Ingredients
Scale
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients. The following list includes everything you’ll need for this mouth-watering recipe:
- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 cup of cooked quinoa or rice
- 1 cup of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup of corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of marinara sauce or salsa
- 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime (optional)
Instructions
Making cheese-stuffed bell peppers is a straightforward process. Follow these numbered steps to create a perfect dish every time:
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the bell peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
- Cook the filling: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
Combine Ingredients
- Add quinoa/rice, beans, and corn: Stir in the cooked quinoa or rice, black beans, and corn. Mix well to combine.
- Season the mixture: Add cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to incorporate the spices evenly.
- Add cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and gently fold in the shredded cheese. Reserve some cheese for topping.
Stuff the Peppers
- Fill the peppers: Spoon the cheesy vegetable mixture into each bell pepper, pressing down slightly to pack the filling.
- Top with sauce: Pour a generous amount of marinara sauce or salsa over each stuffed pepper.
- Sprinkle with cheese: Add the reserved cheese on top of the sauce for a cheesy crust.
Bake
- Place peppers in a baking dish: Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Protein: 15