Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers are the ultimate comfort food, combining the vibrant flavors of Tex Mex cuisine with the wholesome goodness of bell peppers. This dish is not only visually stunning, but it also packs a punch of flavor that will leave you craving more. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, these stuffed peppers are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With layers of seasoned ground beef, rice, beans, and cheese, each bite is a delicious explosion of taste. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special!
What Sets This Recipe Apart
What makes these Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers stand out is their hearty filling and the perfect balance of ingredients. The combination of lean ground beef, taco seasoning, and enchilada sauce brings a depth of flavor that complements the sweetness of the bell peppers beautifully. Additionally, the use of black beans and corn adds both texture and nutrition, making this dish not only tasty but also filling. Top it all off with gooey cheddar cheese, and you have a meal that everyone will love.
What You’ll Need
To make these Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (extra lean)
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 cup rice (medium or long grain, uncooked)
- 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 4 large bell peppers (green or any other color, cut in half and deseeded)
- 1 cup additional enchilada sauce
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
Appliances & Accessories
To make your cooking experience seamless, have the following appliances and accessories ready:
- Large skillet: For browning the ground beef and mixing the filling.
- Rice cooker or pot: To cook your rice perfectly.
- Baking dish: To hold your stuffed peppers while they bake.
- Aluminum foil: Useful for covering the dish while baking.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: Essential for prepping the bell peppers and chopping any additional ingredients.
How to Prepare Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers:
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Begin by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. For this recipe, you’ll need about one cup of uncooked rice, which will yield approximately two cups when cooked. Use low sodium beef broth instead of water for added flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Once the ground beef is cooked, stir in the taco seasoning, mixing well to ensure the meat is evenly coated. Add the cooked rice, corn, black beans, and 1 cup of enchilada sauce. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Prepare the Peppers
While the filling is cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers
Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper half, filling them generously. Once all the peppers are stuffed, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top of them.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the stuffed peppers, covering them completely. This will create a delicious, cheesy crust as they bake.
Step 7: Bake the Peppers
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Make It Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make these Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers diet-friendly, consider the following adjustments:
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added fiber.
- Opt for low-fat cheese or omit the cheese altogether for a lighter version.
- Increase the vegetable content by adding diced zucchini or spinach to the filling.
Easy-to-Miss Gotchas
Here are a few tips to ensure your Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers turn out perfectly:
- Make sure to drain the black beans thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in the filling.
- Don’t skip the step of covering the baking dish with foil initially; this helps the peppers cook evenly.
- Feel free to customize the spice level by adding jalapeños or using a spicier taco seasoning.
- Check the doneness of the peppers; they should be tender but not mushy when done.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To keep your Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers fresh for later enjoyment, consider these storage tips:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through—add a sprinkle of cheese on top before reheating for extra gooeyness.
- For longer storage, freeze the stuffed peppers before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers Q&A
Can I make these stuffed peppers vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative to create a delicious vegetarian version of Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers.
How can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
To adjust the spice level, you can add diced jalapeños to the filling or choose a spicier taco seasoning. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, opt for a mild taco seasoning and skip any additional spicy ingredients.
Can I use different types of peppers for this recipe?
Yes! While bell peppers are the most common choice, you can also use poblano peppers for a slightly spicier kick or even mini sweet peppers for individual servings.
Are there any good side dishes to serve with Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers?
These stuffed peppers pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad, Taco Skillet Dinner, or some homemade guacamole and tortilla chips for a complete Tex Mex feast.
If you enjoyed these Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers, consider trying your hand at other delicious stuffed pepper recipes like or for more flavor-packed meals that everyone will love.
Serve & Enjoy
Once your Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers are perfectly baked, it’s time to serve them up! Plate them alongside some fresh salsa, sour cream, or avocado slices for a delightful finishing touch. Each bite will be bursting with flavor, making this dish a crowd-pleaser at any table. Enjoy your culinary adventure with these Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers, and happy cooking!
Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Begin by cooking the rice according to the package instructions, using low sodium beef broth instead of water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, then add the cooked rice, corn, black beans, and 1 cup of enchilada sauce. Mix well to combine.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish.
- Spoon the beef and rice mixture into each bell pepper half, filling them generously. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the stuffed peppers, covering them completely.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Drain the black beans thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in the filling.
- Cover the baking dish with foil initially to help the peppers cook evenly.
- Customize the spice level by adding jalapeños or using a spicier taco seasoning.
- Check for doneness; the peppers should be tender but not mushy.
