Hey there!
This is one of those dinners that checks all the boxes—easy to make, super tasty, and full of good stuff.
These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Black Beans are packed with protein, fiber, and flavor.
They’re perfect for Meatless Monday or any night you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.
I make these when I want my kids to eat more veggies without complaint (and hey, it works!).
The filling is warm, cheesy, and a little smoky, and the bell peppers get perfectly soft in the oven.
So good. Let’s do this!
Why I Love This Recipe
This one’s been a go-to in my house for years. It started as a way to clean out the fridge and turned into something we actually crave.
Here’s why we love it:
- It’s a full meal inside a veggie—no sides needed!
- Kids actually eat their veggies without a fuss
- Great for make-ahead lunches or dinner
- Super customizable with whatever you’ve got on hand
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Cut just enough off the top of the peppers so they can stand upright without tipping.
- Don’t overfill the peppers or they’ll get messy while baking.
- Want more flavor? Add a little salsa to the filling.
- If your kids are picky, melt the cheese on top right before serving—melty cheese = instant win.
- Use colorful bell peppers to make it fun and eye-catching for the kids.
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
- Cutting board & knife
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon for stuffing
- 9×13 baking dish
- Aluminum foil
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Use brown rice instead of quinoa
- Add shredded chicken or ground turkey for extra protein
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack if you want some spice
- Try zucchini or mushrooms in the mix for more veggies
⏱️ Make Ahead Tips
- Make the filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge
- You can stuff the peppers the night before, then bake when ready
- Leftovers make great lunches—just microwave and go!
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Let’s get that oven nice and warm while we prep everything.
2. Cook the quinoa (if not already cooked).
Use 1/2 cup dry quinoa + 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Prep the bell peppers.
Slice off the tops and remove seeds and ribs. Set aside.
4. Mix up the filling.
In a big bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, drained diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Stuff the peppers.
Spoon the mixture into the bell peppers and top with shredded cheese.
6. Bake!
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly.
7. Add toppings and serve.
Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, add a lime wedge if you like, and serve warm!
🥡 Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot
- These freeze really well! Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.
🍽️ What to Serve With
- A simple green salad with lime vinaigrette
- Tortilla chips and guac
- A side of fruit (kids love this with sliced mango or watermelon!)
- Salsa or hot sauce for a spicy kick
❓FAQ
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Just skip the cheese or use a dairy-free version.
Can I use canned corn?
Totally—just drain it well first.
What kind of quinoa should I use?
Any kind works! White quinoa is the mildest, but tri-color looks pretty.
Can I microwave instead of baking?
You can, but the texture isn’t quite the same. The oven makes the peppers nice and soft.
Ready to try it?
I hope you give these Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Black Beans a go! They’re simple, healthy, and oh-so-satisfying. Drop a comment if you make them—I’d love to hear how it went or help answer any questions. ❤️
Let’s make dinner the easy way, one pepper at a time. 🌶️