Go Back
baked bell pepper halves filled with ground beef, quinoa, black beans and yellow corn under a modest melted-Pepper-Jack topping in a plain baking dish
Andre Lewis

Mexican Beef and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Quinoa gives the filling a light, slightly springy texture among the beef, corn and black beans. Cook it before mixing so the small grains have enough liquid and time to open. The salsa adds moisture as well as seasoning, so simmer the beef mixture until a spoonful holds together before you fill the peppers. Pepper Jack is enough cheese for the top. The filling already has plenty going on, and a thick dairy lid would make the quinoa and vegetables harder to taste.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers halved lengthwise and seeded
  • 1/3 cup dry quinoa rinsed
  • 2/3 cup water for quinoa
  • 1 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 lb 90% lean ground beef
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1/2 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn
  • 1/2 cup chunky tomato salsa
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp fine salt
  • 3 oz Pepper Jack cheese grated

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Combine quinoa and its water in a saucepan, bring to a simmer, cover and cook over low heat for 15 minutes; rest covered for 5 minutes.
  2. While the quinoa cooks, brush pepper halves with 1 teaspoon oil and arrange cut-side up in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bake empty for 15 minutes.
  3. While the peppers bake, heat remaining oil in a skillet and brown beef and onion for 7 to 8 minutes until the meat reaches 160°F. Drain excess fat.
  4. Stir in beans, corn, salsa, chili powder, cumin and salt and simmer for 4 minutes until thick. Fold in cooked quinoa and divide among the softened peppers.
  5. Scatter Pepper Jack over the filling and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the peppers are tender and the centers reach 165°F. Rest for 5 minutes and serve two halves per person.