Get ready to transform your dinner table with these irresistible Stuffed Baby Peppers that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Imagine perfectly roasted, colorful baby bell peppers packed with savory seasoned ground beef and fluffy rice, all topped with melted, golden cheese. This Mexican-inspired dish is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that combines incredible flavors, stunning presentation, and mouthwatering textures that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 baby bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Wash the baby bell peppers thoroughly. Cut off the tops and carefully remove the seeds and membranes, creating hollow pepper vessels for stuffing.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef. Return the skillet to medium heat and add chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Mix the cooked ground beef with the pre-cooked rice in a large mixing bowl. Ensure the beef and rice are evenly combined.
- Carefully stuff each baby pepper with the beef and rice mixture, pressing gently to fill completely.
- Arrange the stuffed peppers on the prepared baking sheet, standing upright.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top of each stuffed pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 3-5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.
Tips
- Choose uniform-sized baby bell peppers to ensure even cooking and consistent presentation.
- For extra flavor, consider adding diced onions or minced garlic to the beef mixture.
- Use a lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to reduce excess fat and prevent soggy peppers.
- Pre-cook the rice to ensure it's not too moist, which could make the filling soggy.
- Don't overstuff the peppers; leave a little room for the cheese to melt and ingredients to expand.
- For a spicier version, add some jalapeños or increase the chili powder.
- Let the peppers rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and cool slightly.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg
