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To make flavorful Tex-Mex stuffed peppers, gather these key ingredients: - 4 large bell peppers (any color) - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Lime wedges (for serving) Each ingredient adds its own flair. The bell peppers serve as a tasty vessel. Quinoa gives a nutty flavor and a nice texture. Black beans add protein and a creamy bite. Corn brings sweetness and crunch. Diced tomatoes with green chilies give a zesty kick. The spices—cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika—bring warmth and depth. Cheese melts into a gooey, savory topping. Finally, cilantro and lime add brightness when you serve the dish. This mix creates a balanced meal that bursts with flavor. Each bite is a celebration of Tex-Mex cuisine. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gets the oven ready for baking. 2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers. Remove the seeds and white parts. Place them upright in a baking dish. 3. In a large bowl, mix the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with chilies, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well. 4. Spoon the quinoa mixture into each bell pepper. Pack it down gently for even filling. 5. Top each pepper with a generous amount of shredded cheese. This makes them cheesy and delicious. 6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes. This keeps the peppers moist. 7. After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. The cheese should be bubbly and golden. 8. Take the peppers out of the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes. This helps avoid burns when you eat. 9. Garnish the stuffed peppers with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges. Squeeze lime over the peppers for extra flavor. - To get the best texture, use fresh ingredients. Fresh corn adds a nice crunch. - Cook the quinoa well so it’s fluffy. Rinse it before cooking to remove any bitterness. - To enhance flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice to the filling. It brightens each bite. - If you love heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. - If you don’t have black beans, you can use pinto beans or kidney beans instead. Both add great protein. - For cheese, try using a vegan cheese or leave it out for a lighter dish. Nutritional yeast is a good option for a cheesy flavor. - A sharp knife helps you cut the peppers easily. - Use a spoon to scoop out the seeds without damaging the pepper. - A large mixing bowl makes it easy to mix the filling. - Grab a baking dish that fits your peppers snugly. This helps them stay upright while baking. - An oven mitt is a must for safe handling when removing hot dishes from the oven. Pro Tips Choose Colorful Peppers: Using a mix of colored bell peppers not only makes the dish visually appealing but also adds a variety of flavors. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced zucchini, mushrooms, or cooked ground meat to the quinoa mixture for added flavor and texture. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or feta for a tangy twist. Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the stuffed peppers a day in advance and refrigerate them. Just bake them right before serving for an easy meal. {{image_2}} You can make great vegetarian stuffed peppers using meat alternatives. Try using lentils or crumbled tofu. Both options add protein and texture. Extra vegetable fillings also work well. You might add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. These veggies boost flavor and nutrition. If you like heat, add jalapeños to your filling. Diced jalapeños give a nice kick. You can also adjust spice levels to fit your taste. Use more chili powder or add hot sauce. Just remember, a little goes a long way! When serving, pair these stuffed peppers with sides like rice or a fresh salad. Adding guacamole or sour cream can enhance the dish's flavor. Fresh cilantro on top adds color and taste. Lime wedges will brighten each bite. Enjoy your meal! To keep your Tex-Mex stuffed peppers fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. They will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. If you see any signs of spoilage, it's best to toss them out. You can freeze stuffed peppers before or after baking. If you freeze them before baking, wrap each pepper tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months. If you freeze them after baking, wait for them to cool. Wrap them the same way and store. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the peppers overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Make sure they are heated through. You can also use the microwave for quicker reheating. Just cover them to keep moisture in. Can I use other types of peppers? Yes, you can use many types of peppers. Bell peppers are common due to their sweet taste. You can try poblano or Anaheim peppers for heat and flavor. How do I make this recipe vegan? To make it vegan, replace cheese with vegan cheese or skip it. Use plant-based protein or lentils instead of black beans for added texture. What are the best sides to serve with stuffed peppers? Great sides include a fresh salad, Mexican rice, or tortilla chips and salsa. These options add color and flavor to your meal. Can I prepare the filling in advance? Yes, you can make the filling a day before. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. This saves time and makes cooking easier. How to tell when the peppers are done? Peppers are done when they are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden. A fork should easily pierce the skin. Can I use brown rice instead of quinoa? Yes, brown rice is fine. Just cook it fully before mixing it into the filling. It will change the flavor and texture but will still be delicious. You learned how to make delicious stuffed peppers with easy steps. We covered the main ingredients, preparation, and baking methods. I shared tips for perfect texture and flavor. You can customize with vegetarian options or spicy twists. Proper storage and reheating keep leftovers tasty. These stuffed peppers are crowd-pleasers and versatile. They can fit any meal or occasion. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this fun recipe!

Tex-Mex Fiesta Stuffed Peppers

Delicious stuffed bell peppers filled with quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices, topped with melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
  • to taste fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • to taste lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them upright in a baking dish.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
  • Spoon the quinoa mixture into each prepared bell pepper, packing it down gently.
  • Top each stuffed pepper with a generous handful of shredded cheese.
  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Carefully remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
  • Garnish the stuffed peppers with fresh chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges for added flavor.
Keyword quinoa, stuffed peppers, Tex-Mex, vegetarian