Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish that's about to become your new obsession! These Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers are not just a meal – they're a culinary adventure that combines the vibrant flavors of Mexico with a comforting, hearty recipe that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine perfectly roasted bell peppers packed with seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and a blanket of melted cheese that will make your taste buds dance with joy!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Wash the bell peppers thoroughly. Cut the tops off and remove the seeds and membranes, creating hollow pepper vessels for stuffing.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat from the meat.
- Add taco seasoning to the ground beef, stirring to combine completely. Mix in the cooked rice and diced tomatoes, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Season the beef and rice mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Stand the bell peppers upright in the prepared baking dish. Carefully fill each pepper with the beef and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top of each stuffed pepper.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
- Remove foil during the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow cheese to brown slightly.
- Let the stuffed peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh cilantro or sour cream.
Tips
- Choose bell peppers that are firm and have a flat bottom to help them stand upright in the baking dish.
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of different colored bell peppers to make the dish more visually appealing.
- If you want to make this recipe lighter, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the meat to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
- For a spicier version, add some diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or use a hot taco seasoning blend.
- Prep tip: You can prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time and refrigerate them, baking just before serving.
- To ensure even cooking, try to cut the bottom of the peppers slightly if they don't stand straight, creating a stable base.
- For a low-carb option, replace rice with cauliflower rice or skip the rice entirely.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 90mg
