Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers

by
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe
Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers are a modern twist on traditional tacos, where bell peppers are used as a nutritious container for the spicy and flavorful taco filling. This dish involves hollowing out bell peppers and stuffing them with a mixture of seasoned ground meat (usually beef or turkey), rice, beans, vegetables, and topped with cheese. After stuffing, the bell peppers are baked until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted, creating a deliciously integrated dish that’s both satisfying and visually appealing.

Why You Should Try Them ?

  • Healthy Alternative: Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers offer a healthier alternative to traditional tacos by replacing taco shells or tortillas with bell peppers. This swap increases the vegetable content of your meal, adding vitamins, minerals, and fiber while reducing calories and carbs.
  • Customizable: This dish is highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the filling according to your dietary preferences or restrictions. You can make it vegetarian by substituting meat with quinoa or beans, adjust the spice level to your taste, or add any of your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, avocado, or salsa.
  • Meal Prep Friendly: Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers are perfect for meal prep. They can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them an excellent option for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
  • Kid-Friendly: With their colorful appearance and customizable fillings, these stuffed peppers are a hit with kids. They can help in preparing the meal by choosing their toppings, making it a fun and interactive way to encourage them to eat more vegetables.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a healthy lunch option, or a dish to impress guests at a dinner party, Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers are versatile enough to fit any occasion.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers

Creating Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers is a delightful journey into the heart of comfort food, with a healthy twist. Follow these step-by-step instructions to bring this flavorful dish to life in your kitchen.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers

  • Author: Eliza Nooman
  • Prep Time: 8minutes
  • Cook Time: 40minutes
  • Total Time: 48minutes
  • Category: Beef Recipes
  • Cuisine: Mexican
Save Recipe

Description

Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delightful and healthy twist on a classic favorite. Their versatility, health benefits, and delicious taste are just a few reasons why you should try making them at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium green peppers seeded and halved
  • 1½ pounds ground beef browned
  • 1 recipe or packet taco seasoning mix
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1½ cup cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup salsa

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Wash peppers, then slice lengthwise in half through the middle and remove seeds. Place in a casserole dish with ¼ cups water. Cover and microwave 5 to 6 minutes, or until peppers are just getting soft. Check periodically for doneness.
  • In the meantime, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until cooked through. Add the taco seasoning and water and cook according to recipe or packet instructions.
  • After the beef mixture is cooked, mix in sour cream, salsa, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
  • Spray a 13 x 9 baking dish with nonstick spray. Place cooked peppers inside the dish and generously stuff with meat and cheese mixture. Top with remaining cheese.
  • Bake peppers at 350 ° F for 20-30 minutes, or until peppers are heated through and cheese is melted. Serve with your favorite taco ingredients and a side of salsa. Enjoy!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8 servings
  • Calories: 219 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 316mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Carbohydrates: 7.6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 39mg

Did you make this recipe?

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Serving Suggestions

After you’ve lovingly prepared your Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers, the next step is to present them in a way that makes the meal even more enjoyable. Serving these delightful peppers is not just about placing them on a plate; it’s about creating an experience that complements their rich flavors and vibrant colors. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers to the next level:
On a Bed of Greens: Lay your stuffed peppers on a fresh bed of greens such as arugula, spinach, or mixed lettuce. The crispness of the greens contrasts beautifully with the warmth and richness of the stuffed peppers, adding a refreshing touch to your meal.
With a Side of Rice: Serve your Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers with a side of rice, whether it’s traditional white rice, brown rice for a healthier option, or even a cilantro lime rice to keep with the Mexican theme. The rice acts as a perfect absorber for any juices that escape from the peppers, ensuring you get a burst of flavor with every bite.
Drizzled with Sauces: Enhance the flavors by drizzling your stuffed peppers with a sauce of your choice. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, or a homemade avocado lime dressing can add an extra layer of taste and texture that complements the taco filling beautifully.
Accompanied by Tortilla Chips: For an added crunch, serve your Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers with a side of tortilla chips. Guests can enjoy scooping up any filling that has made its way onto the plate, combining the softness of the peppers with the crispiness of the chips.
Paired with a Fresh Salsa: A fresh, homemade salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice can be a refreshing side that cuts through the richness of the taco stuffed peppers. The acidity and freshness of the salsa balance the savory notes of the filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers, even the most experienced cooks can encounter pitfalls. To ensure your dish turns out flavorful, healthy, and visually appealing, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Not Pre-Cooking the Bell Peppers: One of the key steps to achieving the perfect texture for your stuffed peppers is to pre-cook them before stuffing. Skipping this step can result in peppers that are too firm and not pleasant to eat. Blanching them in boiling water for about 5 minutes or roasting them in the oven for a short time softens them slightly, ensuring they are perfectly tender once fully baked with the filling.
Overcooking the Filling on the Stove: It’s important to remember that the taco filling will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooking it on the stove can lead to a dry and crumbly texture once the dish is complete. Cook the filling just until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened, but not all the way through.
Skimping on Seasoning: The taco filling should be flavorful and vibrant. Underseasoning is a common mistake that can leave your dish tasting bland. Be generous with your taco seasoning, and don’t forget to taste and adjust as necessary. Remember, the bell peppers will also dilute the flavor slightly, so it’s okay if the filling tastes a bit stronger before stuffing.
Using Only Ground Beef: While ground beef is traditional, not incorporating other ingredients can result in a filling that lacks depth. Consider adding black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, or even quinoa to the mix to enhance texture, flavor, and nutritional value.
Ignoring Cheese Placement: If you’re topping your stuffed peppers with cheese, adding it too early in the baking process can lead to burnt cheese. Instead, add the cheese during the last few minutes of baking, just long enough for it to melt beautifully over the top without burning.
Forgetting to Drain the Meat: If using ground beef with a higher fat content, failing to drain the fat after browning can make your filling greasy. To avoid this, always drain the excess fat before adding your other filling ingredients.
Not Testing for Doneness: Bell pepper thickness can vary, which affects cooking time. Ensure your peppers are cooked to your liking by testing them with a fork before finishing in the oven. They should be tender but not mushy.
Overfilling the Peppers: While it’s tempting to stuff the peppers as much as possible, overfilling can cause the filling to spill out during cooking, making a mess and leaving you with less-than-perfect presentation. Fill them just to the top to allow for expansion as they cook.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious, satisfying dish that’s sure to impress. Remember, cooking is as much about the journey as it is about the destination, so have fun and experiment to make this recipe your own.

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆