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Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are timeless classic, but have you ever tried them with a healthy twist? Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers are not only delicious, but also packed with nutrients. I’m going to guide you through the process of creating these wholesome delights that are perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal. I’ve been eating them this way for years, and they are great for a weeknight dinner, a quick snack, or even meal prepping!

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

  • Protein Power: Enhance the protein content by adding cooked ground turkey, chicken, or tofu to the stuffing mixture for an extra boost.
  • Veggie Delight: You can incorporate more veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the filling for added nutrition and flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by adding chili powder or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
  • Grain Swap: If you’re not a fan of quinoa, consider using brown rice, couscous, or bulgur as an alternative grain for the stuffing.

Sauces and Dips

While these Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers are delicious on their own, you can elevate them with a tasty sauce or dip. Try serving them with:

  • Tomato Sauce: Drizzle some marinara sauce over the stuffed peppers before baking or serve them with a side of warm tomato sauce.
  • Yogurt or Sour Cream: A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream can add a creamy element that pairs perfectly with the flavors of the dish.
  • Green Goddess Dressing: This herby, green dressing/dip is a great alternative to plain Greek yogurt.
  • Avocado Salsa: A zesty avocado salsa or guacamole can provide a fresh and tangy contrast.

Leftovers and Storage

If you have any leftovers, these stuffed bell peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave, and they’ll still taste delicious. As I previously mentioned, these are great for those of you who are meal prepping. Since these last up to three days, you can make them on a Sunday and have them up until mid-week.

If you make my Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers, please be sure to tag @chocolateandcheeseplease in any Instagram stories! I would also love it if you could comment below and rate this recipe with your honest thoughts! If you haven’t seen me on Instagram yet, be sure to follow me 🙂 ENJOY!

Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
A healthy snack or a filling dinner to enjoy during the chilly months!

INGREDIENTS

  • 4-6 bell peppers (halved (this depends on how big or little your peppers are))
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil (or any oil)
  • 2 stalks celery (finely diced)
  • 1 medium red onion (finely diced)
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper (finely diced (optional))
  • 8 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 roma tomatoes (finely diced)
  • 1 jalapeño (finely diced)
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tbsp paprika
  • 1/2 tbsp cumin powder
  • 1 cup salsa or taco sauce
  • 3 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 lime
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups white cheddar cheese

INTRUCTIONS

  1. Turn your oven on 375 degrees F. When heated, lightly brush your halved bell peppers with oil and season with salt. Add to oven and let them cook for 12-15 minutes, or until they are softened (skin should start getting wrinkly but not burnt).
  2. While peppers are cooking, add 2 tbsp of oil to a large pan. When heated, add in the celery and onion. Let this cook for at least 3 minutes or until celery is softened.
  3. Add in your bell pepper, garlic, and roma tomatoes. After a few minutes, add in the jalapeño.
  4. After mixing a few times, add in all of your seasonings: crushed red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, paprika, cumin powder and salt / black pepper per taste.
  5. Once the seasonings are cooked through with the veggies, add in your salsa. Coat everything and then throw in your quinoa.
  6. When the quinoa is mixed in with everything, give it a taste and adjust seasonings per your preference. Squeeze in your lime.
  7. At this point your bell peppers should be nice and soft. Remove from oven and increase the heat to 400 degrees F.
  8. Spoon in the quinoa mixture followed by a mixture of the cheddar and white cheddar cheeses.
  9. Add your quinoa stuffed bell peppers back into the oven and let them cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and your peppers are soft and cooked through.
  10. Serve with any dips or dressings and enjoy!

NOTES

  • You can always make extra of this quinoa mixture and store it in a container to eat throughout the week. It makes for a great salad as well.
  • 1 cup of uncooked quinoa is equal to about 3 cups of cooked quinoa.

DID YOU ENJOY THIS RECIPE?

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hello,
i’m megha

Welcome to my page! Over here you’ll find some of the topics i’m most passionate about  Hope you find my blog as a means of making an easy weeknight dinner, planning a stress-free travel itinerary, or even styling the perfect look for an important event! Thanks for visiting!

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