Stuffed Enchilada Peppers

I love anything with the word "Enchilada" in the title.  These Stuffed Enchilada Peppers were easily added to the list.  They were quickly devoured by the family!  There were a couple kids who just ate the filling, but the rest of them even ate the peppers.  In my house, that's quite the accomplishment!  My kids love their veggies - even brussel sprouts (gag!) but for some reason don't care much for peppers.

The Stuffed Enchilada Peppers are full of flavor and I love the texture the quinoa gives it.  Love. That. Stuff!

4 bell peppers, cut in half from stem to bottom and seeds removed (I used all green this time)
1 cup quinoa, uncooked
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable for a vegetarian version)
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
1 (4 ounce) can green chiles, not drained
1 roma tomato, diced
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 (28 ounce) can red enchilada sauce
1 cup cheese, shredded (I used cheddar)

Combine chicken broth, quinoa, and onion in a medium sized pan.  Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover the pan; let simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed.  Pour enchilada sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.  Place cut bell pepper on a microwave safe plate and cover with plastic wrap.  Microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, then place on top of the enchilada sauce in the 9x13 inch baking dish (I microwaved 4 half peppers at a time).  Place black beans, chiles, tomato, cilantro, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl.  Add cooked quinoa and mix well.  Divide the mixture between the bell pepper halves, then sprinkle with cheese.  Cut a piece of aluminum foil large enough to cover the pan.  Spray with non-stick cooking spray and place over the pan.  Bake the stuffed peppers at 350 for 25 minutes.  Remove the foil covering and bake for an additional 5 minutes.  To serve, top stuffed peppers with the enchilada sauce they were baked in.

Recipe from One Lovely Life.

Linked on Sweet and Savory Saturdays, Party in Polka Dots, Manic Monday, Weekend re-Treat, Strut Your Stuff, Tatertots & Jello and Pinworthy Projects.