Beef Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers are a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines seasoned ground beef, rice, and taco toppings all packed into vibrant bell peppers. This dish is perfect for a hearty dinner and is customizable to suit your taste!

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Peppers:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Sliced green onions
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Timing

Making Beef Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 30-35 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Filling

1. Cook Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Combine Filling Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in the cooked rice, black beans, corn, salsa, and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

1. Fill Peppers: Spoon the beef mixture into each bell pepper, packing it down gently. Top each stuffed pepper with additional shredded cheese.

Step 4: Bake

1. Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Top with sour cream, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños if desired.
2. Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy these delicious beef taco stuffed bell peppers!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Beef Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers (per stuffed pepper, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Stuffed Pepper
Calories	350
Protein	25g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	6g
Sugar	4g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils, quinoa, or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Variations: Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend for added flavor.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate diced tomatoes, zucchini, or spinach into the filling for extra nutrients.

Conclusion

Beef Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the flavors of tacos with the wholesome goodness of bell peppers. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, these stuffed peppers are sure to be a hit! Enjoy this delightful recipe!