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Savory Southwest Quinoa Stuffed Tomatoes

A delightful combination of quinoa, black beans, corn, and spices stuffed into juicy tomatoes. Baked to perfection, these stuffed tomatoes are a hearty, healthy, and flavorful meal.

⏱
Prep Time 20 min
🔥
Cook Time 25 min
⏰
Total Time 45 min
👥
Servings 4
⭐
Difficulty Medium
American Vegetarian Dinner

About This Recipe

What if we take a classic dish like stuffed tomatoes and give it a southwest twist? That's exactly what this recipe does. It's a fusion of flavors originating from the traditional Italian stuffed tomatoes and the vibrant tastes of the southwest cuisine. The core of this dish is quinoa, a superfood known for its high protein content and all nine essential amino acids. We combine it with black beans, corn, onions and a blend of spices for a filling that's both nutritious and delicious. To top it all off, we bake these stuffed tomatoes until they're tender and juicy, making for a truly comforting meal. Whether you're a vegetarian looking for a new dinner favorite or someone simply seeking a wholesome, balanced meal, this recipe is for you.

Reference photos to help you picture the finished recipe.

Ingredients

  • 4 large ripe tomatoes
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Nutrition Facts

295 Calories 15% daily value
12.10g Protein 24% daily value
33.50g Carbs 11% daily value
11.60g Fat 18% daily value
7.20g Fiber 29% daily value

Instructions

  1. 1
    Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2
    Step 2: Cut the tops off the tomatoes and scoop out the insides, leaving a thick shell. Place the tomatoes in a baking dish.
  3. 3
    Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the quinoa, black beans, corn, onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. 4
    Step 4: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the quinoa mixture and saute until the onions are translucent and the spices are well incorporated.
  5. 5
    Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro.
  6. 6
    Step 6: Stuff each tomato with the quinoa mixture, pressing gently to pack it in. Top each tomato with shredded cheese.
  7. 7
    Step 7: Bake for 25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

💡 tips

You can also add diced bell peppers or shredded chicken to the quinoa mixture for extra flavor and protein.

🔄 substitutions

Replace quinoa with brown rice or couscous if desired. Vegan cheese can be used as a dairy-free alternative.

📦 storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

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