Pass the Health

A Healthy Twist on Stuffed Peppers

Looking for a hearty, plant-based meal that’s both filling and nutritious? Quinoa and Lentil Stuffed Peppers are the perfect choice. Packed with protein from quinoa and lentils, along with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, these stuffed peppers are a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. With a blend of savory ingredients like fire-roasted tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasonings, each bite is bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re following a plant-based diet or just looking for a healthy, high-protein meal, these Quinoa and Lentil Stuffed Peppers are an excellent choice for any occasion. They’re easy to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings and ingredients.

Why Quinoa and Lentil Stuffed Peppers Are a Great Choice

These stuffed peppers are more than just delicious—they’re also packed with essential nutrients that support a healthy lifestyle:

Quinoa: A complete protein, quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s rich in fiber, which supports digestion and helps you feel full longer. Quinoa also contains magnesium, which supports heart health and muscle function.
Lentils: Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, iron, and fiber, making them great for muscle building, boosting energy, and supporting digestive health. They also help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: These tomatoes add a smoky flavor to the dish, along with vitamin C and antioxidants that support your immune system and overall health.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, sun-dried tomatoes promote heart health and may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast is a great vegan alternative to cheese and adds a cheesy flavor along with B vitamins that support brain function and energy production.
Bell Peppers: Full of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and fiber, bell peppers support your immune system, promote healthy skin, and aid in digestion.

These Quinoa and Lentil Stuffed Peppers are a great source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a perfect choice for anyone looking for a delicious, nutritious, and filling meal.

For more information on the health benefits of quinoa and lentils, check out this informative article from Healthline: The Benefits of Quinoa and Lentils.

Ingredients for Quinoa and Lentil Stuffed Peppers

For the Filling:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
½ cup French green lentils (or brown lentils)
½ cup uncooked quinoa
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus extra for seasoning)
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
1 cup low sodium vegetable broth (plus more if needed)
1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (rehydrated if dry-packed)
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (or Parmesan for non-vegan)

For the Peppers:

4 large red bell peppers
Optional non-dairy mozzarella cheese or cashew cream
2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped

How to Make Quinoa and Lentil Stuffed Peppers: Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it starts to soften. Stir occasionally. Add the Italian seasoning, kosher salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Cook for another 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
Cook the Filling
Add the lentils, quinoa, vegetable broth, fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, and sun-dried tomatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-28 minutes until the lentils are tender. Stir halfway through and add more broth if needed.
Prepare the Peppers
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise, remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange them cut side up in the baking dish.
Drizzle and Pre-Bake the Peppers
Drizzle the insides of the peppers with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt. Pour a thin layer of water into the bottom of the pan. Bake the peppers uncovered for 20 minutes to soften.
Fill the Peppers
Stir the nutritional yeast into the cooked lentil and quinoa mixture. Carefully fill each pepper half with the cooked mixture. If using, top with non-dairy mozzarella cheese or cashew cream.
Bake and Garnish
Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

This Quinoa and Lentil Stuffed Peppers recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be easily customized with your favorite vegetables or proteins. It’s great for a wholesome family meal or even a dinner party!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 350 kcal
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Fiber: 12g
Sugar: 8g
Vitamin A: 25%
Vitamin C: 40%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 15%

Packed with fiber, protein, and antioxidants, this meal is both filling and nutritious. It provides a great balance of macronutrients, making it a perfect choice for those following a plant-based diet or anyone looking for a satisfying meal.

Why You Should Try Quinoa and Lentil Stuffed Peppers

If you’re looking for a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s packed with protein and fiber, this Quinoa and Lentil Stuffed Peppers recipe is a must-try! It’s an easy, versatile dish that’s full of flavor and nutrients. The combination of quinoa, lentils, and fresh vegetables makes for a filling meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.

Try this recipe today for a delicious, nutrient-dense dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week! If you’re looking for another healthy dinner idea, check out this Grilled Chicken Salad with Avocado & Lime for a light and refreshing option.

Try Quinoa and Lentil Stuffed Peppers Today!

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out! Feel free to leave a comment with any tweaks you made or share your version on Instagram and tag me—I love seeing your creations!

Did you try this Quinoa and Lentil Stuffed Peppers recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comments or see your beautiful creation on Instagram!