Description
Enjoy these Diabetes-Friendly Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers – a delicious, high-fiber, and protein-packed meal perfect for balanced blood sugar levels. Made with quinoa, black beans, and veggies, this easy, plant-based recipe is flavorful, satisfying, and great for meal prep!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6.5 oz. (185g) uncooked quinoa, rinsed
- 16 fl oz. (470ml) vegetable stock
- 6 medium bell peppers, tops cut off, cores removed
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz. (400g) canned diced tomatoes
- 14 oz. (400g) canned black beans, drained & rinsed
- 5 oz. (140g) frozen corn, thawed
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 3.5 oz. (100g) shredded vegan cheese
- Cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Quinoa
- In a pot, combine rinsed quinoa and vegetable stock.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, until liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat, let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
2. Prepare the Bell Peppers
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- Place them cut side up in a baking dish with a little water at the bottom to prevent burning.
3. Make the Quinoa Filling
- Heat 1 tbsp. olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring frequently.
- Stir in cooked quinoa, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, cumin, paprika, salt (½ tsp.), and black pepper (¼ tsp.).
- Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
4. Fill and Bake
- Spoon the quinoa mixture into the prepared bell peppers.
- Sprinkle shredded vegan cheese over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm!
Notes
✔ Choose Firm Bell Peppers – They hold their shape better after baking.
✔ Pre-Cook Peppers for Softer Texture – If you like extra-tender peppers, microwave or steam them for 5 minutes before stuffing.
✔ Add Extra Protein – Stir in cooked lentils or shredded chicken for a protein boost.
✔ Make It Spicy – Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for heat.
✔ Want to lower the carb count? – pull back on the quinoa and add more veg.
✔ Meal Prep Friendly – These store well in the fridge for 3–4 days, making them great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Diabetes-Friendly, Plant-Based
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Vegetarian, Vegan-Friendly, Healthy Eating
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 307
- Sugar: 9.5 g
- Sodium: 469 mg
- Fat: 7.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 50.9 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 11.2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg