If you’re looking for a delicious, colorful, and satisfying meal, look no further than Taco Stuffed Peppers. These vibrant bell peppers are not just a feast for the eyes; they’re a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures that will excite your taste buds and nourish your body. Stuffed with a hearty mixture of ground beef (or turkey), seasoned rice, black beans, sweet corn, and smothered in gooey cheddar cheese, this recipe is a fun and creative way to enjoy all the flavors of tacos in a healthier, low-carb package. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will soon become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Taco Stuffed Peppers are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with this dish:
- Healthy and Nutritious: By using fresh vegetables as the base, you’re adding an abundance of vitamins and minerals to your meal. Each bell pepper is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making this dish a nutritious option.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the flavors in these stuffed peppers. You can customize the filling to suit everyone’s tastes, making it a meal that pleases the whole family.
- Meal Prep Friendly: These peppers can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making them an excellent option for meal prep. Simply reheat them for quick and easy meals!
- Endless Customization: Feel free to switch up the ingredients based on your preferences. You can use different proteins, add more vegetables, or even make them vegetarian by using quinoa or lentils instead of meat.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a festive gathering, or a cozy night in, Taco Stuffed Peppers are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re still on the fence about trying Taco Stuffed Peppers, here are a few compelling reasons to give them a shot:
- Quick Cooking Time: This recipe comes together in about 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.
- One-Pan Wonder: The entire meal is baked in one dish, which means less clean-up for you. Just stuff the peppers, pop them in the oven, and relax while they cook.
- Great Leftovers: These peppers reheat beautifully, making them a perfect option for lunch the next day. Enjoy them as is, or chop them up and toss them into a salad for a different twist.
- Kid-Approved: If you have picky eaters at home, this recipe is a great way to sneak in healthy ingredients while still keeping the meal fun and appealing.
- Delicious and Satisfying: The combination of flavors and textures from the juicy peppers to the savory filling is simply irresistible. You’ll find yourself craving these stuffed peppers again and again!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious Taco Stuffed Peppers:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream (for serving, optional)
- Sliced jalapeños (for serving, optional)
Recommended Tools
To make the cooking process smoother, consider using the following utensils:
- Large skillet for cooking the meat
- Cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables
- Baking dish to hold the stuffed peppers
- Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions
- Aluminum foil to cover the baking dish while cooking
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, let’s walk through the steps to create these mouthwatering Taco Stuffed Peppers:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot when your stuffed peppers are ready.
- Prepare the Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. This will create a hollow space to fill with your delicious taco mixture. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned. Make sure to break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate the diced onion and minced garlic into the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent, adding flavor and aroma to the meat.
- Mix in Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning mix, following the package instructions. This usually involves adding a bit of water to help distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the meat mixture is seasoned, add the cooked rice, black beans, corn, and salsa. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a hearty filling.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the taco mixture into each bell pepper, packing it tightly to ensure each pepper is fully filled. This will enhance the flavor in every bite.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top of each stuffed pepper. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, gooey topping.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream and sliced jalapeños if desired. Enjoy your tasty Taco Stuffed Peppers!
FAQs
Can I make Taco Stuffed Peppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly to keep them fresh.
What other ingredients can I add to Taco Stuffed Peppers?
You can customize your Taco Stuffed Peppers by adding ingredients like quinoa, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even different types of cheese. The possibilities are endless!
How do I store leftover Taco Stuffed Peppers?
Leftover Taco Stuffed Peppers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze Taco Stuffed Peppers?
Absolutely! You can freeze unbaked stuffed peppers. Just prepare them as directed, wrap them well in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from the freezer, adding extra time as needed.
What can I serve with Taco Stuffed Peppers?
Taco Stuffed Peppers pair well with a side salad, tortilla chips with salsa, or Mexican rice. You can also serve them with guacamole or sour cream for added flavor.
Conclusion
Taco Stuffed Peppers are a delightful and nutritious meal option that brings the flavors of tacos to a new level. With their vibrant colors and delicious fillings, they are sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a fun dish to serve at your next gathering, these stuffed peppers will not disappoint. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below or share this recipe with friends who would love it. Happy cooking!
For more delicious recipes, check out Taco Potatoes!

Taco Stuffed Peppers
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Skillet
- Aluminum Foil
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Large bell peppers Any color
- 1 pound Ground beef or turkey
- 1 piece Small onion, diced
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 packet Taco seasoning mix
- 1 cup Cooked rice White or brown
- 1 can Black beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
- 1 cup Corn Frozen or canned
- 1 cup Salsa
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- to taste Fresh cilantro, chopped For garnish
- to taste Sour cream For serving, optional
- to taste Sliced jalapeños For serving, optional
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the taco seasoning mix and follow the package instructions, usually adding water.
- Once the meat mixture is seasoned, add the cooked rice, black beans, corn, and salsa. Mix until well combined.
- Spoon the taco mixture into each bell pepper, packing it in tightly.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with sour cream and sliced jalapeños, if desired. Enjoy!