Introduction
Stuffed bell peppers are a delicious and colorful dish that combines hearty flavors with nutritious ingredients. This recipe features bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of lean ground beef, taco seasoning, and melty cheese, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a fun way to serve up your favorite flavors, these stuffed peppers are sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 4 large bell peppers
– 1 lb lean ground beef
– 1 ounce taco seasoning
– 1/2 onion, diced
– 1 can (4.5 ounces) chopped green chiles
– 1/4 cup medium red enchilada sauce
– 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
Total Time: 45-55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Enjoy these vibrant stuffed bell peppers as a satisfying dinner option that is both easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Serve them warm, and feel free to add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cilantro for an extra touch!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and set it aside for use later.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook 1 lb of lean ground beef. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to crumble the beef as it cooks. Drain any excess oil if necessary, ensuring the meat is not greasy.
Step 3: Add Taco Seasoning and Onions
Once the beef is nearly cooked through, stir in 1 ounce of taco seasoning until the beef is well coated. Then add 1/2 diced onion and continue cooking until the onions become translucent and soft.
Step 4: Incorporate Chiles and Sauce
Stir in 1 can (4.5 ounces) of chopped green chiles and 1/4 cup of medium red enchilada sauce into the beef mixture. Remove the skillet from heat and set the mixture aside.
Step 5: Prepare the Bell Peppers
Take 4 large bell peppers and cut the tops off, then remove the ribs and seeds, making sure to hollow them out completely. Place the hollowed peppers upright on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Stuff the Peppers
Begin stuffing each pepper by layering several spoonfuls of the beef mixture. Add 1/2 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese on top of the beef, then fill the pepper nearly to the top with more beef mixture, followed by another 1/2 cup of cheese. Finally, place the tops back on the peppers. Repeat this process with all remaining peppers.
Step 7: Bake the Peppers
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve
Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and serve them immediately. Optionally, garnish with sour cream and cilantro for added flavor.
Notes
Note 1: Ground Beef Alternatives
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version if preferred.
Note 2: Cheese Variations
Feel free to use a different blend of cheese according to taste. Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese can be excellent alternatives.
Note 3: Bell Pepper Colors
Using a mix of bell pepper colors (green, red, yellow, orange) can add visual interest and flavor variety to the dish.
Note 4: Storage Recommendations
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Cook techniques
Prepping the Peppers
Remove the tops and seeds of the bell peppers carefully to create space for the stuffing. This ensures an even cook and allows the flavors to penetrate the peppers.
Crumbling Ground Beef
When cooking ground beef, use a spatula to crumble it as it cooks. This allows for even cooking and a better texture once stuffed into the peppers.
Dicing Onions
To achieve even cooking and flavor distribution, make sure to dice the onions into small, uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly and blend well into the beef mixture.
Layering the Filling
When stuffing the peppers, layer the beef mixture with cheese. This layering technique helps create a gooey, cheesy center while still providing flavorful beef in each bite.
Baking for Optimal Texture
Bake the stuffed peppers until tender to ensure the bell peppers are easily pierced with a fork. This will also help the cheese melt perfectly on top.
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based proteins for a vegetarian option.
What can I add to the filling for extra flavor?
You can add black beans, corn, or diced tomatoes for additional flavor and texture in the filling.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed peppers and refrigerate them before baking. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes if baking from cold.
Is it possible to freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container.
What can I serve with stuffed peppers?
Stuffed peppers pair well with a side salad, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
Conclusion
This stuffed bell pepper recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal, combining the bold flavors of taco seasoning, ground beef, and a blend of cheeses. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether served on a weeknight or at a gathering, these peppers are sure to impress!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers
Substitute the ground beef with a mixture of black beans, quinoa, corn, and diced tomatoes for a hearty vegetarian option.
Spicy Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Replace the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken and use spicy taco seasoning for a kick. Add jalapeños for extra heat.
Italian Sausage Stuffed Peppers
Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef, adding marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and Italian herbs for an Italian twist.
Quinoa and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers
Mix cooked quinoa with diced zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach, seasoned with garlic and herbs for a healthy vegetarian alternative.
Cheesy Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Swap out the beef for lean ground turkey, and use ranch seasoning for a creamy flavor combination with plenty of cheese on top.
Breakfast Stuffed Peppers
Fill the bell peppers with scrambled eggs, diced ham, bell peppers, and cheese for a delicious breakfast option.
Southwestern Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
Mix black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and chili powder for a flavorful vegetarian stuffing option and top with avocado slices before serving.
