– 4 large bell peppers (any color)
– 1 cup cooked quinoa (or rice)
– 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
– 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
– 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped, optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 cup salsa (for topping)
Making Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to create this incredible dish:
1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
3. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa (or rice), black beans, corn, 1 cup of cheese, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro. Mix until well combined.
4. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the mixture evenly into each prepared bell pepper, packing it slightly to ensure it stays together.
5. Add Salsa: Pour salsa over the top of each stuffed pepper, allowing it to drip down the sides.
6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top of the filled peppers.
7. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
8. Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
9. Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving.
If you want to elevate the flavor, consider adding additional toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or avocado just before serving!