Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers

$- 4 large bell peppers (any color) - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) When I prepare cheesy stuffed bell peppers, I love to focus on the fresh colors and flavors. Bell peppers come in many shades, from red to yellow to green. For this recipe, I use four large peppers. They will hold the filling well and look great on the plate. The filling is where the magic happens. I mix one cup of cooked quinoa with black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Quinoa adds texture and protein. Black beans bring richness and fiber. Corn gives a sweet crunch, while tomatoes add juiciness. Together, they create a colorful blend. I season the filling with cumin and smoked paprika. These spices add warmth and depth. I also add salt and pepper to taste. This simple seasoning makes a big impact on flavor. Finally, I stir in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Cheese ties the dish together with its creamy goodness. Just wait until it's melted and bubbly! I drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the peppers before baking. This helps them cook and adds a bit of richness. For a fresh touch, I like to garnish with cilantro. It’s optional but adds brightness. You can find the full recipe for these cheesy stuffed bell peppers in the sections above. Enjoy crafting this delightful dish! - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cut off tops and remove seeds from bell peppers. First, I set my oven to 375°F. This heat helps cook the peppers just right. Next, I take the bell peppers and cut off their tops. I remove all the seeds and any white parts inside. This way, the peppers can hold the filling well. - Combine quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. - Mix until well combined. Now, let’s make the filling. I grab a big bowl and add cooked quinoa, black beans, and corn. I also add diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. I mix everything together well. The flavors blend nicely, making a yummy filling. - Stuff bell peppers with the filling and top with cheese. - Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. Next, I stuff each bell pepper with the filling. I pack it down gently to fit more. Then, I sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, covering the filling fully. I place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. After that, I remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. The cheese turns golden and bubbly, which makes it so tempting. You can find the full recipe above if you want to follow along. To make your cheesy stuffed bell peppers perfect, choose peppers that stand upright. This helps them cook evenly. I also recommend using homemade quinoa for added flavor. You can cook it with vegetable broth instead of plain water for a richer taste. Cheese makes these peppers extra tasty. You can try different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack. Mixing cheeses gives you a fun flavor twist. For example, combining cheddar with mozzarella creates a creamy texture that melts beautifully. When serving, think about adding sides. A fresh side salad or crispy tortilla chips works well. For a burst of flavor, add a squeeze of lime over the peppers. It brightens the dish and balances the cheese. You can find the full recipe to try these ideas at home. {{image_2}} You can easily make cheesy stuffed bell peppers vegetarian. First, substitute cooked brown rice for quinoa. Brown rice adds a nice texture and flavor. Next, add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. These vegetables boost the dish's taste and nutrition. You can mix and match based on what you have. Feel free to get creative! Want a protein boost? Include cooked ground turkey or chicken in the filling. This adds heartiness and makes it more filling. If you prefer a plant-based option, mix in tofu. Crumbled tofu absorbs flavors well and adds protein without meat. These options make the dish satisfying for everyone. If you need a gluten-free meal, make sure all canned ingredients are labeled gluten-free. This is important to avoid any gluten in your dish. You can also serve the stuffed peppers with gluten-free sides or toppings. Options like quinoa salad or gluten-free tortillas work well. Enjoy your meal without worry! To keep your cheesy stuffed bell peppers fresh, store them in an airtight container. They will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the microwave or oven. This method helps keep the cheese melty and delicious. If you want to save some for later, freeze the stuffed peppers before baking. They are good for up to 3 months. When you want to bake them, take them straight from the freezer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. This way, you can enjoy a warm, cheesy meal anytime! For the full recipe, check the main article. Yes, you can use any color or variety of bell peppers. Red, yellow, green, or orange all work great. Each type brings its own flavor. Red peppers tend to be sweeter, while green peppers have a sharper taste. Feel free to mix and match to create a colorful dish. Peppers should be soft and the cheese should be melted and bubbly. Check the peppers after baking for 25 minutes. If they feel tender when you poke them, they are likely done. The cheese should look golden and delicious on top. They pair well with salads, rice, or crusty bread. A fresh green salad adds crunch and balance. You can also serve them with fluffy rice for a filling meal. Crusty bread is great for scooping up any leftover filling. Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day ahead, then bake when ready. Store the stuffed peppers in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just pop them in the oven. This makes meal prep easy and fun! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. Stuffed bell peppers are easy to make and taste great. You learned about the main ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to perfect this dish. You can even change it up with different fillings or cheeses. For quick meals, store leftovers or freeze them for later. Enjoy your stuffed peppers with sides like salad or chips. Cooking should be fun and creative, and these peppers offer a great way to experiment. I hope you try them soon!$

Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers

Elevate your dinner game with these delicious Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers! Packed with wholesome ingredients like quinoa, black beans, and melted cheddar, these colorful peppers make for a satisfying meal. Perfect for meal prep or entertaining, this recipe is not only easy to follow but also bursting with flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

4 large bell peppers (any color)

1 cup cooked quinoa

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh cilantro 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. Drizzle the insides with a little olive oil and place them upright in a baking dish.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture generously, packing it down lightly.

Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it covers the filling evenly.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

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

- Presentation Tips: Serve the stuffed bell peppers on a colorful plate with a sprinkling of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime on the side for added freshness.