Taco Stuffed Peppers

If you’re searching for a delightful, nutritious, and colorful meal, look no further than Taco Stuffed Peppers. This delicious recipe combines the flavors you love from tacos, all packed into vibrant bell peppers. Not only are they visually stunning, but they also offer a wonderful balance of protein, veggies, and carbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family dinner, these taco stuffed peppers are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

The beauty of Taco Stuffed Peppers lies in their versatility. You can customize the filling to suit your taste or dietary preferences, using ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based proteins. Plus, they make an excellent dish for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Each bite is a burst of flavor, with the savory meat, hearty beans, and sweet corn mingling together beautifully. And let’s not forget the melted cheddar cheese on top, adding that irresistible gooey goodness we all crave!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Taco Stuffed Peppers are an exciting twist on traditional tacos. Here are a few reasons you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for those busy evenings when you want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty meal ready to go.
• Customizable: Don’t have ground beef? Use turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian option like lentils or quinoa. You can also switch up the toppings to include your favorites, like avocado, sour cream, or even guacamole.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fiber from beans and veggies, these stuffed peppers offer a balanced meal that won’t leave you feeling guilty. Plus, you can control the ingredients to keep things as healthy or indulgent as you like.
• Kid-Friendly: If you have picky eaters at home, they may be more inclined to try new ingredients when stuffed inside a colorful pepper. It’s a fun way to introduce them to healthy foods!
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch on the weekend, and you’ll have ready-to-eat meals for the week. Just pop them in the microwave or oven to reheat.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Not only are Taco Stuffed Peppers delicious, but they also provide a number of benefits that make them worth trying. For starters, they are a one-dish meal, which means less cleanup afterward. The combination of flavors and textures from the crunchy bell pepper to the savory filling creates a satisfying experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Moreover, the recipe is highly adaptable. If you’re looking to use up leftover ingredients, this dish is a fantastic way to do it. Have some extra rice or beans? Toss them in! You can even use leftover taco meat for an even quicker meal. The possibilities are endless.

This recipe is also an excellent option for entertaining. Impress your friends and family with these gorgeous and tasty stuffed peppers at your next gathering. They’re easy to serve and will undoubtedly be a conversation starter, making your event even more memorable.

Finally, Taco Stuffed Peppers are perfect for various dietary needs. Whether you’re following a gluten-free, low-carb, or even vegan diet, you can easily modify the filling to suit your preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious meal together.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To make these Taco Stuffed Peppers, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Sour cream (for serving, optional)
• Sliced jalapeños (for serving, optional)

Necessary Utensils

• Large skillet
• Baking dish
• Aluminum foil
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spoon for mixing

Having these ingredients and utensils ready will help ensure a smooth cooking process. The vibrant colors of the bell peppers combined with the hearty filling will make for a stunning presentation!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have everything prepared, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for making your Taco Stuffed Peppers:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking.
2. Prepare the Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Make sure to keep the peppers upright in a baking dish, so they hold the filling well.
3. Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook until browned, ensuring to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Add Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes.
5. Mix in Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning mix as per package instructions. Usually, this requires adding a bit of water to help distribute the seasoning evenly.
6. Combine Ingredients: Once the meat mixture is seasoned, add the cooked rice, black beans, corn, and salsa. Mix everything until it is well combined.
7. Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the taco mixture into each bell pepper, packing it in tightly to ensure they are filled to the brim.
8. Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed pepper, allowing for that delicious melty finish.
9. Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
10. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the peppers cool slightly before garnishing with fresh cilantro. Serve with sour cream and sliced jalapeños if desired. Enjoy your meal!

Here are some practical tips for success:

• Choosing Peppers: Opt for firm, brightly colored peppers for the best flavor and presentation.
• Cooked Rice: Leftover rice works perfectly, so feel free to use any kind you have on hand.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, Taco Stuffed Peppers are a fun, delicious, and healthy meal option that can be customized to fit your taste preferences. They are perfect for any night of the week, easy to prepare, and a great way to enjoy a classic taco flavor in a new form. We invite you to try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends and family, and check out our other delicious recipes like Smokey Sausage Potato Kale Soup and Easy Amish Apple Fritter Bread. Happy cooking!

For more inspiration, follow us on Pinterest: Ovia Recipes.

Taco Stuffed Peppers

These delicious Taco Stuffed Peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and beans, making for a satisfying and healthy meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking Dish
• Skillet
• Aluminum Foil

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces Large bell peppers Any color
• 1 pound Ground beef (or turkey)
• 1 piece Small onion, diced
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 packet Taco seasoning mix
• 1 cup Cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 can Black beans, drained and rinsed 15 oz
• 1 cup Corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 cup Salsa
• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
• to taste Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
• to taste Sour cream for serving, optional
• to taste Sliced jalapeños for serving, optional

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in the taco seasoning mix and follow the package instructions (usually adding water).
• Once the meat mixture is seasoned, add the cooked rice, black beans, corn, and salsa. Mix until well combined.
• Spoon the taco mixture into each bell pepper, packing it in tightly.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
• Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with sour cream and sliced jalapeños, if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to customize the stuffing with your favorite ingredients such as avocado or different types of cheese.

Keyword delicious, easy, quick