![- 4 large bell peppers (any color) - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping) - ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil for drizzling These ingredients make cheesy stuffed bell peppers both tasty and healthy. The bell peppers are colorful and fun to eat. Quinoa adds protein and fiber, making this dish filling. Black beans bring extra protein and a nice texture. Corn kernels sweeten the mix, while tomatoes add moisture and flavor. Spices like cumin and chili powder kick up the flavor. Garlic powder gives it a nice aroma. Cheddar cheese makes it cheesy and rich. You can sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top for a fresh taste. Use olive oil to help the peppers cook and brown nicely. Each stuffed pepper has about 300 calories. It has 15 grams of protein, 45 grams of carbs, and 10 grams of fat. Key ingredients offer great health benefits: - Bell Peppers: High in vitamin C and antioxidants. - Quinoa: A complete protein with all nine essential amino acids. - Black Beans: Good source of fiber and protein. - Corn: Adds vitamins and minerals, plus a bit of sweetness. - Cheddar Cheese: Provides calcium and protein. You can find the full recipe in the article. Enjoy cooking! 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking for our stuffed peppers. 2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers. Remove the seeds and membranes. You want them clean and ready for stuffing. 3. Brush the outside of each pepper with olive oil. This helps them roast nicely in the oven. 4. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish. This keeps them stable while they cook. 1. In a large bowl, mix together the filling ingredients: cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well combined. 2. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Taste it to make sure the flavors pop! 3. Stuff each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture. Press down lightly to pack it in. Fill them generously for a hearty meal. 4. Top each stuffed pepper with the remaining cheddar cheese. This will melt beautifully and add flavor. 1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This traps steam and helps the peppers cook through. 2. Bake for 25 minutes. This softens the peppers and warms the filling. 3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble. 4. Once done, take them out of the oven and let cool for a few minutes. This makes serving easier and safer. For the full recipe, refer to the [Full Recipe]. To bring out the best in your cheesy stuffed bell peppers, use fresh herbs and spices. I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness. You can also try oregano or thyme for extra depth. Always season your mix with salt and pepper. Taste as you go. This simple step helps ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Baking is key for even cooking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the best results. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish, allowing them to cook evenly. Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. This traps steam and helps the peppers get tender. After 25 minutes, remove the foil to let the cheese get bubbly and golden. To make your dish shine, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. A dollop of sour cream or a slice of avocado adds color and creaminess. Serve the peppers on a colorful plate to make them pop. Pair them with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. This balance makes for a delightful meal. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in cheesy stuffed bell peppers to fit your taste. Use ground turkey, chicken, or beef for a meaty twist. Each option adds a unique flavor to the peppers. If you want to go meat-free, try black beans, lentils, or chopped mushrooms. These choices keep the dish hearty and satisfying for everyone. Cheese is the star here, but you can mix it up. Cheddar is great, but try pepper jack for a spicy kick. Mozzarella gives a creamy texture. You can also add more flavor with herbs like oregano or basil. Want more crunch? Add diced bell peppers, corn, or even cooked grains like rice or farro for extra texture and taste. If you need gluten-free options, this recipe is naturally safe. Just make sure your ingredients, like the beans and corn, are gluten-free. For those on low-carb or keto diets, swap quinoa for cauliflower rice. This change keeps the dish light while still being full of flavor. You can enjoy cheesy stuffed bell peppers without worry about your diet. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! To store leftovers, let the stuffed peppers cool first. Place them in an airtight container. They will last for up to four days in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the oven or microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to keep them moist. If reheating in the oven, set it to 350°F and heat for about 15-20 minutes. Freezing stuffed peppers is easy. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can stay frozen for up to three months. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. For reheating, bake them at 375°F for about 30-35 minutes, or until hot. You can make these cheesy stuffed bell peppers ahead of time. Prepare the filling and stuff the peppers, then store them in the fridge for up to two days. This makes busy days easier. For portioning, cut the peppers in half if you want smaller servings. This way, you can have quick meals ready to go. To spice up your cheesy stuffed bell peppers, add diced jalapeños or chopped serrano peppers. You can also mix in hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes into the filling. This will give your dish a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors. Don't be shy; taste as you go to find the heat level you like best! Yes, you can use many types of cheese! Try Monterey Jack for a creamy texture or pepper jack for extra spice. If you want a sharp flavor, go for aged cheddar or even feta for a tangy twist. Mixing two or more cheeses can create a rich experience that elevates your meal. The best way to reheat cheesy stuffed bell peppers is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil to keep them moist. Bake for about 20 minutes or until they are heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven gives better results. Absolutely! Brown rice makes a great substitute for quinoa. You can also use farro, barley, or even couscous. Each grain will add a unique flavor and texture to the dish. Just make sure to cook the grain first before mixing it with the other ingredients. If you bake stuffed peppers at 400°F (200°C), they usually take about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they get tender and the cheese melts perfectly. If you like a crispier texture, leave them in for an extra 5 minutes with the foil off. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section! These stuffed bell peppers offer a healthy and tasty meal option. We covered the ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful tips to enhance flavor. I shared variations to suit different diets and how to store leftovers. Remember, these peppers are versatile. You can easily adjust them to fit your taste. In conclusion, stuffed bell peppers are simple to make and full of flavor. Give them a try and enjoy a healthy meal. You'll love how great they taste and how easy they are to prepare.](https://lisadishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/12f2af8c-30c2-43ec-b748-ad7f52256eb0-250x250.webp)
- Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers
Discover the deliciousness of Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers with this easy-to-follow recipe! Packed with nutritious quinoa, black beans, and fresh veggies, these colorful peppers are not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for your taste buds. Perfect for meal prep or a delightful family dinner, you'll love how simple they are to make. Click to explore this recipe and elevate your cooking game today!