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Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers with Mexican Spiced Beef

cheesy stuffed bell peppers with mexican spiced beef - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe featuring juicy bell peppers stuffed with flavorful Mexican spiced beef and melty cheese, perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers, assorted colors (red, yellow, orange, or green)
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 cup cooked rice (brown or white)
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Rinse and pat dry. If needed, cut a thin slice off the bottom to help them stand upright without creating holes.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  5. Stir in the Mexican spice blend: cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another minute to toast the spices and release their aroma.
  6. Add tomato sauce and cooked rice to the skillet, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Place the bell peppers upright in a baking dish. Spoon the beef mixture into each pepper until full but not overflowing.
  8. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese inside the filling of each pepper, then top with the remaining cheese for a bubbly golden crust.
  9. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned.
  10. Let the peppers cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not overstuff the peppers to avoid spilling. Pre-cook the filling to ensure beef is fully cooked. Keep peppers upright in the baking dish to prevent tipping. Use a mix of sharp cheddar and Mexican blend cheese for best flavor and texture. Let peppers rest after baking to help filling set. Drain excess fat from beef but keep some for flavor. Rice can be cooked ahead to save time. For softer peppers, keep covered longer; for firmer, reduce covered baking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, Mexican spiced beef, cheesy stuffed peppers, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, spicy beef, melty cheese

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/cheesy-stuffed-bell-peppers-with-mexican-spiced-beef-easy-recipe/