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Cheesy Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers

Cheesy Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers

Cheesy Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers offer a vibrant, flavorful twist on classic tacos by stuffing fresh bell peppers with a zesty ground beef mixture, black beans, rice, and melted cheese. This quick and easy recipe combines colorful vegetables, hearty protein, and bold spices baked to bubbly perfection, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Bell Peppers

  • 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)

Taco Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1 cup black beans (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cheese

  • 1 to cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend)

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced avocado
  • Chopped jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bell Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes to create hollow bowls. Rinse them well and set aside to dry.
  2. Cook the Taco Filling: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until evenly browned. Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, diced tomatoes, and cooked rice. Mix well to combine all flavors thoroughly.
  3. Stuff the Peppers: Fill each hollow bell pepper with the warm taco mixture, packing it gently but firmly to hold as much filling as possible.
  4. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top of each stuffed pepper. Place them standing upright in a baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Add your favorite optional toppings such as sour cream, cilantro, avocado, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Choose firm bell peppers with thick walls that stand upright for best stuffing results.
  • Do not overfill the peppers; leave some space at the top to avoid spills and allow even cheese melting.
  • Cook the filling thoroughly to blend the spices well before stuffing the peppers.
  • Use a snug baking dish to keep the peppers standing upright and cook evenly.
  • Let the peppers rest for about 5 minutes after baking to firm up and cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy taco stuffed bell peppers, stuffed peppers, taco recipe, ground beef recipe, Mexican inspired, gluten free, easy dinner, weeknight meal, healthy stuffed peppers