Quick Benefits
Cheesy Mexican Stuffed Peppers are a hearty, protein-packed meal with a bold Tex-Mex flavor. This recipe is easy to make, filled with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and mild green chiles, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep. With a balance of lean protein, fiber-rich peppers, and gooey cheese, these stuffed peppers are both nutritious and satisfying.
Essential Ingredients
To prepare this cheesy, flavor-packed dish, you will need:
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 ounce taco seasoning
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 can chopped green chiles (4.5-ounce can)
- 1/4 cup Red Enchilada Sauce (Medium)
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, shredded
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a medium skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain Excess Fat: Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat and return it to the skillet.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning until fully coated. Add diced onions and cook until softened.
- Add Chiles & Sauce: Stir in chopped green chiles and enchilada sauce, then remove from heat.
- Prepare the Peppers: Cut off the tops of each bell pepper and remove the seeds and ribs.
- Stuff the Peppers: Fill each pepper with a layer of beef mixture, shredded cheese, more beef mixture, and a final cheese topping.
- Bake the Peppers: Place the pepper tops back on and bake for 30-40 minutes until the peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with sour cream, cilantro, or avocado before serving.
Health Benefits
- High in Protein: Lean ground beef provides an excellent source of protein for muscle growth.
- Rich in Vitamins: Bell peppers are packed with vitamins A and C, boosting immune health.
- Low-Carb Option: This dish is a great low-carb alternative to traditional taco dishes.
- Balanced Meal: Combining fiber, healthy fats, and protein makes this dish both filling and nutritious.
Serving Suggestions
- With Rice: Serve with a side of Spanish rice or cilantro lime rice for a full meal.
- With Beans: Enjoy with black beans or refried beans for extra fiber and protein.
- With a Fresh Salad: A simple avocado salad or a side of guacamole pairs beautifully.
- Extra Toppings: Offer salsa, chopped jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime for extra zest.
Creative Variations
- Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey, shredded chicken, or black beans for a different protein source.
- Make it Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or use a spicy taco seasoning blend.
- Cheese Blend: Mix in Monterey Jack, cheddar, or queso fresco for varied flavor.
- Different Peppers: Try poblano, Anaheim, or banana peppers for a twist on the classic bell pepper.
- Keto-Friendly Option: Skip the enchilada sauce and use full-fat cheese and extra meat for a keto-friendly version.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze assembled stuffed peppers before baking for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or microwave for 2 minutes.
Pro Tips
- Pre-Cook Peppers: If you prefer softer peppers, blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes before stuffing.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the filling the night before for a quicker assembly.
- Even Cooking: Choose similar-sized bell peppers for even baking.
- Prevent Soggy Peppers: Place a small slit at the bottom to drain excess moisture while baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based ground meat.
2. What’s the best way to meal prep this recipe?
Prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate. Stuff the peppers just before baking.
3. Can I use pre-cooked taco meat?
Absolutely! Just mix in the enchilada sauce and green chiles before stuffing.
4. How do I make the peppers spicier?
Use hot enchilada sauce, add extra red pepper flakes, or include diced jalapeños.
5. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Place stuffed peppers in a slow cooker on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
Enjoy your Cheesy Mexican Stuffed Peppers, a fun, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and customize!
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Cheesy Mexican Stuffed Peppers
Cheesy Mexican Stuffed Peppers are a flavor-packed, easy-to-make dish that brings together seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and mild green chiles inside tender bell peppers. With a touch of enchilada sauce and taco seasoning, these peppers deliver a bold, satisfying meal that’s both nutritious and comforting. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a fun Mexican-inspired dinner!
- Total Time: 40-50 minutes
Ingredients
4 large bell peppers
1 lb lean ground beef
1 ounce taco seasoning
1/2 onion, diced
1 can chopped green chiles (4.5 ounce can)
1/4 cup Red Enchilada Sauce (Medium)
2 cups Mexican blend cheese, shredded
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.
In a medium skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, crumbling it as it cooks. If there is excess oil after cooking the beef, drain it and return the skillet to the heat.
Stir in the taco seasoning until the beef is well coated. Add the diced onions and cook until they begin to soften.
Once the beef is almost cooked through and the onions are translucent, stir in the chopped green chiles and enchilada sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cut the tops off each bell pepper and remove the seeds and ribs from the inside.
Place the hollowed-out peppers on the prepared baking sheet.
Stuff each pepper with a generous amount of the beef mixture, followed by a layer of shredded cheese, and then more beef mixture. Top with additional shredded cheese.
Place the pepper tops back on each stuffed pepper.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve the stuffed peppers immediately, garnished with sour cream and cilantro if desired.
Enjoy these Cheesy Mexican Stuffed Peppers for a flavorful and satisfying meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
