Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering twist on traditional tacos that will have your family begging for seconds! These Bell Pepper Stuffed Tacos aren't just a meal – they're a flavor explosion that combines the hearty goodness of ground beef, the zesty kick of taco seasoning, and the vibrant crunch of bell peppers. Imagine a dish that's not only incredibly delicious but also packed with nutrition and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or a seasoned chef, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed bell peppers.
- Wash the bell peppers thoroughly under running water. Cut the tops off each bell pepper and remove the seeds and membranes. Set the tops aside for later use if desired.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the pound of ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the ground beef is browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet. Then, add the packet of taco seasoning to the beef along with the recommended amount of water as per the seasoning package instructions. Stir well to combine.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seasoning is well incorporated and the beef is fully cooked.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture with 1 cup of cooked rice and half of the shredded cheese. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Carefully spoon the beef and rice mixture into each prepared bell pepper, packing it down gently to ensure they are filled to the top.
- Place the stuffed bell peppers upright in a baking dish. If desired, you can place the tops of the bell peppers back on for presentation.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This will help the peppers soften and the flavors to meld.
- After 15 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the bell pepper stuffed tacos with a dollop of sour cream on top and any additional toppings you desire, such as salsa, chopped cilantro, or avocado.
Tips
- Choose bell peppers that are firm, symmetrical, and have a smooth surface for the best stuffing results.
- For extra flavor, consider using a mix of different colored bell peppers to make your dish more visually appealing.
- If you want to make this recipe healthier, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time to make the cooking process smoother and faster.
- Don't overfill the peppers – leave a little room for the cheese to melt and the flavors to blend.
- For a low-carb version, skip the rice or replace it with cauliflower rice.
- Make sure to drain excess grease from the beef to prevent your stuffed peppers from becoming soggy.
- 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: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
