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In the realm of comfort food, Cheesy Beef and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers stand out as a nutritious and satisfying choice. This dish combines vibrant bell peppers with a hearty filling that brings together the rich flavors of ground beef, the nutty taste of quinoa, and the gooey goodness of cheese. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner, meal prep ideas, or a dish that checks all the boxes for flavor and nutrition, these stuffed peppers deliver on all fronts.

Cheesy Beef and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Discover the comforting goodness of Cheesy Beef and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers, a nutritious meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. This vibrant dish features tender bell peppers filled with a hearty mix of ground beef, protein-packed quinoa, and gooey cheese. It's not only visually stunning but also adaptable for different dietary needs. Try swapping the meat for lentils or experimenting with various grains to create your ideal stuffed pepper. Enjoy a wholesome and flavorful meal that checks all the boxes!
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Ingredients
  

4 large bell peppers (any color, tops cut off and seeds removed)

1 cup quinoa, rinsed thoroughly

2 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian alternative)

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1 cup corn (use fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend)

Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and beef broth. Bring to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed all the liquid and is fluffy. Once done, remove from the heat and set aside.

      While the quinoa cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain off any excess fat if necessary.

        Incorporate the diced onion and minced garlic into the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

          Add the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and cooked quinoa to the beef mixture. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly, and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Remove from heat.

            Fold 1 cup of shredded cheese into the beef and quinoa mixture, stirring until melted and evenly combined.

              Carefully stuff each bell pepper with the hearty beef and quinoa filling, pressing down gently to pack it in. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.

                Evenly distribute the remaining shredded cheese atop the stuffed peppers for a delightful cheesy finish.

                  Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

                    Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. For an added touch, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. Enjoy your warm and hearty meal!

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the stuffed peppers on a large platter, drizzling some extra diced tomatoes or a sprinkle of chili powder around the base for added color and flair.