Colorful Mexican-Inspired Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Peppers bursting with zesty taco stuffed peppers deliver a mouthwatering twist on classic Mexican-inspired cuisine.

Tender bell peppers cradle a savory blend of seasoned ground beef and robust spices.

Each colorful pepper becomes a delectable vessel for a hearty filling that dances with flavor.

Melted cheese adds a creamy richness that complements the robust meat mixture.

The combination creates a balanced meal packed with protein and vibrant vegetables.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, these stuffed peppers promise a delightful dinner solution that will satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Grab a fork and prepare for a fiesta of taste in every single bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Taco Stuffed Peppers Ingredient Rundown

• Bell Peppers: Vibrant vessels for our delicious filling, choose peppers that are firm, glossy, and free from blemishes with sturdy walls for easy stuffing.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the natural pepper flavor and bring out subtle taste nuances.

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that provides rich, meaty foundation for the dish, select lean beef for less grease and better texture.
• Rice: Fluffy grain that adds substance and helps bind the filling together, pre-cooked works best for quick preparation.
• Black Beans: Protein-packed legumes that contribute creamy texture and earthy flavor, rinsed to reduce sodium.

• Onion: Aromatic vegetable that brings depth and sweetness to the meat mixture, dice finely for even distribution.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that adds robust flavor profile, fresh cloves provide more intense taste than pre-minced.
• Taco Seasoning: Spice blend that infuses Mexican-inspired zest, can use store-bought or homemade mix.
• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy addition that adds moisture and tangy brightness to the filling.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that provide delightful pop of texture and subtle sweetness.

• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that creates golden, crispy layer, choose Mexican blend or cheddar for best results.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps prevent sticking and adds subtle richness.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds bright, citrusy note.

Tools for Filling and Roasting Taco Peppers Easily

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning beef and sautéing ingredients thoroughly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for holding and baking stuffed peppers evenly.
• Cutting Board: Needed for dicing onions, preparing ingredients safely.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for chopping vegetables and cutting bell peppers in half.
• Measuring Spoons: Help accurately measure taco seasoning and salt.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and breaking up ground beef while cooking.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover baking dish during initial baking stage.
• Cheese Grater (optional): Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.

How to Make Taco Stuffed Peppers Without Fuss

• Ready the Peppers

Slice bell peppers in half and arrange them in a baking dish. Lightly season with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.

• Brown the Meat

Cook ground beef in a skillet until it’s nicely browned and crumbly. Remove any extra fat for a cleaner taste.

• Build the Flavor Base

Add diced onions and minced garlic to the meat. Stir and cook until the vegetables become soft and release their aromatic qualities.

• Create the Filling

Mix in taco seasoning, cooked rice, black beans, tomatoes, and corn. Blend everything together until well combined and heated through.

• Assemble and Top

Carefully fill each pepper half with the meat mixture. Sprinkle cheese generously over the top for a melty, delicious finish.

• Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese is golden and peppers are tender.

• Serve and Enjoy

Add your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or zesty salsa. Serve immediately and savor the flavors.

Toppings and Flavor Tips to Add Punch

• Prep these peppers entirely the day before, then refrigerate and bake when ready to serve, saving precious cooking time during busy weeknights.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for lighter or vegetarian alternatives that still pack incredible flavor.
• Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning, or create a homemade blend tailored to your personal spice preference.
• Skip the rice completely for a keto-friendly version, replacing it with cauliflower rice or extra vegetables to maintain the delicious filling's volume and texture.
• Store any remaining stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven to maintain their crisp edges and melty cheese perfection.

Serve These Peppers as a Meal or Side Dish

• Fiesta Fresh Plating: Arrange peppers on a colorful ceramic plate with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and a dollop of cool sour cream for a vibrant presentation.
• Taco Night Companion: Serve alongside Mexican-style rice, crispy tortilla chips, or a zesty lime-dressed salad to create a complete and satisfying meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Sides: Complement the stuffed peppers with homemade guacamole, quick pico de gallo, or a tangy corn salsa to enhance the flavor profile and add exciting texture.
• Quick Meal Upgrade: Top with sliced jalapeños, crumbled queso fresco, or a drizzle of hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat and customization.

Best Storage Tips for Stuffed Peppers

• Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in the main compartment of the refrigerator, ensuring they cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate unbaked. When ready to serve, bake directly from the cold state, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time to ensure thorough heating.
• Wrap individual stuffed peppers tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes.
• Divide the prepared mixture into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. These meal-prep friendly peppers reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven, maintaining their delicious flavor and texture.

Vibrant Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Spicy Mexican-inspired “Taco Stuffed Peppers” bring zesty flavors from classic street tacos right to your dinner table. Colorful bell peppers filled with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh garnishes promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 4 large bell peppers (any color), halved and seeds removed
• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
• 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning or homemade taco seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapenos
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Diced avocado

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Instructions

1. Pepper Preparation: Warm the oven to 375F (190C). Position bell pepper halves facing upward in a 9×13-inch baking vessel, lightly seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. Meat Foundation: In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat, crumbling while cooking. Eliminate excess fat, then introduce diced onions and garlic, sautéing until aromatic and translucent.
3. Flavor Fusion: Integrate taco seasoning, cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn into the meat mixture. Stir thoroughly, allowing ingredients to meld and develop robust flavors for 3-4 minutes.
4. Stuffing Process: Generously fill each pepper half with the seasoned meat combination, ensuring even distribution. Lavishly sprinkle shredded cheese across the surface of each stuffed pepper.
5. Baking Technique: Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil, roasting for 25 minutes. Uncover and continue baking an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese melts completely and peppers reach desired tenderness.
6. Finishing Touch: Embellish with fresh cilantro, dollop of sour cream, or zesty salsa. Serve immediately while flavors remain vibrant and cheese stays gooey.

Notes

• Choose bell peppers with flat bottoms to ensure stable and even cooking in the baking dish.
• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent watery filling and ensure a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
• Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and monterey jack for enhanced melting and deeper taste complexity.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for vegetarian version, maintaining the same robust taco-inspired seasoning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg