Perfect! Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers are a fun, colorful, and hearty meal—essentially all your favorite taco flavors packed into a bell pepper. Here’s a detailed recipe:
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Taco Filling:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, turkey, or chicken
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp salt, pinch of cayenne)
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa (optional, for a fuller filling)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup salsa or diced tomatoes
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Prepare Peppers:
- Lightly brush bell peppers with olive oil.
- Place them upright in the baking dish.
- Cook the Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in taco seasoning, cooked rice (if using), beans, corn, and salsa/tomatoes. Cook for 3–5 minutes until everything is combined and heated through.
- Stuff the Peppers:
- Spoon the taco filling into each bell pepper until full.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve:
- Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, avocado, or lime wedges.
- Enjoy hot!
Tips for Perfect Taco Stuffed Peppers
- Make it vegetarian: Replace meat with extra beans, lentils, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Cheese alternatives: Sprinkle a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for melty, gooey texture.
- Prep ahead: The filling can be made a day before; just stuff and bake before serving.
- Spice level: Add jalapeños or hot sauce if you like it spicy.
If you want, I can also make a “one-pan taco stuffed pepper skillet” version that skips baking but still gives all the flavor—great for quick weeknight dinners.
Do you want me to do that?
