Mexican Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Mexican Stuffed Peppers

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When I first stumbled upon the idea of Mexican Stuffed Peppers, it was a revelation. You know, as a mom juggling work, school pickups, and trying to get dinner on the table, I often look for meals that are both nutritious and crowd-pleasing. Mexican cuisine has always been close to my heart, with its vibrant flavors and comforting essence that often bring my family together around the dinner table. So, when I discovered this recipe that combines all those beloved flavors into one dish, I knew I had to give it a try.

It all started one weekend when we had a family game night planned. I wanted to make something fun and exciting that would match the occasion’s lively spirit. Enter the Mexican Stuffed Peppers. They were not only a hit but also sparked a little friendly competition on who could come up with the best garnish combo! My oldest insisted on adding extra guacamole on top, while my youngest couldn’t get enough of the sour cream. It was a memorable evening filled with laughter and, of course, delicious food.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or prefer to keep it mild, you can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies for the little ones. Since then, these peppers have become a staple in our household, making regular appearances on our dinner menu.

Preparing these peppers is a breeze, even on those hectic weekdays. I often find myself doubling the batch and freezing some for later. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, especially after a long day. So, why not give it a try? I promise, your taste buds will thank you!

How to Make Mexican Stuffed Peppers

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Ingredients

  • 3-4 bell peppers, cut in half length-wise
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
  • Guacamole
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa for garnish

Directions

  1. Set your oven to 400°F to preheat.
  2. In a big skillet, warm up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the diced onion and your choice of ground meat. Cook until the meat browns and the onions soften, around 5-10 minutes. Drain any leftover fat.
  4. While the meat cooks, cut the tops off the bell peppers. Then slice them in half lengthwise, creating halves ready for filling.
  5. Spoon 1 cup of salsa into a large baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  6. Arrange the pepper halves in the dish and lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  7. Into the meat mixture, mix in the black beans, cooked rice, taco seasoning, and 2/3 cup of water.
  8. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes more.
  9. Spoon the meat mixture evenly among the pepper halves.
  10. Place shredded cheddar cheese on top of each pepper half.
  11. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes.
  12. Serve right away, drizzling salsa from the bottom of the pan over each pepper and topping with your favorite taco garnishes like sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, and guacamole.

Ingredient Tweaks for Your Pantry

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! Swap ground beef or turkey with ground chicken for a lighter version. No black beans on hand? Kidney beans or pinto beans work just as well. For a cheesy twist, try using Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend cheese instead of cheddar!

How to Make Mexican Stuffed Peppers Last Longer

Keep any leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap each pepper half individually in plastic wrap, place them in a resealable freezer bag, and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through!

Perfect Pairings for Mexican Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad. For drinks, consider serving with a zesty margarita or a refreshing iced tea. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges to add a burst of flavor.

Top Techniques for Cooking Mexican Stuffed Peppers

To prevent your peppers from being too crunchy, pre-bake them for 10 minutes before stuffing. For an extra smoky flavor, consider grilling the peppers before filling them. Adjust the level of spice by adding jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the filling.

Seasonal Twists for Mexican Stuffed Peppers

In summer, add fresh corn kernels for a sweet crunch. During fall, include diced butternut squash for a hearty addition. Winter calls for a warming touch, so spice it up with chipotle powder. Springtime is perfect for adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh kick.

Yummy Mexican Stuffed PeppersFAQs:

Can I make Mexican Stuffed Peppers vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can skip the meat entirely and double the beans or add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. Using a mix of brown rice and quinoa also adds a nutritious and satisfying texture.

What type of bell peppers should I use?

You can use any color bell pepper you like for this recipe. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter and milder, while green peppers have a slightly more bitter taste. Choose based on your preference!

Can I prepare these peppers in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers ahead of time. Store them in the fridge covered with foil and bake just before serving. This makes it a convenient option for meal prepping.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier?

For those who love a good kick, add chopped jalapeños to the filling or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes. Using a spicy salsa or hot sauce as a topping can also enhance the heat level.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Definitely! Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend can replace cheddar cheese. Each will bring a unique flavor and melt beautifully on top of the peppers.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover stuffed peppers?

Reheat leftover stuffed peppers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also microwave them on medium power to avoid drying out. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist.

Mexican Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Mexican Stuffed Peppers are nutritious and flavorful, packed with seasoned meat, rice, black beans, and topped with cheese and your favorite taco garnishes. Perfect for a hearty meal with a Tex-Mex twist.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • casserole dish

Ingredients
  

  • 3-4 pieces bell peppers halved lengthwise
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
  • Guacamole
  • Sour cream
  • Salsa for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  • In a skillet, heat olive oil on medium heat. Add diced onion and ground meat, frying until the meat browns and the onion becomes soft, which should take about 5 to 10 minutes. Drain any surplus fat.
  • While the meat is cooking, prepare the bell peppers by slicing the top off and then halving each pepper from top to bottom.
  • Pour some salsa into a large casserole dish to cover the bottom.
  • Place the halved peppers in the dish and lightly sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
  • In the skillet with the meat mixture, stir in the black beans, cooked rice, taco seasoning, and a splash of water. Allow to simmer for another 5 minutes.
  • Distribute the meat filling evenly into each pepper half.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over each stuffed pepper.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes.
  • Serve immediately, using some of the salsa from the bottom of the baking dish to top each pepper. Add garnishes like sour cream, shredded lettuce, salsa, and guacamole as desired.
Keyword Ground Beef, Peppers

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