Description
These Tex‑Mex stuffed peppers bring together vibrant bell peppers filled with a flavorful mix of seasoned meat, rice, beans, and corn, then baked to cheesy perfection. It’s a hearty, family‑friendly dinner with bold Mexican flair.
Ingredients
4 large bell peppers, tops removed and seeds discarded
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cooked rice
1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup tomato sauce
1 cup shredded Mexican‑blend or cheddar cheese
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Trim tops from bell peppers, remove seeds, and blanch for 3–4 minutes then drain.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
4. Add ground meat; cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
5. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Mix in cooked rice, black beans, corn, and tomato sauce until well combined.
7. Spoon the filling into each pepper, packing it lightly.
8. Place the stuffed peppers upright in the baking dish.
9. Sprinkle cheese evenly over each pepper.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
11. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese melts and peppers are tender.
12. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Use lean ground turkey for a lighter version.
For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add extra beans or cooked lentils.
Assemble ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex‑Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pepper
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg