Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
What is Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe? If you’re anything like me, you crave tacos at least twice a week (okay, maybe more!) ), but sometimes you want something a little…different? What is the love child of a classic taco night and those stuffed peppers your grandma used to have? What is the best flavor to make, but with a serious flavor upgrade? Is this a staple in our house? Is it healthier than ordering takeout? What’s cheesy Forget boring weeknight meals, you absolutely NEED to try this!
What is Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers?
What is Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe? Are bell peppers, usually vibrant and colorful, that are hollowed out and then stuffed to the brim with a tomato? What are some of the best tacos? Think seasoned ground beef or turkey (or even a veggie filling)! ), rice, beans, corn, salsa, and of course, a generous blanket of melted cheese. What is essentially deconstructed tacos, served in a beautiful, edible bowl. What is a name? I’m not a fan of any particular ingredient, so I just swap it out. It’s super easy to customize. I sometimes add black olives or a little chopped jalapeo for extra kick, depending on my mood. What’s a healthy taco recipe?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why is this Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe a repeat offender? First and foremost, the human body.flavorIs it amazing? What is that savory, seasoned meat mingling with the sweetness of bell peppers, the tang of the onion, and the peppermint flavor? What is the difference between salsa and cheese? What’s not to like about the taste?simpleI can whip this up in under an hour, even on a busy weeknight. What are some of the best ingredients in a recipecost-effectiveWhat is ground beef? ), rice, beans, and veggies – all pantry staples.versatilityWhat are some of the best recipes to make with a variety of ingredients? Can you use lentils instead of meat? Is taco seasoning gluten free? What I love most about this is how customizable it is to use up whatever is in your fridge! What are the best tacos and why are they so much less messy to eat? If you love tacos, who doesn’t? If you love a healthier, even more satisfying version of this recipe, you’ll absolutely adore it. What are some of the best things about a table lamp?
How do I make Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers?
Quick Overview
How do I make Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers? What’s the recipe for browning ground meat with taco seasoning, cooking some rice, and mixing it up? Everything together with your favorite taco fillings. What’s the best way to stuff a halved bell pepper with cheese, and bake it until golden brown. Serve warm. When the peppers are tender, the cheese is melted and bubbly. I promise it’s a simple process and the results are seriously impressive. The peppers get nice and soft, the filling is bursting with flavor, and the cheese is… well, it’s cheese. What’s not to love? This method saves time because you can prep the filling while the oven preheats. What is so great about making these?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Filling:
I usually use lean ground beef (90/10), but ground turkey or even ground chicken works great. Just be sure to drain off any excess fat after browning. Taco Seasoning: Tasty and spicy. I always use homemade taco seasoning, but a packet from the store is totally fine too. Cooked Rice: Adjust the amount to your liking! I prefer brown rice for added fiber, but white rice or even quinoa would work well. Make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the filling. Black Beans: Is it a good recipe? Can you use kidney beans or pinto beans? Frozen, canned, or fresh – whatever you have on hand! Diced Tomatoes: Can you use canned diced tomatoes? Salsa: Use your favorite kind! I usually go for a medium heat salsa, but mild or hot works too. What are some good shredded cheeses to try: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend?
For the Bell Peppers: What are some of the
Bell Peppers: Choose large, firm bell peppers. I like to use a mix of colors to make my dish more visually appealing! Olive Oil: Salt and pepper: Just a little bit for drizzling over the peppers. To season the peppers before baking.
How do I follow
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First thing first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a baking dish with cooking spray. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish, but any size that can comfortably fit your bell peppers will work. How do you prevent peppers from sticking to the bottom of a dish?
Step 2: Prepare the Bell Peppers
Now, wash and dry your bell peppers. Cut them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes from them. I find it easiest to use a small paring knife to cut around the core and then pull it out. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly symmetrical, they will still taste amazing! Drizzle the inside of each pepper half with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper. This helps them soften up and adds a little extra flavor.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef. When a potato is cooked, break it up with sand. Drain off any excess fat. What are some good ways to make stuffed peppers? Don’t skip draining off fat, it really makes a difference.
Step 4: Add Taco Seasoning and Simmer
Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another minute or two, until fragrant. The aroma of taco seasoning is just heavenly! Add the cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and salsa to the skillet. Cook until golden brown. Stir everything together until well combined. How do you let the flavors meld together in a saucepan? What really brings the filling to life?
Step 5: Stuff the Bell Peppers
What is the best taco recipe? Spoon it into the prepared bell pepper halves, filling them generously. Don’t be afraid to pack it in there! You want each pepper to be loaded with deliciousness. Once they’re all stuffed, arrange them in the greased baking dish.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the stuffed peppers. I love a generous layer of cheese, but you can use as much or as little as you like. What makes these peppers so irresistible?
Step 7: Bake
In the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender and the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven and let cool. Is it melted and bubbly Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn. If it starts to get brown, you can tent the dish with foil.
Step 8: Cool Slightly & Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with your favorite taco toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or chopped cilantro. I also like to add a dollop of salsa or green onions. What are the best side dishes to serve straight from the oven?
What should I serve it with?
What are some good Taco Stuffed Bell Pepper Recipes? paired with the right sides! Imagine it as creating the ultimate taco feast.
For a casual dinner:What are some good side salads to serve with a light vinaigrette? I also like to serve them with tortilla chips and guacamole for dipping. What is a crowd-pleasing combination
For a More Formal Meal:Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans. How do you add sour cream and cilantro to a dish? Don’t forget margaritas!
As a lighter option:Serve them with a side of black beans and corn salad or avocado salsa. Is this a healthy and refreshing combination that won’t weigh you down?
For a Party:How do you make a taco bar? Let your guests customize their own stuffed peppers with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese. What are some of the best cheeses to make: lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, jalapeos, and different kinds of cheese What is a fun way to entertain?
How do I make Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers?
After making this Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. I’m happy to share with you!
Pepper Prep:When cutting bell peppers, try to keep the stems intact. They add a nice visual touch and help the peppers hold their shape during baking. Don’t be afraid to use a variety of colors for more visually appealing dishes.
Meat Matters:If you’re using ground beef, be sure to drain off any excess fat after browning. What should I do to keep my peppers from getting greasy? Can you use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option?
Spice it Up:What is the best taco seasoning for a Mexican meal? If you prefer a spicier filling, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce. I always add a little extra cumin for depth.
Rice Right:Make sure the rice is fully cooked before adding it to the filling. Why don’t peppers have crunchy rice in them? Can you use brown rice, white rice or quinoa?
What are the best cheeseWhat’s your favorite kind of shredded cheese? What are some great options for a Mexican blend? I sometimes use a combination of cheeses for extra flavor.
Baking Balance: Keep an eye on the peppers during baking to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn. If it starts to get too brown, you can tent the dish with foil. The peppers should be tender but not mushy.
Topping Temptation: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, green onions, and black olives are all great choices. The possibilities are endless!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe (which is rare in my house!), you can easily store them for later.
Refrigerator Storage: Place the cooled stuffed peppers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’re great for meal prepping!
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the stuffed peppers. Wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Methods: To reheat the refrigerated stuffed peppers, you can either microwave them for a few minutes or bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. To reheat the frozen stuffed peppers, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then follow the same reheating instructions.
A Little Tip: I like to add a little bit of fresh cheese on top before reheating to make them extra melty and delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe that’s guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. It’s a fun, flavorful, and relatively healthy way to enjoy all the flavors of tacos without the mess. I really hope you give this recipe a try! It’s one of those dishes that just makes everyone happy, and it’s so easy to customize to your own tastes. If you’re looking for more delicious and easy dinner recipes, be sure to check out my other posts! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you think, and if you try any fun variations. I’d love to see your creations – share them on social media and tag me!
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Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers assorted colors, halved and seeded
- 1 lb ground beef lean
- 1 pack taco seasoning about 1 oz
- 1 cup cooked rice white or brown
- 1 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or your choice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 cup salsa
- 0.5 cup chopped cilantro optional, for garnish
- 1 unit lime cut into wedges, for serving
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and 0.5 cup of water. Simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Mix in cooked rice and black beans. Stir until combined and heated through.
- Arrange bell pepper halves in a baking dish. Fill each pepper with the beef mixture.
- Top with cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
- Serve warm, topped with salsa and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
