Flavorful stuffed bell peppers with quinoa is a nutritious and satisfying vegetarian dish packed with protein and vegetables.
Author:Emily
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Mediterranean
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
4 large bell peppers
1 cup quinoa, uncooked
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer. Combine rinsed quinoa with vegetable broth in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add chopped tomatoes, spinach, salt, pepper, and paprika to the pan. Cook until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
In a bowl, combine the cooked quinoa with the sautéed vegetable mixture.
Stuff the bell peppers with the quinoa mixture, filling them to about 1/4 inch from the top.
Arrange the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese if using.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden.
Notes
Choose bell peppers that can stand upright.
Use any color of bell peppers; red and yellow peppers add a nice color.
Chop the reserved pepper tops and add them to the filling for zero waste.
For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice.
For vegan stuffed peppers, omit cheese or use a vegan alternative like nutritional yeast.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or oven.
These peppers freeze well; add cheese after reheating.