Ingredients
- For the Stuffed Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color—red, yellow, green, or orange)
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or a plant-based substitute)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown for your preference)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or your homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika)
- 1 cup salsa (chunky or smooth, depending on your taste)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
- For Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced jalapeños (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Avocado slices or guacamole
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, you’ll have plenty of time to prep the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Bell Peppers
Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. This creates a perfect cavity for the flavorful stuffing. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish.
Step 3: Cook the Filling
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, salsa, and cooked rice to the skillet. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
Step 4: Stuff the Peppers
Generously fill each bell pepper with the taco mixture. Pack it in tightly for a hearty bite every time. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top for that ooey-gooey finish.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to let the cheese melt and bubble beautifully.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Once the peppers are done, top them with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or creamy guacamole. Serve hot and watch them disappear!
Notes
- Bell Pepper Variety: Red and yellow bell peppers are sweeter and pair wonderfully with the taco filling, while green peppers bring a more robust flavor.
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced chilies to the filling for extra heat.
- Meal Prep: These stuffed peppers reheat beautifully, making them ideal for leftovers or packed lunches.
- Customize It: Swap the ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein to suit your dietary needs.
- Time Saver: Use leftover rice or pre-cooked packets to cut down prep time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: ~320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg