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Easy Cheesy Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers

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A quick and comforting weeknight dinner featuring bell peppers stuffed with seasoned taco meat and melted cheese, delivering bold flavors and a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (or substitute ground turkey or chicken)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade blend with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano)
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado slices, salsa

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut the tops off each bell pepper and gently scoop out the seeds and membranes. If peppers don’t stand upright, slice a tiny bit off the bottom to level them without cutting through.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  6. Stir in taco seasoning and tomato sauce. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors. Add black beans if using and mix gently. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Remove skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese.
  8. Spoon the beef mixture evenly into each pepper cavity, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
  9. Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of each pepper.
  10. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  11. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  12. Garnish with fresh cilantro and add optional toppings like sour cream or avocado slices. Serve hot.

Notes

If peppers don’t stand upright, trim a small slice off the bottom without cutting through. Rotate baking dish halfway through baking for even cooking. To soften peppers before stuffing, steam in microwave for 5 minutes. Use foil or parchment paper to line baking dish for easier cleanup. Adjust cheese types for different flavors. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese alternatives. Freeze stuffed peppers before baking for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco stuffed peppers, cheesy stuffed peppers, quick dinner, weeknight meal, ground beef recipe, stuffed bell peppers, easy dinner

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/easy-cheesy-taco-stuffed-bell-peppers-recipe-for-quick-weeknight-dinners/