Imagine a meal that combines the bold, zesty flavors of the Southwest with a comforting, hearty dish that will have your family begging for seconds. These Southwestern Style Beef Stuffed Peppers are not just a recipe – they're a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary bell peppers into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Packed with protein, bursting with flavor, and easier to make than you might think, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers, halved
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it or spraying with non-stick cooking spray.
- Wash the bell peppers and carefully slice them in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes, creating boat-like pepper halves.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef, then return the skillet to the stove. Add cooked rice, drained black beans, corn, salsa, and cumin. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Season the beef mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Arrange the pepper halves in the prepared baking dish, cut side up. Generously fill each pepper half with the beef and rice mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the 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 continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped cilantro or a dollop of sour cream.
Tips
- Pepper Selection: Choose bell peppers that are firm, symmetrical, and have a flat bottom to help them stand upright in the baking dish.
- Meat Preparation: For extra flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground chorizo to add a spicy kick to your filling.
- Rice Hack: Use leftover rice or quick-cooking rice to save time. Brown rice can add a nutty flavor and extra nutrition.
- Cheese Tip: For a more complex cheese flavor, try a blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheese instead of just one type.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the stuffed peppers in advance and refrigerate them. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Moisture Control: If your peppers seem watery, pat them dry with paper towels before filling to prevent a soggy texture.
- Garnish Game: Fresh toppings like chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of green onions can elevate the dish from good to extraordinary.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
