Delicious Easy Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers Recipe

If you’re seeking a healthy yet flavorful meal that bursts with vibrant colors and textures, look no further than these easy Vegetarian stuffed peppers. Originating from Mediterranean cuisine, stuffed peppers offer a delightful way to enjoy an array of vegetables packed into a wholesome bell pepper vessel. They can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences, including vegan and gluten-free options. This homemade Vegetarian stuffed peppers recipe combines garden-fresh ingredients with savory herbs and grains, ensuring it is not just nourishing but also irresistible. The best part is that making these beauties from scratch is simpler than you might think!

Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or meal prepping for the week, these stuffed peppers will quickly become a favorite in your household. With this homemade Vegetarian stuffed peppers from scratch recipe in hand, you’ll be able to impress guests and satisfy your vegetarian cravings with ease. Let’s get started on this colorful culinary journey!

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serving Size: Serves 4

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Peppers:

4 large bell peppers (any color, to brighten up your dish)
1 cup quinoa (or rice, if you prefer)
2 cups vegetable broth (for cooking quinoa)
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (optional, choose your favorite variety)
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

For the Tomato Sauce:

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Possible Ingredient Swaps:

Swap quinoa for brown rice or farro for different textures.
Substitute black beans with chickpeas or lentils for a protein boost.
Use almond milk instead of dairy milk for a dairy-free option in the sauce.

Equipment List

High-quality knife and cutting board
Medium-sized pot with lid
Large mixing bowl
Baking dish (9×13 inch recommended)
Measuring cups and spoons
Skillet or frying pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Aluminum foil (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your peppers will bake perfectly.
Prepare the Bell Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. You can slice a small portion off the bottom of each pepper to stabilize them if needed, but be careful not to create holes. Place them upright in a baking dish.
Cook the Quinoa: In a medium pot, combine the quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the diced onion until it becomes translucent (about 5 minutes). Then add the minced garlic, cumin, and paprika. Stir for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Add the Filling Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, sautéed onions and garlic, black beans, corn, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
Stuff the Peppers: Generously fill each bell pepper with the quinoa mixture. Pack it in so they are full but not overflowing. If using cheese, sprinkle some on top of the filling.
Make the Tomato Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the diced tomatoes, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low for about 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Assemble and Bake: Pour the tomato sauce over the stuffed peppers, covering them partially. If desired, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
Final Touch: Remove the foil in the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the tops to get a bit crispy if you like. The peppers should be soft and the filling warm.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.

Special Notes

If you have any leftovers, these stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few minutes or re-bake them at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

For those who prefer meal prep, you can prepare the stuffing and fill the peppers a day or two in advance. Just be sure to cover them tightly to maintain freshness. You can also make a double batch to freeze; simply reheat them in the oven from frozen, adjusting cooking time as necessary.

Variations and Customizations

Vegan Option: Omit the cheese or use a plant-based option to make it vegan.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check that your labels are certified gluten-free, especially for packaged ingredients like beans and broth.
Low-Carb Option: Swap out the quinoa for cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.
Additional Ingredients: You could include diced zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or even nuts like walnuts for added texture and nutrition.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Estimated)

Calories: 260
Protein: 10g
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 8g

Engaging Visual Details

The final result of this dish is a feast for the eyes—vibrant bell peppers filled to the brim with a colorful blend of quinoa and beans, all drenched in a luscious tomato sauce. As you pull out baked peppers from the oven, the delightful aroma of cumin and fresh herbs will greet you, drawing everyone to the kitchen. The slight crunch of the pepper’s skin paired with the tender, savory filling creates a perfect harmony of textures.

Consider adding images of each key step and a video tutorial on how to prepare these stuffed peppers to enhance engagement and aid comprehensibility.

Conclusion

Now that you have mastered this easy Vegetarian stuffed peppers recipe, it’s time to make this delicious meal at home! These stuffed peppers not only taste great but also offer a bounty of nutrients, making them a fantastic addition to your weekly meal rotation. Don’t hesitate to customize them according to your taste—after all, the best recipes are those that reflect your unique flair! If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment below to share your experience! You can also share your colorful creations on Instagram and tag us with MyDeliciousDish. Happy cooking!