Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 (2 pepper halves per person)
Difficulty: Easy
Ready for a dinner that’s both quick and delicious? These taco stuffed peppers are about to become your new weeknight favorite. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a flavorful meal on the table in no time.
Why These Taco Stuffed Peppers Are Special
These aren’t your ordinary taco stuffed peppers. We’ve added sweet corn and hearty black beans for a Southwestern twist. The result? A perfectly balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
What Makes This Recipe Amazing
Quick prep time: Just 15 minutes of hands-on work makes this perfect for busy evenings.
Flavor explosion: Taco seasoning combined with salsa, corn, and black beans creates an unforgettable taste.
Customizable: Swap ground beef for chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein. Mix and match your favorite toppings.
Veggie power: Bell peppers add vitamins and nutrients while tasting incredible.
Filling and satisfying: Packed with protein and fiber to keep you full for hours.
That zesty twist: Corn and black beans elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to make your taco stuffed peppers:
For the Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), halved lengthwise and seeded
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/4 cup salsa or fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Toppings:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
- Lime wedges
How to Make Taco Stuffed Peppers
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking throughout.
Step 2: Prepare the Bell Peppers
Cut your bell peppers in half lengthwise. Remove all seeds and white membranes. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish.
Step 3: Cook the Meat Filling
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef or turkey. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Step 4: Season and Mix
Add taco seasoning to your cooked meat. Stir in the salsa, cooked rice, black beans, and corn. Mix everything together well. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers
Spoon the meat mixture generously into each pepper half. Pack it in but don’t overstuff.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper. Be generous!
Step 7: Bake Until Perfect
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. The peppers should be tender and the cheese should be bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Top and Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Add your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, and avocado slices.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 8g
The Secret to Amazing Taco Stuffed Peppers
The magic is in the combination of sweet corn and hearty black beans. Most taco stuffed peppers skip these ingredients. But they add incredible texture, a touch of sweetness, and extra fiber. This simple addition transforms the dish into something truly special.
Pro Tips for Success
Choosing the Right Peppers
Pick firm, brightly colored bell peppers. They hold their shape better during baking. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter than green ones.
Spice Level Adjustments
Love heat? Add red pepper flakes to your meat mixture. Use spicy salsa or add diced jalapeños. For mild flavor, stick with regular taco seasoning.
Make-Ahead Options
Prepare the filling up to 24 hours ahead. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When ready to eat, stuff the peppers and bake as directed.
Storage and Freezing
Store leftover taco stuffed peppers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
For freezing, let the peppers cool completely. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Perfect Toppings
Get creative with your toppings! Try chopped tomatoes, green onions, hot sauce, guacamole, or pickled jalapeños. Each topping adds a new flavor dimension.
Delicious Variations to Try
Chicken Taco Stuffed Peppers
Replace ground beef with shredded cooked chicken. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the filling. Use rotisserie chicken for even faster prep.
Vegetarian Taco Stuffed Peppers
Use crumbled tofu, cooked lentils, or extra black beans as your protein. Add sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, and onions for extra veggies.
Low-Carb Option
Skip the rice and use cauliflower rice instead. This cuts carbs significantly while keeping the dish filling and delicious.
Cheese Variations
Try Monterey Jack for creaminess. Use pepper jack for heat. Smoky Gouda adds depth. Mix different cheeses for complex flavor.
Different Grains
Swap rice for quinoa, couscous, or farro. Each grain brings its own unique texture and nutritional benefits.
Extra Spicy Version
Add cayenne pepper to your taco seasoning. Use spicy salsa and pepper jack cheese. Top with sliced jalapeños and hot sauce.
Health Benefits of Taco Stuffed Peppers
Bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants. Black beans provide plant-based protein and fiber. Corn adds B vitamins and minerals. This recipe gives you a balanced meal with vegetables, protein, and whole grains.
Common Questions About Taco Stuffed Peppers
Can I use uncooked rice?
No, always use pre-cooked rice. Uncooked rice won’t have enough time to cook properly in the peppers.
Do I need to pre-cook the peppers?
No pre-cooking needed! The peppers will become perfectly tender during the 25-minute bake time.
Can I use different colored peppers?
Absolutely! Mix and match colors for a beautiful presentation. Each color tastes slightly different.
What if my peppers don’t stand up straight?
Slice a thin piece off the bottom to create a flat surface. Be careful not to cut through to the cavity.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your taco stuffed peppers with these delicious sides:
- Mexican rice or Spanish rice
- Tortilla chips with guacamole
- Simple green salad with lime vinaigrette
- Refried beans
- Elote (Mexican street corn)
- Fresh pico de gallo
Why You Should Try This Recipe Tonight
Cooking new recipes keeps mealtime exciting. You’ll discover new flavor combinations and cooking techniques. Plus, homemade meals let you control the ingredients and portion sizes.
These taco stuffed peppers are perfect for:
- Busy weeknight dinners
- Meal prep for the week
- Impressing dinner guests
- Getting kids to eat more vegetables
- Using up leftover rice
Time-Saving Shortcuts
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of ground meat. Buy pre-shredded cheese to save prep time. Keep canned black beans and corn in your pantry. Use instant rice that cooks in 5 minutes.
Meal Prep Ideas
Make a double batch on Sunday. Store individual portions in containers. Reheat throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners. The flavors actually improve after a day in the refrigerator.
Kid-Friendly Tips
Let kids help stuff the peppers. They’re more likely to eat what they help make. Use mild taco seasoning and let each person add their own hot sauce. Offer plenty of cheese—kids love cheese!
Budget-Friendly Options
Ground turkey is often cheaper than ground beef. Buy peppers when they’re on sale and freeze them. Use dried beans instead of canned (just cook them ahead). Store-brand taco seasoning works perfectly.
Final Thoughts on Taco Stuffed Peppers
This recipe combines everything you love about tacos in a healthier, more fun package. The bell peppers add nutrition and color. The corn and black beans create that special zesty twist. And the whole dish comes together in just 40 minutes.
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, health-conscious family members, or just yourself, these taco stuffed peppers deliver. They’re versatile, delicious, and satisfying.
Ready to make dinner exciting again? Try these taco stuffed peppers tonight. Your taste buds will thank you!
Share Your Creation
Made these taco stuffed peppers? We’d love to hear about it! Share your photos and variations. Tell us what toppings you loved most.
Happy cooking!