Colorful Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe: A Zesty Family Favorite

Vibrant bell peppers burst with zesty flavors in this incredible taco stuffed peppers recipe that brings Mexican-inspired comfort right to your dinner table.

Lean ground beef sizzles with perfectly blended spices, creating a mouthwatering filling that promises pure deliciousness.

Each colorful pepper becomes a delectable vessel for savory meat, melted cheese, and tangy seasonings.

The combination delivers a protein-packed meal that satisfies serious hunger and delights taste buds in one fell swoop.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this simple yet impressive dish.

Fresh ingredients transform ordinary peppers into a crowd-pleasing sensation that everyone will love.

Dive into this easy, nutritious recipe and watch your family request seconds.

Serving Taco Stuffed Peppers The Fun Way

• Zesty Topping Paradise: Sprinkle fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or crumbled queso fresco for a burst of color and extra flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Fresh Fiesta Sides: Pair with Mexican-style rice, crisp green salad, or warm corn tortillas to create a complete and satisfying meal that brings balanced nutrition and excitement to the table.
• Cool Cream Contrast: Add a dollop of tangy sour cream, creamy guacamole, or homemade pico de gallo to cut through the richness of the beef and provide a refreshing temperature and taste difference.
• Quick Meal Makeover: Transform leftovers by chopping remaining stuffed peppers and using them as a delicious filling for breakfast burritos or as a topping for nachos, ensuring no food goes to waste.

Store Taco Stuffed Peppers And Reheat Later

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and texture, preventing moisture loss and bacterial growth.
• Freezer Friendly Stash: Wrap individual peppers in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve taste and quality.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm peppers in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Microwave works for quick meals, but oven maintains better texture and crispness.
• Portion Control Hack: Prepare extra filling and peppers, then divide into individual meal-prep containers. Refrigerate or freeze for quick, nutritious grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 3

All The Goodness In Taco Stuffed Peppers

• Bell Peppers: Vibrant vessels that add crunch and natural sweetness, choose firm peppers with bright, glossy skin.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat that helps develop rich flavors and prevents sticking.

• Ground Beef: Robust protein that brings meaty depth, select lean cuts for a healthier option.
• Black Beans: Creamy legumes packed with protein and fiber, rinse well to reduce sodium.
• Rice: Fluffy grain that adds satisfying texture and helps bind the filling.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic duo that creates a flavor foundation, fresh ingredients provide the most intense taste.
• Taco Seasoning: Zesty spice blend that transforms the dish with southwestern flair.
• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy chunks that add moisture and tangy brightness.
• Corn: Sweet kernels that bring color and subtle sweetness.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that creates a golden, irresistible crust.

• Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds a bright, clean finish.
• Sour Cream: Cool, creamy topping that balances the dish's warmth.
• Salsa: Vibrant condiment that adds extra zest and freshness.

Tools To Fill Taco Stuffed Peppers Fast

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning beef and sautéing ingredients with even heat distribution.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for holding bell peppers and ensuring even cooking.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing vegetables and chopping ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for slicing bell peppers and dicing onions and garlic.
• Foil: Used to cover the baking dish during initial cooking stage.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding precise amounts of taco seasoning and salt.

Steps To Bake Taco Stuffed Peppers To Perfection

• Bell Pepper Canvas

Colorful pepper halves become delicious edible vessels waiting to be filled with mouthwatering goodness. Select vibrant peppers that look sturdy and healthy.

• Meaty Foundation

Brown ground beef in a sizzling skillet, breaking it into delectable crumbles. Let those flavors develop and dance together over medium heat.

• Flavor Explosion

Toss in aromatic onions and garlic, creating a fragrant base that will make taste buds tingle with anticipation. Sprinkle taco seasoning for that signature zesty kick.

• Hearty Mix

Combine beef with rice, beans, tomatoes, and corn. Let ingredients mingle and create a robust filling bursting with southwestern charm.

• Pepper Transformation

Generously stuff pepper boats with the savory mixture. Crown each pepper with a blanket of melty cheese that promises gooey deliciousness.

• Oven Magic

Bake until peppers soften and cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. The aroma will have everyone gathering in the kitchen.

• Celebration Plate

Top with fresh cilantro, dollop of creamy sour cream, or spicy salsa. Serve these pepper boats hot and watch smiles spread around the table.

Tips To Spice Up Taco Stuffed Peppers

• Perfect Pepper Prep: Remove the seeds and membranes carefully from bell peppers to ensure a clean, easy-to-eat stuffed pepper that's not bitter or tough.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini to dramatically reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetables to the dish.
• Protein Power Boost: Experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for different protein profiles that still deliver incredible taco flavor.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning, or create a homemade blend that matches your specific taste preferences. For those who love extra kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce before baking.

Vibrant Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired taco stuffed peppers blend zesty ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh bell peppers into a flavor-packed meal. Diners will enjoy this protein-rich dish that combines classic taco seasoning with colorful vegetables for a delightful dinner experience.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese
• 4 large bell peppers (any color), halved and seeds removed
• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like rotel), drained
• 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning or homemade taco seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapenos
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Diced avocado

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cleave bell peppers lengthwise, evicting seeds and membranes. Nestle peppers cut-side up in a 9×13-inch baking vessel, delicately seasoning with salt and pepper.
2. Meat Mastery: Sizzle olive oil in a capacious skillet over medium flame. Pulverize ground beef into the pan, browning until no rosy hues remain. Expel excess lipids completely.
3. Flavor Fusion: Integrate diced onions, minced garlic, taco seasoning, cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, and corn into the skillet. Choreograph ingredients into a harmonious blend, allowing flavors to waltz and intertwine for 3-4 minutes.
4. Assembly Artistry: Lavishly crown each pepper half with the robust beef and vegetable symphony. Cascade shredded cheese across the surface, creating a molten blanket of deliciousness.
5. Culinary Transformation: Drape the baking dish with aluminum foil, then orchestrate in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes. Unveil during the final 10-15 minutes to achieve a golden cheese crust and fork-tender peppers.
6. Finale: Extricate from the oven and pause briefly. Adorn with fresh cilantro, a cloud of sour cream, or a splash of zesty salsa. Present immediately while radiating warmth and temptation.

Notes

• Optimize Pepper Preparation: Blanch peppers in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before stuffing to ensure softer, more tender texture and reduced baking time.
• Manage Moisture Control: Drain canned beans and tomatoes completely to prevent watery filling and soggy pepper bottoms during baking.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein alternatives that match dietary preferences.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast taco seasoning in the skillet for 30 seconds before adding meat to intensify spice profile and develop richer, more complex taste notes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg