Get ready to transform your ordinary weeknight meal into a fiesta of flavor! These Mini Taco Stuffed Peppers are about to become your new obsession - a perfect blend of zesty Mexican-inspired goodness and adorable bite-sized appeal. Imagine tender sweet peppers packed with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a kick of salsa that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're looking for a quick family dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a low-carb alternative to traditional tacos, this recipe is your ultimate culinary solution!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 mini sweet peppers, halved and seeded
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the mini taco stuffed peppers cook evenly and become deliciously warm.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the mini sweet peppers. Carefully slice each pepper in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place the halved peppers cut side up on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until the meat is browned and cooked through. If using turkey, ensure it is no longer pink.
- Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess fat, if necessary. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat, then add the salsa. Stir well to combine and let it simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese until it is melted and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Using a spoon, carefully fill each halved pepper with the taco meat mixture, packing it lightly to ensure they are well-stuffed.
- Once all the peppers are filled, sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed pepper.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peppers are tender.
- After baking, remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This will make them easier to handle.
- Garnish the mini taco stuffed peppers with chopped cilantro for a fresh flavor boost. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Mexican-inspired dish!
Tips
- Choose uniform-sized mini peppers to ensure even cooking and consistent presentation.
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey instead of beef without sacrificing flavor.
- Pat your peppers dry before stuffing to prevent excess moisture during baking.
- Don't overfill the peppers - leave a little room for the cheese to melt beautifully.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or Mexican blend for extra flavor.
- Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños or using a hot taco seasoning.
- Prep these ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for a quick weeknight meal.
- Serve with additional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or extra salsa on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
