheating your oven. This step is important because it ensures your stuffed peppers cook evenly. While the oven heats, grab your bell peppers. You can use any color you like, which adds a fun touch to your meal. Cut the tops off the peppers carefully. Make sure you remove all the seeds and membranes. This will keep your filling nice and clean. Drizzle some olive oil inside each pepper. This adds a lovely flavor and helps the peppers cook better. - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. - Mix until evenly distributed. For the filling, grab a large mixing bowl. Add cooked quinoa. This is a great source of protein. Then, add the black beans. They add texture and flavor. Next, mix in the corn and diced tomatoes. These ingredients brighten the dish. Now for the spices. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. These spices give the filling a punch. Mix everything well. You want all the flavors to combine nicely. - Spoon filling into each pepper, packing tightly. - Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. - Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover with aluminum foil. - Bake for 25 minutes, remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Now it's time to stuff the peppers! Take a spoonful of the filling and pack it tightly into each pepper. Don’t worry if you overfill; just press it down gently. Once filled, place the peppers upright in a baking dish. If they wobble, slice a little off the bottom. This helps them stand tall. Next, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper. This will melt beautifully while baking. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes. You're looking for bubbly, golden cheese. Enjoy the lovely aroma as they bake! For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. - Use fresh ingredients for best flavor. Fresh peppers, beans, and corn make a huge difference. - Don’t overfill the peppers to prevent spillage during cooking. Leave a little space at the top for the cheese. - Adjust spice levels according to preference. Feel free to add more heat with extra chili powder or hot sauce. - Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavor. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even feta can change the taste. - Serve with a side salad or garlic bread. This adds a nice crunch and balances the meal. - Garnish with sour cream or avocado slices for added richness. These toppings enhance the flavors and add creaminess. For a complete guide on making these colorful stuffed bell peppers, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in your stuffed bell peppers easily. If you want a meaty flavor, substitute black beans with ground turkey or chicken. This will give you a hearty texture and boost protein. If you prefer a plant-based meal, use lentils instead. They are rich in fiber and protein, making them a great vegetarian option. Switching grains can change the taste and texture of your dish. You can replace quinoa with couscous or bulgur wheat for a different flavor. Both are quick to cook and can absorb the seasonings well. If you want a healthier choice, use brown rice instead of white rice. Brown rice adds more fiber and a nutty taste that complements the peppers. Adding unique flavors can make your stuffed peppers special. Try adding the diced tops of the bell peppers to the filling for extra crunch. This adds a fresh taste and extra texture. You can also incorporate herbs like parsley or basil. These herbs bring a lovely aroma and fresh flavor that can elevate your dish. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them down before sealing. This keeps the flavors fresh. When you're ready to eat, just take them out and enjoy! You can freeze unbaked stuffed peppers for up to 3 months. This is a great way to meal prep. Just wrap them tightly in foil or use a freezer bag. Cooked stuffed peppers can also be frozen in individual portions. This way, you can heat them up whenever you want a quick meal. To reheat, use the oven or microwave until heated through. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the cheese melts for that gooey goodness. Enjoy your delicious stuffed peppers again! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Yes, you can prepare and assemble them a day in advance, then bake them when ready. This makes meal prep easy and saves time on busy days. Just store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. When you bake them, the flavors blend beautifully. If your peppers are small, adjust the filling ingredients according to their size. Use less of each ingredient so the peppers fit well. You can also fill them halfway instead of to the top. This way, the filling stays inside during cooking. If you want to skip cheese, try using nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese. These options give a nice flavor without the dairy. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy taste while keeping it healthy. It's a great choice for a dairy-free version. To check if the stuffed peppers are done, look for tender peppers. The cheese should be bubbly and golden on top. This shows that they are cooked through and ready to serve. Enjoy the deliciousness of your meal! Stuffed peppers are a delicious, healthy meal full of flavor. You learned how to prepare and fill bell peppers with tasty ingredients like quinoa and black beans. Remember to use fresh items for the best taste. You can even tweak recipes by changing spices or protein sources. Enjoy making these easy stuffed peppers, and feel free to share your own tips. Cooking should be fun and creative!$

Discover the vibrant and delicious world of colorful stuffed bell peppers! This easy recipe combines flavorful quinoa, black beans, and fresh veggies, all packed into beautiful bell peppers. Perfect as a hearty meal or a fun party dish, these stuffed peppers are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Ready in just 50 minutes, click through to explore this recipe and bring some color to your table!

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Ingredients

4 large bell peppers (any color)

1 cup cooked quinoa (or rice)

1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Chopped cilantro for garnish

Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly drizzle olive oil inside each pepper for flavor.

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Spoon the filling into each prepared pepper, packing it tightly and filling to the top.

Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. If they don’t stand on their own, you can slice a tiny bit off the bottom to create a flat surface.

Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4