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Cheesy Taco-Stuffed Bell Peppers

cheesy taco-stuffed bell peppers - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring bell peppers stuffed with a savory taco-seasoned ground beef filling and melted cheese, perfect for a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color, red or yellow preferred for sweetness)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (can substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce (120 ml)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 150 g)
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Rinse and stand upright in a baking dish. Trim bottoms if needed to level.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook about 3 minutes until softened.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  6. Stir in taco seasoning, tomato sauce, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until flavors meld and mixture thickens slightly.
  7. Spoon beef mixture evenly into each bell pepper, packing lightly but not overstuffing.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of each stuffed pepper.
  9. Cover baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  10. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  11. Let peppers cool a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.

Notes

Do not overstuff peppers to avoid tipping or spilling. Balance moisture carefully to prevent sogginess. Use fresh shredded cheese for best melt quality. Toast taco seasoning briefly before adding tomato sauce to deepen flavor. Let stuffed peppers rest after baking to settle filling. Can prepare ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy stuffed peppers, taco stuffed peppers, ground beef stuffed peppers, easy dinner, weeknight meal, family dinner, Mexican flavors