Vegan Stuffed Peppers: The Ultimate Flavor-Packed Recipe You Need to Try
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the best vegan stuffed peppers step by step. You’ll also discover pro tips for ingredient swaps, alternative cooking methods, and expert tricks to get the most flavor out of every bite.

Ingredients and Substitutions
To make these delicious stuffed peppers, you need a combination of fresh vegetables, grains, and flavorful spices. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Ingredients Table:
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Bell peppers | 4 large | Any color works (red is the sweetest) |
Cooked quinoa | 1 cup | Swap with rice, couscous, or farro |
Black beans | 1 can (15 oz) | Drained and rinsed (or use chickpeas) |
Corn kernels | 1 cup | Fresh, frozen, or canned |
Onion | 1 medium | Diced |
Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced |
Tomato | 1 medium | Diced (or ½ cup canned) |
Cumin | 1 tsp | Adds warmth |
Chili powder | 1 tsp | Optional for heat |
Smoked paprika | ½ tsp | Enhances smoky depth |
Salt & Pepper | To taste | Adjust seasoning as needed |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp | For sautéing |
Fresh cilantro | ¼ cup | Optional, for garnish |
Nutritional yeast | ¼ cup | Optional, for a cheesy flavor |
Tomato sauce | ½ cup | Optional, adds extra moisture |
Lime wedges | For serving | Enhances flavor with a citrusy finish |

Step-by-Step Instructions for Vegan Stuffed Pepper
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the tops off each bell pepper and remove the seeds and membranes. If desired, chop up the pepper tops and add them to the filling later.
- Season the inside of the peppers with a pinch of salt to enhance their flavor.
- Place the peppers upright in a baking dish. If they tip over, gently trim the bottoms to make them stand upright.
👉 Pro Tip: If you prefer softer bell peppers, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before stuffing.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomato, quinoa, black beans, and corn kernels, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
- Cook the mixture for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- If desired, stir in nutritional yeast for a slightly cheesy flavor or add tomato sauce for extra moisture.
👉 Pro Tip: For extra flavor, squeeze in some fresh lime juice just before stuffing the peppers!

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
- Spoon the filling into the hollowed-out bell peppers, pressing it down gently so they are well-packed.
- If you have leftover filling, serve it as a side dish or save it for another meal.
- Pour a little tomato sauce over the top of each pepper to keep them moist during baking.
👉 Pro Tip: If you like crispy tops, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips on top before baking!
Step 4: Bake the Peppers
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to slightly brown the tops.
👉 Pro Tip: If using an air fryer, cook the stuffed peppers at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from the oven and let the peppers cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side for a citrusy boost.
👉 Pro Tip: Pair these stuffed peppers with avocado slices, guacamole, or a side salad for a complete meal!
For a different grilled protein option, check out this Grilled Chicken Sandwich Recipe!
FAQs About Vegan Stuffed Pepper:
1. What are some common ingredients used in Vegan Stuffed Peppers?
Common ingredients include cooked rice, chopped red onion, garlic, kidney beans, and savory tofu filling that mimics the taste of traditional ground beef.
2. How long should Vegan Stuffed Peppers be baked in the oven?
Vegan Stuffed Peppers typically need to be baked for about 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until the peppers are tender.
3. Can I make Vegan Stuffed Peppers in an air fryer?
Yes! You can par-cook the peppers in an air fryer at 350°F for about 4 minutes after adding water to the bottom of the basket.

Vegan Stuffed Pepper Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Try this hearty Vegan Stuffed Peppers recipe with quinoa, black beans, and flavorful spices. A healthy and satisfying plant-based dish!
Ingredients
For the Peppers:
- Bell peppers – 4 large (any color, red is the sweetest)
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon (for sautéing)
- Salt & pepper – To taste (enhances flavor)
For the Filling:
- Cooked quinoa – 1 cup (or swap with rice, couscous, or farro)
- Black beans – 1 can (15 oz) (drained and rinsed, or use chickpeas)
- Corn kernels – 1 cup (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Onion – 1 medium, diced
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Tomato – 1 medium, diced (or ½ cup canned diced tomatoes)
- Cumin – 1 teaspoon (adds warmth)
- Chili powder – 1 teaspoon (optional for heat)
- Smoked paprika – ½ teaspoon (for a smoky depth)
- Nutritional yeast – ¼ cup (optional, for a cheesy flavor boost)
- Tomato sauce – ½ cup (optional, adds extra moisture)
- Fresh cilantro – ¼ cup (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges – For serving (adds a citrusy brightness)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Peppers
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. (Chop the tops to use in the filling, if desired.)
- Lightly season the insides of the peppers with a pinch of salt.
- Place the peppers upright in a baking dish. If they tip over, trim a bit off the bottom to make them stable.
💡 Pro Tip: If you prefer softer bell peppers, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before stuffing.
2️⃣ Cook the Filling
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced tomato, quinoa, black beans, and corn, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Stir in nutritional yeast for extra cheesiness or tomato sauce for added moisture.
💡 Pro Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze in some fresh lime juice before stuffing the peppers!
3️⃣ Stuff the Peppers
- Spoon the quinoa and bean filling into the hollowed-out bell peppers.
- Press down gently so they are well-packed.
- Pour a little tomato sauce over the top of each pepper to keep them moist while baking.
💡 Pro Tip: Love crispy tops? Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips over the peppers before baking!
4️⃣ Bake the Peppers
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes to slightly brown the tops.
💡 Air Fryer Method: Cook stuffed peppers at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
- Let the peppers cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve with avocado slices, guacamole, or a side salad for a complete meal.
💡 Pro Tip: Pair these stuffed peppers with a creamy avocado sauce or a spicy salsa for an extra layer of flavor!
Notes
These Vegan Stuffed Peppers are perfect with:
🥑 Guacamole or avocado slices for creaminess.
🥗 A fresh side salad with a zesty dressing.
🍚 Cilantro-lime rice or quinoa for extra heartiness.
🌮 Tortilla chips and salsa for a Tex-Mex twist.
💡 For a high-protein meal, try pairing these with crispy air-fried tofu or a vegan chickpea salad!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 10g
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