Discover the deliciousness of vegan stuffed peppers that are both healthy and satisfying! This easy recipe combines quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices, all stuffed into vibrant bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, these vegan stuffed peppers are sure to impress.
4 large bell peppers (any color of your choice, such as red, yellow, or green)
1 cup quinoa, thoroughly rinsed and drained
2 cups vegetable broth (for a richer flavor)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn kernels (you can use fresh, frozen, or canned)
1 cup diced tomatoes (use canned for convenience or fresh for a garden taste)
1 small red onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin (for warm, earthy flavor)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (to add depth and a hint of smokiness)
1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for a burst of freshness as garnish)
Slices of avocado (for a creamy topping)
![- 4 large bell peppers - 1 cup quinoa - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 can black beans - 1 cup corn kernels - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1 small red onion - 2 cloves garlic - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro - Slices of avocado - Baking dish - Medium saucepan - Large skillet For this tasty dish, you need a few key ingredients. Start with four large bell peppers. These will be your edible bowls. I like to use red, yellow, or green ones for color. You'll also need one cup of quinoa, a great source of protein. Quinoa cooks in vegetable broth for extra flavor. A can of black beans adds texture and protein. Corn kernels give sweetness and crunch. You should also grab diced tomatoes, a small red onion, and garlic. These add depth to the filling. Ground cumin and smoked paprika bring warmth and flavor. A little olive oil helps cook the onions and garlic. Don’t forget salt and black pepper for seasoning. If you want to elevate your dish, I suggest garnishing with fresh cilantro and slices of avocado. They add a nice touch and richness. For cooking, use a baking dish to hold the peppers upright. A medium saucepan will be needed to cook the quinoa. Finally, a large skillet is perfect for sautéing the onions and garlic. These tools will help you create a flavorful and filling meal. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heat helps cook the peppers evenly. Next, take your bell peppers and carefully cut off the tops. Make sure to remove the seeds and white membranes inside. This step prevents bitterness. Once done, lightly brush the outside of each pepper with olive oil. This adds flavor and helps them brown nicely in the oven. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish. This keeps them stable while they bake. To cook the quinoa, first rinse it well under cold water. Rinsing removes the bitter coating called saponin. In a medium saucepan, mix the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth. This broth gives the quinoa a rich flavor. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The quinoa is done when it absorbs all the liquid and looks fluffy. While the quinoa cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in the diced red onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onions to become translucent. Then, add minced garlic, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook this for one more minute. This step makes the kitchen smell amazing. Next, mix in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and cooked quinoa. Stir everything well and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let it cook for another 5 minutes until warmed through. Now it’s time to fill the peppers! Generously spoon the quinoa mixture into each pepper. Pack it in slightly so they are full and hearty. After filling, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This keeps the moisture in while baking. Place the covered dish in your preheated oven. Bake the stuffed peppers for 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil. Let them bake for an additional 10 minutes. This step helps the tops get a nice color and texture. Once they are done, let them cool a bit before serving. You can garnish with fresh cilantro and avocado slices for extra flavor. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier sections. Enjoy your flavorful and filling vegan stuffed peppers! To make your vegan stuffed peppers burst with flavor, choose the right spices and herbs. Ground cumin adds warmth, while smoked paprika gives it a hint of smokiness. You can also try: - Oregano - Chili powder - Fresh basil Adding more vegetables enhances the taste and texture. Consider these options: - Diced zucchini - Chopped spinach - Shredded carrots Mixing in these vegetables not only improves flavor but also boosts nutrition. Evenly cooked quinoa is key for a great texture. Rinse the quinoa well before cooking. This removes bitterness and helps achieve a fluffy result. Use vegetable broth for added flavor. For the bell peppers, adjust their firmness based on your preference. If you like them soft, bake longer. If you want a bit of crunch, reduce the baking time. Remember, the goal is a balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can swap black beans for lentils or chickpeas. Lentils offer a soft texture and a mild flavor. They cook quickly, making them a great choice. Chickpeas add a nice bite and a nutty taste. If you're looking for grains, consider using brown rice or farro. Both options give a chewy texture that pairs well with peppers. To change the flavor, try adding different spices. Cumin and chili powder can bring warmth. For Italian-style, consider adding oregano and basil. For Mediterranean flair, use dill or za'atar. You can also mix in olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra zest. Each change can create a whole new dish. If you need gluten-free options, use quinoa or rice as the base. Both are safe for gluten-free diets. For nut-free substitutions, skip any nuts in toppings. You can replace avocado with a rich tahini sauce. This keeps your dish creamy without any nuts. Enjoy these variations to suit your taste and needs! To keep your vegan stuffed peppers fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container to prevent drying out. This way, you can enjoy them for up to 4 days. When you're ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or oven. For the microwave, heat on high for about 2-3 minutes. If using the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil to keep them moist. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until warm. If you want to save your stuffed peppers for longer, freezing is a great option. Let them cool completely before wrapping each pepper in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, move them from the freezer to the fridge a day before you plan to eat them. This gradual thawing keeps them moist. When ready to reheat, follow the same steps as above for the oven or microwave. Enjoy your flavorsome meal anytime! For the full recipe, check the link. To kick up the heat, you can add jalapeños to your filling. Just chop them finely and mix them in with the other ingredients. If you like, you can also drizzle your stuffed peppers with hot sauce before serving. This adds a nice kick without changing the main flavors. Yes, you can make these peppers in advance. Prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day before. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to bake. Just remember to cover them well to keep them fresh. When you are ready, bake them straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. These stuffed peppers pair well with a salad or some roasted veggies. You could serve them with a simple green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. For something warm, try roasting zucchini or carrots. Both options add color and flavor to your meal. You can find more ideas in the Full Recipe. Vegan stuffed peppers are simple and tasty. We covered key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for flavor. You can mix and match proteins, spices, and vegetables to fit your taste. Don't forget storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Experiment with these ideas to make the dish your own. I'm excited for you to enjoy this healthy meal, and I hope you find joy in making it!](https://eataroundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/a2fcb59a-6b34-42d6-8150-6e5a5073dce3-250x250.webp)