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Easy Cheesy Taco Stuffed Peppers

easy cheesy taco stuffed peppers - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring seasoned taco meat, melted cheese, and roasted bell peppers, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color, preferably red or yellow)
  • 1 lb ground beef (lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • ½ cup tomato sauce (120 ml)
  • ½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Set aside the tops for another use or chop finely into the filling.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Sprinkle in taco seasoning and stir well to coat the beef evenly. Pour in tomato sauce and add black beans if using. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese, reserving the rest for topping.
  7. Spoon the beef mixture into each pepper cavity, packing gently but not overfilling. Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup shredded cheese over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
  9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  10. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Parboil peppers for 3-4 minutes if you prefer softer peppers. Use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for best melt. Drain excess fat after browning meat to avoid greasiness. Cover with foil initially to trap steam and cook filling thoroughly. Leftovers reheat well in microwave or oven. Substitute ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for variations. Use vegan cheese alternatives for dairy-free versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco stuffed peppers, cheesy stuffed peppers, quick dinner, easy recipe, ground beef recipe, weeknight meal, Mexican-inspired