Easy Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers with Beans – Gluten-Free

Make dinner easy and delicious with these vegetarian stuffed peppers. Each colorful pepper is filled with beans, quinoa and fresh veggies for a meal that’s high in protein and full of flavor. This recipe is quick to prepare, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep. It’s a healthy family favorite that you will want to make again and again.

vegetarian stuffed peppers with melted cheese on a shite plate with a salad and lime wedges

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Recipe Highlights:


  • READY in 40 minutes
  • HIGH in plant-based protein
  • PERFECT for meal prep
  • NATURALLY gluten-free

Here is what you will need

a picture of the ingredients needed to make vegetarian stuffed peppers: bell peppers, chili powder, lime juice cilantro, oregano, black beans, cheese, onions, tomatoes


  • Bell Peppers
  • Cooked Quinoa
  • Olive Oil
  • Onion
  • Fresh Garlic
  • Diced Tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • Black Beans (canned or cooked)
  • Chili Powder
  • Fresh Cilantro
  • Fresh Oregano (or dried)
  • Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese or Pepperjack Cheese

Missing an Ingredient? Find a Substitute!

How to make vegetarian stuffed peppers with beans

Prepare the ingredients: chop the onions, garlic, tomatoes, cilantro, and oregano. Squeeze the lime juice and shred the cheddar cheese.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium to high heat and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

onions and garlic in a saute pan cooking

Step 1. Once the oil is hot, reduce the heat to medium and add the onions and garlic; cook for a few minutes until they soften.

Stuffing for peppers in a skillet topped with cilantro and a spoon

Step 2. Add the quinoa, tomatoes, beans, chili powder and cilantro to the skillet and mix well.

stuffing for stuffed peppers in a pan with lime juice pouring in

Step 3. Stir in the fresh lime juice and mix everything together.

a process picture of the stuffed peppers filled without cheese topping

Step 4. Fill the peppers. Use a spoon to fill the bell pepper halves with the filling, and place them on a baking sheet.

stuffed peppers with shredded cheese

Step 5. Sprinkle on the cheese and bake for 20 minutes until the peppers become tender and the cheese melts.


Tips


  • Use baby peppers and serve these as an appetizer.
  • Cut off a small portion from the underside of the peppers to keep them stable in the pan.
  • The peppers will be slightly crisp. If you prefer them softer, place them n the oven for about 10 minutes before stuffing them.

How to make vegetarian stuffed peppers ahead of time

These peppers are perfect for meal prep. You have two options: you can either make the entire recipe and assemble the peppers without the cheese topping up to two days ahead of time, or you can cook the quinoa and prepare the filling, as well as the bell peppers, ahead of time and store them in separate containers for two to three days. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the peppers, top them with grated cheese, bake for 20 minutes, and enjoy!

An overhead view of stuffed peppers on a baking pan with melted cheese

Vegan – Replace the cheese with 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.

Italian – Skip the chili powder, cumin, cilantro, and black beans. Instead, add 1 tablespoon chopped basil, 1 cup white beans, 1 cup cooked rice, farro or orzo, an extra clove of chopped garlic, and top them with mozzarella cheese.

Lower carb – Replace the quinoa with cauliflower rice.

A close up of a stuffed pepper with melted cheese on a white plate

How to store leftover stuffed peppers

Leftover cooked stuffed peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container.

Reheat leftover vegetarian stuffed peppers in the microwave or cover and place in a preheated 350°F oven for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

Though I have not tried it personally, you can freeze leftovers. Once they reach room temperature, place them in the freezer where they will last for up to 3 months.

What to serve with vegetarian stuffed peppers

Vegetarian stuffed peppers taste great with a big green salad like an arugula salad, kale, and brussels sprouts salad, or spinach salad for a balanced meal.

Top the peppers with a dollop of Greek yogurt, sour cream or fresh, homemade guacamole, sliced green onions, or jalapeno peppers on the side.   

Two stuffed peppers on a plate with a salad and a fork
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a half of red bell pepper stuffed and topped with melted cheese on a plate with lettuce

Simple Stuffed Peppers

Simple Stuffed peppers are made with quinoa and beans for a hearty vegetarian dinner.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Click on serving size to scale this recipe

Course: Dinner Recipes
Cuisine: American/Mexican
Keyword: Vegetarian stuffed bell peppers
Servings: 4
Calories: 317kcal
Author: Anne

Simple Stuffed Peppers

Scale this Recipe 4

Ingredients

  • 4 bell peppers
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup diced onion approximately one small onion
  • 1 clove garlic chopped
  • 1 cups diced tomatoes Fresh or canned
  • 1 cups black beans canned and rinsed or cooked
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro
  • 2 teaspoons fresh chopped oregano
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded pepper jack cheese
Find an Ingredient Substitute

Instructions

  • Prepare the ingredients: Chop the onions, garlic, tomatoes, cilantro, and oregano. Squeeze the lime juice and shred the cheese. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees f.
  • Cut the stems off of the peppers and slice the peppers in half vertically. Remove the membrane and set them aside.
  • Add  1 tablespoon of olive oil to a saute pan and the garlic and onions – cook until they begin to soften.
  • Add the quinoa, tomatoes, beans, chili powder, and cilantro; mix well.
  • Next, stir in the lime juice mix until all ingredients are combined.
  • Spoon the stuffing mixture into each pepper half and top with cheese.
  • Place the peppers into a preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melted.

Notes

Substitutions
Cheese – cheddar cheese  can be replaced with any type of cheese.  Try any combination of: Monterey jack, pepper jack, cotija, queso fresco, feta or goat cheese.
Beans –  can be substituted with pinto beans or kidney beans.
Quinoa – an equal amount of any cooked whole grain will work. Try:  brown rice, wheat berries, millet, farro, or barley.
Need a Substitute? Try this ingredient swap assistant!
How To Store Leftovers:
Leftover stuffed cooked stuffed peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container.
Reheat leftover vegetarian stuffed peppers in the microwave or cover and place in a preheated 350 oven for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Vegetarian stuffed peppers taste great with a big green salad like an arugula salad, kale, and brussels sprouts salad, or spinach salad for a balanced meal.
Top the peppers with a dollop of Greek yogurt, sour cream or fresh, homemade guacamole, sliced green onions, or jalapeno peppers on the side.   

Nutrition

Serving: 2halves | Calories: 317kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 144mg | Potassium: 779mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 4559IU | Vitamin C: 162mg | Calcium: 184mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and can vary based on cooking methods and ingredients used

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One Comment

  1. Thanks for posting! I’m always looking for new vegetarian recipes to work into rotation! This looks great! Thanks!