Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers with quinoa

Vegetarian stuffed peppers with heart-healthy quinoa and beans are an easy weeknight dinner. Vegetarian recipes like this delicious meal will satisfy everyone in the family, even the meat-eaters, and they are gluten-free.

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How to make vegetarian stuffed peppers

The first step is to par-cook the bell peppers. I’ll be honest, sometimes I skip this step because I’m lazy.

However, to get really soft bell peppers, it is necessary.

Cut the peppers in half and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers cut side down on a baking sheet, cover with aluminum foil and roast for about 20 minutes until they just begin to soften.

While the peppers are roasting, cook the filling. By the time the peppers have cooled a bit, the filling will be done and we’re ready to stuff.

When it comes to stuffing the peppers, don’t be stingy. Pack it in there! I find it is easiest to do this with my hands. I use food safe gloves so I can hold the pepper in one hand and pack the filling in with my other hand.

The peppers go back into the oven just long enough for everything to be heated through and for the cheese to get melty and a little browned on top. Need to make them vegan? Omit the cheese and now this is a vegan recipe.

How long to cook stuffed peppers

Generally speaking, the peppers will bake for anywhere from 20 – 30 minutes after being stuffed.

Personally, I don’t like them too soft. I like a little texture, but not too much, so I usually bake them for 20 minutes. If you like them very soft, leave them in the oven for 30 minutes.

One more note to mention – everyone’s oven is different. Setting the temperature for 350°F means that it will be somewhere close to that temp. It might be a few degrees higher or lower, depending on your oven.

If you think your oven runs a little cool or a bit hot, you can buy an oven thermometer to double check and then adjust accordingly.

Ingredients for stuffed bell peppers

To make vegetarian stuffed peppers, you will likely have almost everything you need already. Below is the list with appropriate substitutions if you need to swap ingredients.

• Bell peppers – I am partial to red, orange and yellow. If green peppers are your favorite, use them!
• Quinoa – Good source of fiber and protein. Swap it out for brown rice if you prefer.
• Beans – The staple of every vegetarian pantry. I’m a big fan of dried heirloom beans, but there’s no shame in canned beans. Use whatever you have. No beans? Use lentils.
• Diced tomatoes – I use canned diced tomatoes, but if you happen to have an abundance of fresh garden tomatoes, use them.
• Onions and garlic – The flavor base for practically everything. I prefer sweet onions, they aren’t quite as sharp as a regular white onion.
• Leftover veggies – I used a cup of leftover roasted zucchini that I had in the fridge. If you have leftover vegetables from dinner and don’t know what to do with them, add them to the mix.
• Mozzarella – Buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself. Much better than the pre grated cheese and less expensive.
• Dried spices – These will boost the flavor our the filling as it cooks. Check the dates and make sure they aren’t expired. (It happens to all of us)
• Fresh herbs – Fresh herbs like parsley and basil give a freshness to these peppers and brighten up the flavor. Plus, parsley can aid in digestion and reduce bloating from gas (hello, beans!).

I also added in a banana pepper because I had one from the garden. This is a great way to use some of the vegetables you’ve grown!

You can find banana peppers in the produce department labeled as “Hungarian wax peppers”. They are almost identical.

What can I serve with this?

You could serve a big green salad and call it a day. But, if you are looking something a bit more substantial and maybe a dessert recipe, here are a few suggestions:

• Butternut squash arugula salad – topped with white beans and toasted pecans, then drizzled with maple vinaigrette

• Baby kale salad with pomegranate and sweet potatoes –  packed with nutrient dense foods, it is gluten-free and can be easily veganized by omitting the goat cheese.

• Nectarine spinach salad with blue cheese – Topped with fresh and dried fruit, a zingy dressing and a few crunchy, toasted almonds.

• Peach pound cake – studded with chunks of juicy, fresh peaches.

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