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Vegan Stuffed Peppers with Smoky Corn and Quinoa

These vegan stuffed peppers are filled with a hearty mixture of quinoa, black beans, and roasted corn, seasoned with smoky paprika and cumin. Baked until tender and slightly charred around the edges, they boast a colorful, bubbling filling that’s both comforting and vibrant, with a smoky aroma that evokes summer cookouts.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Plant-Based
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers preferably large and firm
  • 1 cup quinoa cooked
  • 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup roasted corn kernels fresh or frozen
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for smoky depth
  • 1 teaspoon cumin ground
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste or tomato sauce
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning
  • fresh for garnish cilantro or parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking dish
  • Skillet
  • Chef’s knife
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and lightly oil a baking dish.
  2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes, creating a cavity for the filling.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil, then sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes, filling the kitchen with a savory aroma.
  4. Add the cooked quinoa, rinsed black beans, roasted corn, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should look vibrant and fragrant, with the spices evenly coated.
  5. Stuff each prepared pepper with the filling, pressing down gently to pack the mixture into the cavity.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the tomato paste with a splash of water and spoon a little over each stuffed pepper to add moisture and richness.
  7. Place the filled peppers upright in the baking dish and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and slightly charred around the edges, with bubbling filling.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the peppers rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh burst of flavor.
  9. Serve warm, enjoying the smoky, hearty filling and tender roasted peppers — perfect for a cozy, satisfying meal.