Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Amazing Mexican-inspired quinoa stuffed peppers made with just 10 ingredients! Simple, flavorful, full of protein and fiber, and entirely vegan and gluten-free!

PREP TIME 10 minutes

COOK TIME 1 hour 25 minutes

TOTAL TIME 1 hour 35 minutes

INGREDIENTS

Peppers 

1 cup quinoa or rice (thoroughly rinsed and drained) 

2 scant cups vegetable stock (sub water, but it will be less flavorful) 

4 large red, yellow, or orange bell peppers (halved, seeds removed) 

1/2 cup salsa (plus more for serving) 

1 Tbsp nutritional yeast (optional) 

2 tsp cumin powder 

1 1/2 tsp chili powder 

1 1/2 tsp garlic powder 

1 15-ounce can black beans (drained // if unsalted, add 1/4 tsp sea salt per can) 

1 cup whole kernel corn (drained)

TOPPINGS

1 ripe avocado (sliced) 

Fresh lime juice

Hot sauce 

Cilantro (chopped) 

Diced red onion 

Creamy Cilantro Dressing 

Chipotle Red Salsa (or your favorite salsa)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add quinoa and vegetable stock to a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until all liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy - about 20 minutes. 

2. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 C) and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish or rimmed baking sheet. 

3. Brush halved peppers with a neutral, high heat oil, such as avocado oil or refined coconut oil. 

4. Add cooked quinoa to a large mixing bowl and add remaining ingredients - salsa through corn. Mix to thoroughly combine then taste and adjust seasonings accordingly, adding salt, pepper, or more spices as desired. 

5. Generously stuff halved peppers with quinoa mixture until all peppers are full, then cover the dish with foil. 

6. Bake for 30 minutes covered. Then remove foil, increase heat to 400 degrees F (204 C), and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until peppers are soft and slightly golden brown. For softer peppers, bake 5-10 minutes more. 

7. Serve with desired toppings (listed above) or as is. Best when fresh, though leftovers keep covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in a 350-degree F (176 C) oven until warmed through - about 20 minutes.