Gluten-Free Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Gluten-Free Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Julia

These vibrant stuffed peppers bring together the nutty flavor of quinoa with a savory blend of vegetables, herbs, and melted cheese for a satisfying gluten-free dinner that doesn't compromise on taste. Each bell pepper becomes a colorful vessel filled with protein-rich quinoa, black beans, sweet corn, and aromatic spices, creating a complete meal that's both nutritious and comforting.

Inspired by traditional stuffed pepper recipes found across Mediterranean and Latin American cuisines, this gluten-free version swaps out rice for quinoa, adding extra protein and a delightful texture. The quinoa absorbs all the wonderful flavors from the sautéed onions, garlic, and spices, while the peppers become tender and slightly caramelized during baking.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility and make-ahead convenience. You can customize the filling with your favorite vegetables, adjust the spice level to your preference, and even prepare the stuffed peppers in advance for an easy weeknight dinner. The combination of textures—from the tender pepper walls to the fluffy quinoa and creamy melted cheese—creates a harmonious bite every time.

Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or entertaining guests with dietary restrictions, these stuffed peppers are as beautiful as they are delicious. They're naturally gluten-free, packed with fiber and plant-based protein, and deliver a rainbow of nutrients in every serving.

Nutrition

1 hour 5 minutes
None servings
385 calories
Fat 13.00g
Carbs 52.00g
Protein 17.00g

Ingredients

4 largebell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
1 cupquinoa, uncooked
2 cupsvegetable broth
2 tbspolive oil
1 mediumyellow onion, diced
3 clovesgarlic, minced
1 can (15 oz)black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cupcorn kernels, fresh or frozen
1 can (14.5 oz)diced tomatoes, drained
1 tspground cumin
1 tspchili powder
1/2 tsppaprika
1 tspsalt
1/2 tspblack pepper
1 cupshredded cheddar cheese, gluten-free
1/4 cupfresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
1 wholelime, cut into wedges (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
Oven
measuring spoons
measuring cups
wooden spoon or spatula
medium saucepan with lid
fork
aluminum foil
chef's knife
fine-mesh strainer
large skillet
baking dish

80/20 Diet

These stuffed peppers align with the 80/20 approach, with the vast majority of ingredients being nutrient-dense whole foods like vegetables, quinoa, and black beans, while allowing for modest amounts of cheese that add flavor and satisfaction.

Clean Eating

This recipe exemplifies clean eating with whole, minimally processed ingredients including fresh vegetables, quinoa, black beans, and simple seasonings, avoiding refined sugars, white flour, and artificial additives while emphasizing recognizable whole foods.

Diabetic Diet

These stuffed peppers are diabetic-friendly with low glycemic index quinoa and black beans providing complex carbohydrates and fiber that support stable blood sugar levels, combined with non-starchy vegetables and balanced portions of protein and healthy fats.

Flexitarian Diet

This recipe exemplifies flexitarian eating by centering on plant-based ingredients like quinoa, black beans, corn, and vegetables as the foundation, with cheese as a supporting ingredient that can easily be reduced or omitted.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is completely gluten-free, using naturally gluten-free quinoa instead of traditional rice or grains, with all ingredients free from wheat, barley, rye, and gluten-containing additives, making it safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This recipe supports heart health with fiber-rich quinoa and black beans, abundant vegetables, olive oil for healthy fats, and minimal saturated fat, while the plant-based proteins and whole grains help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

High-Fiber Diet

This recipe is excellent for high-fiber diets, delivering substantial fiber from quinoa, black beans, corn, bell peppers, and tomatoes, easily providing 8-10 grams of fiber per serving to support digestive health and satiety.

Intermittent Fasting

These stuffed peppers are ideal for intermittent fasting eating windows, providing nutrient-dense whole foods with balanced macronutrients from quinoa, black beans, and vegetables that promote satiety and stable blood sugar throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

These stuffed peppers support intuitive eating principles by offering a satisfying, balanced meal with diverse textures and flavors from quinoa, beans, vegetables, and cheese, providing both nourishment and pleasure without restriction or food rules.

Mayo Clinic Diet

These stuffed peppers follow Mayo Clinic Diet principles with abundant vegetables, whole grain quinoa, plant-based proteins from black beans, and healthy fats from olive oil, creating a nutrient-dense meal with appropriate portions that supports sustainable weight loss.

Mindful Eating

This recipe encourages mindful eating through its vibrant colors, varied textures from fluffy quinoa to tender peppers, and aromatic spices that engage multiple senses, featuring whole, minimally processed ingredients that promote conscious consumption and satisfaction.

Plant-Based Diet

By omitting the cheese, this recipe becomes fully plant-based, featuring protein-rich quinoa and black beans, colorful vegetables, and whole food ingredients without any animal products.

Vegetarian Diet

These quinoa stuffed peppers are perfectly vegetarian, combining plant-based proteins from quinoa and black beans with vegetables and cheese, providing a complete and nutritionally balanced meatless meal.

Weight Watchers

This recipe aligns with Weight Watchers principles by emphasizing lean plant-based proteins from quinoa and black beans, abundant non-starchy vegetables, and minimal added fats, creating a satisfying and nutrient-dense meal that supports weight management.

Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2

Rinse the quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water for about 30 seconds to remove any bitter coating.

1 min
3
5 min

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat.

4
15 min

Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until all liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.

5

Once quinoa is cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

5 min
6

While quinoa cooks, cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove all seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside of peppers with a bit of olive oil.

3 min
7

Place the prepared bell peppers upright in a baking dish and set aside.

8

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

1 min
9
5 min

Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.

10
1 min

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.

11

Add the black beans, corn, drained diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.

12
4 min

Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through and well combined.

13

Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet and stir everything together until thoroughly mixed. Remove from heat.

1 min
14

Taste the filling and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper if needed.

15

Spoon the quinoa mixture evenly into each prepared bell pepper, packing it down gently and mounding it slightly on top.

2 min
16

Pour about 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish to prevent the peppers from drying out.

17

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

30 min
18

Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers.

19

Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the peppers are tender.

15 min
20

Remove from the oven and let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving.

5 min
21

Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions