Mexican Stuffed Peppers - knedir Recipes

These Mexican Stuffed Peppers are an explosion of flavor! The combination of savory ground beef, sweet corn, and hearty black beans creates a balanced and satisfying filling. Paired with the slight sweetness of bell peppers, it’s a vibrant and fulfilling dish that is both comforting and nutritious. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, these stuffed peppers are guaranteed to please.

Each stuffed pepper is a colorful and delicious package that can be customized with your favorite ingredients. If you want to make it more spicy, feel free to add some chopped jalapeños. Plus, they can easily be made vegetarian by swapping the meat with a plant-based protein or more beans. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for that perfect finishing touch!

Full Recipe:

4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
1 cup cooked rice (or quinoa)
1 lb ground beef or chicken
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges for serving

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the tops off the bell peppers, remove the seeds and membranes, and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking for about 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add the ground beef or chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
Stir in the black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, mixing everything together.
Stir in the cooked rice and mix until everything is well combined.
Stuff the peppers with the filling mixture and place them in a baking dish.
Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes

Kcal: 370 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Introduction to Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Mexican stuffed peppers are a vibrant and hearty dish that combines the best of traditional Mexican flavors with the simplicity of stuffed peppers. The dish is known for its bold, savory flavors and can be customized to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive dish for a gathering, Mexican stuffed peppers are a great option that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

What Are Mexican Stuffed Peppers?

Mexican stuffed peppers are typically made by hollowing out bell peppers and filling them with a mixture of seasoned meat (often ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based proteins), rice or quinoa, beans, corn, and a variety of spices. The dish is topped with cheese and then baked until the peppers are tender and the flavors meld together. It’s a wonderful fusion of protein, vegetables, and spices, making it a balanced meal.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can use any type of bell pepper—red, yellow, green, or orange—to create a colorful and appealing presentation. The filling can also be customized with different grains, beans, vegetables, and proteins based on what you have available or your dietary preferences.

The History and Origins of Stuffed Peppers

While stuffed peppers are enjoyed worldwide, the concept of stuffing vegetables dates back to ancient civilizations, where people would stuff vegetables with grains, meats, and herbs. The modern stuffed pepper as we know it today originated from various European and Middle Eastern cuisines but has been adapted by many cultures, including Mexican cuisine, to incorporate local ingredients and flavors.

In Mexican cuisine, the use of bell peppers is widespread, especially in dishes like chile rellenos (stuffed chilies) and various stews. The Mexican twist on stuffed peppers uses classic Mexican ingredients such as ground meat, beans, corn, rice, and, of course, spices like cumin and chili powder. These ingredients are often staples in many traditional Mexican dishes, which is why this recipe feels familiar yet exciting at the same time.

Health Benefits of Mexican Stuffed Peppers

Mexican stuffed peppers are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. They provide a well-balanced meal that contains protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The bell peppers themselves are rich in vitamins A and C, which are important for immune health and skin health. They also contain antioxidants that help fight inflammation and free radical damage in the body.

The filling, which often includes beans and rice or quinoa, offers a good source of plant-based protein and fiber, which are essential for digestive health and maintaining stable blood sugar levels. Beans are also a great source of folate, iron, and magnesium. Adding lean meats such as chicken or ground turkey provides additional protein, making this a nutrient-dense meal that can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer.

The customizable nature of this dish also means you can easily modify it to suit specific dietary needs. For example, using quinoa instead of rice makes it gluten-free, and opting for plant-based proteins makes it suitable for vegetarians or vegans. You can also adjust the spice levels to suit your taste, making this a family-friendly recipe.

Customizations and Variations

One of the best things about Mexican stuffed peppers is how easily they can be customized to suit your personal preferences. Here are a few ideas for variations:

Vegan/Vegetarian Version: Instead of using meat, you can use a variety of plant-based proteins such as lentils, black beans, or tempeh. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes to create a hearty and filling filling.
Grain Alternatives: While rice is the most common grain used, you can substitute it with quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Spicy Stuffed Peppers: If you love spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the filling. You can also use spicy cheese, such as pepper jack, to amp up the heat.
Cheese Lovers: For a cheesy twist, top the stuffed peppers with a generous layer of shredded cheese, and bake until golden and bubbling. You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or Mexican blends for a rich, savory flavor.

Why This Recipe Works for Different Occasions

Mexican stuffed peppers are incredibly versatile and can be served on various occasions. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special dinner gathering, these stuffed peppers fit the bill. Here’s why:

Weeknight Meals: The prep time is relatively quick, especially if you have leftover rice or quinoa on hand. You can easily prepare the peppers ahead of time, stuff them, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. This makes for a convenient and hassle-free dinner.
Family-Friendly: The customizable nature of this dish means that picky eaters can enjoy it too. Everyone can personalize their peppers with their favorite ingredients. It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables!
Meal Prep: Mexican stuffed peppers are perfect for meal prepping. You can make a large batch and store the leftovers in the fridge for a few days. They also freeze well, so you can enjoy them on busy days when you don’t feel like cooking.
Entertaining: Mexican stuffed peppers are an excellent choice when hosting a gathering. Their vibrant colors and unique presentation make them visually appealing, while the bold flavors impress guests. They can be served as a main dish or as part of a larger Mexican-themed meal with sides like guacamole, rice, and salsa.

Tips for Making the Perfect Mexican Stuffed Peppers

While this recipe is simple, there are a few tips that can help you make the perfect stuffed peppers:

Don’t Overcook the Peppers: The peppers should be tender but not mushy. Overcooking them can result in soggy peppers that don’t hold up well to the filling. Baking them with foil on top for the first half of the cooking process helps to steam the peppers while allowing them to cook through without becoming too soft.
Season Generously: Don’t be afraid to use plenty of spices in the filling. Mexican cuisine is all about bold flavors, so season the meat or beans with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic to ensure the peppers are bursting with flavor.
Try Different Peppers: While bell peppers are the traditional choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of peppers like poblano or Anaheim for a smoky flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as these peppers may need a bit longer to soften.
Use Leftovers: If you have leftover filling, it can be used for tacos, burritos, or served over rice for a quick lunch. It’s a great way to make the most of your ingredients.

Conclusion

Mexican stuffed peppers are an easy, flavorful, and customizable dish that’s perfect for a wide range of occasions. They combine the goodness of bell peppers with a savory filling of meat, rice, beans, and spices, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal. Whether you’re looking to make a quick weeknight dinner or impress guests at a gathering, this dish is sure to please. With endless variations and the option to make them ahead of time, Mexican stuffed peppers are a meal you’ll want to make again and again.