There’s something magical about the aroma of Mexican stuffed peppers wafting through your kitchen. Picture vibrant bell peppers bursting with flavors, filled to the brim with seasoned meat, rice, and a sprinkle of cheese. The sizzling sound as they bake in the oven is music to any food lover’s ears.
I remember the first time I made these delightful stuffed wonders. It was taco night at my house, and a friend suggested trying something a little different. Little did I know that this would become a staple for gatherings and weekday dinners alike. So grab those peppers and let’s dive into this culinary adventure that’ll tickle your taste buds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Mexican stuffed peppers are not only easy to prepare but also pack a flavor punch that will impress anyone
- They look stunning on your dinner table with their colorful presentation, making them perfect for family feasts or casual get-togethers
- You can easily customize the fillings based on what you have in your pantry, ensuring no two batches are ever the same!
I once made these stuffed peppers for a potluck, and everyone left asking for seconds—definitely a win!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Bell Peppers: Choose sturdy, vibrant peppers as they hold up well during baking and add great color.
Ground Beef or Turkey: Use lean ground meat to keep things healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Rice: Cooked rice adds bulk; you can use brown or white depending on your preference.
Onion: Diced onion brings sweetness; sauté until translucent for the best results.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates the dish with its aromatic goodness; don’t skip it!
Diced Tomatoes: Canned or fresh tomatoes add moisture and acidity; they balance out the richness of meat.
Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices creates that classic Mexican flavor; feel free to adjust according to taste.
Cheese: Shredded cheese on top gives a melty finish; choose your favorite variety for added flair.
Cilantro (optional): Fresh cilantro adds brightness and freshness—perfect for garnishing before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepping these Mexican stuffed peppers is like embarking on a flavorful journey. Let’s break it down step-by-step!
Prepare Your Peppers: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove their seeds gently—this is where all the magic will happen.
Sauté the Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions until they turn translucent and release their sweet aroma. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Meat & Spices: Toss in your choice of ground meat along with taco seasoning. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon so it cooks evenly—about 7-10 minutes should do it.
Mix in Rice & Tomatoes: Stir in cooked rice and diced tomatoes into your skillet mixture. Allow everything to blend perfectly for another 3-5 minutes while seasonings blend beautifully.
Stuff Those Peppers: Carefully fill each pepper with your savory mixture using a spoon. Don’t be shy—pack it tightly because nobody likes sad stuffed peppers that aren’t stuffed!
Bake & Melt: Place all filled peppers upright in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 25-30 minutes until tender. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, then bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
And voilà! You now have deliciously satisfying Mexican stuffed peppers ready to impress your family or friends.
Serve these beauties hot from the oven with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top if desired. Enjoy every bite while basking in compliments from fellow foodies!
You Must Know
- This delightful recipe for Mexican stuffed peppers is a crowd-pleaser bursting with flavor
- Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on your personal taste, creating delightful variations every time you make it
- The vibrant colors and aromas will make your kitchen feel like a fiesta!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Cook the rice while you sauté the onions and meat, then mix everything together before stuffing those beautiful peppers.
Add Your Touch
Experiment with different proteins like ground turkey or beans for a vegetarian option. You can also add cheese, spices, or even swap out the rice for quinoa!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure perfectly cooked Mexican stuffed peppers, cut them evenly and avoid overstuffing
- Always taste your filling before stuffing to adjust the seasoning
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs enhances flavor just before serving!
Personal anecdotes are often the heart of any recipe. I remember making these Mexican stuffed peppers for my friends during game night, and their delighted faces made all the effort worthwhile!
FAQ
Can I use different types of peppers for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, poblano peppers, or even jalapeños work wonderfully.
How do I prevent the peppers from getting soggy?
Blanch the peppers briefly before stuffing them to maintain their texture after baking.
What can I serve alongside Mexican stuffed peppers?
Serve with a simple salad or some warm tortillas for a complete meal experience.
Mexican Stuffed Peppers
Mexican stuffed peppers are a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines bell peppers with seasoned meat, rice, and cheese. Baked to perfection, these delightful creations are not only eye-catching but also incredibly satisfying. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe allows for customization based on your pantry staples. Get ready to impress your guests with these easy-to-make stuffed peppers that are as delicious as they are colorful!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice (brown or white)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheese (your choice)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
- Add ground meat and taco seasoning; cook until browned (7-10 minutes).
- Mix in cooked rice and diced tomatoes; blend for another 3-5 minutes.
- Stuff each pepper tightly with the mixture and place them upright in a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until tender. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
