Prepare to embark on a flavor-packed journey that will transform your dinner table into a vibrant Mexican feast! These stuffed bell peppers are not just a meal – they're a culinary adventure that combines tender, juicy ground beef, perfectly cooked rice, and melted cheese nestled inside colorful bell pepper shells. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to impress your family and friends with its irresistible combination of textures and bold, authentic flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup rice, cooked
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or oil.
- Wash the bell peppers thoroughly. Cut the tops off and remove the seeds and membranes, creating hollow pepper shells. Set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the cooked rice, tomato sauce, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Stuff each bell pepper generously with the beef and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
- Place the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish. Top each pepper with shredded cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose bell peppers that are firm, symmetrical, and have a flat bottom to ensure they stand upright while baking.
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of bell pepper colors – red, yellow, and green can make your dish visually stunning.
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the ground beef after browning to prevent a greasy filling.
- If you want to add more depth to the recipe, try using Mexican-style shredded cheese or adding a pinch of chili powder to the meat mixture.
- Prep tip: You can prepare the stuffed peppers in advance and refrigerate them, baking just before serving – perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey instead of beef, or add some black beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Let the peppers rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the filling to set and make them easier to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
