These Taco Stuffed Peppers are a family favorite for us and also a clever way to add vegetables into our kids' diet without sacrificing taste. The different pepper colors make them as appealing to look at as they are to eat.
With its simple preparation and delicious results we are really confident this dish will be a hit during both family dinners and when you're hosting guests!
Looking for more easy meaty recipes? Try Ultimate Texas Toast Sloppy Joes, Frozen Burgers in the Air Fryer, and Reverse Sear Fillet Mignon
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Healthy and Satisfying: The combination of ground beef, bell peppers, and rice provides a balanced and nutritious meal that is both filling and flavorful.
Customizable: This easy weeknight dinner allows for easy customization, so you can adjust the spice level, cheese, or other ingredients to suit your personal preferences.
Versatile: Taco Stuffed Peppers can be served as a main dish, a side, or even as a fun appetizer, making this easy recipe a great option for a variety of occasions.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The peppers can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving, making this delicious taco dish a convenient and time-saving option for Taco Tuesday, taco night, or most busy weeknights.
Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of classic taco flavors and the visually appealing stuffed pepper presentation is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Recipe Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this stuffed taco peppers recipe.
Ingredient Notes
Ground Beef: The browned ground beef provides protein as well as a savory, meaty flavor to this bell pepper recipe. I used 80/20 beef, but you can use lean ground beef or substitute it with taco meat, which has been seasoned specifically for use in tacos. Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used for a healthier option.
Taco Seasoning: The taco seasoning is the key to the dish's distinct Tex-Mex flavor. You can use a blend from the grocery store or make your own taco seasoning using a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and other spices.
Cooked Rice: The rice helps to bulk up the filling and provides a base for the other ingredients. You can use any type of cooked rice, such as white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb option. Leftover rice can also be used.
Bell Peppers: Bell peppers provide a crisp, flavorful vessel for the taco-inspired filling. You can use any color of bell pepper.
Shredded Cheese: The shredded cheese, such as shredded cheddar cheese or a Mexican blend, adds a creamy, melty texture and extra flavor to the stuffed peppers. You can also experiment with other cheese varieties, like pepper jack or Monterey Jack.
How To Make Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers Step-By-Step
Check out these step-by-step instructions with images. Just so you know, you'll find all the details and exact ingredients of this recipe on the printable recipe card below!
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and then cook the diced onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Season the Beef
Pour in the entire 24 oz jar of marinara sauce, ½ cup of beef stock, and the taco seasoning mix into the browned beef and stir to combine. Using a wooden spoon, stir until the mixture is well combined. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir in the 2 cups of cooked rice until everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Prepare the Bell Peppers
Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise with a paring knife and remove the seeds and membranes.
Step 4: Stuff the Peppers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bell pepper halves in a 9x13 inch casserole dish or baking sheet. Spoon the meat mixture into each pepper half, filling them generously.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of the stuffed peppers. Bake your peppers in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes. Broil to brown the cheese to your liking (this step is optional).
Step 6: Serve
Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly for 2-3 minutes before serving. Enjoy your taco-stuffed peppers with your favorite taco toppings!
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Parboil the Peppers: Briefly boiling the bell pepper halves before stuffing them can help to soften the peppers and reduce the overall baking time.
Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to cater to your desired level of spiciness.
Make Ahead and Freeze: The stuffed peppers can be prepared in advance, placed in a baking dish, and frozen for later use.
Add Toppings: Once baked, you can garnish the stuffed peppers with diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, sour cream, or chopped fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.
Serve with Accompaniments: Pair the taco-stuffed peppers with a side of Mexican rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Leftover taco stuffed bell peppers can be put in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover them with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until they are heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until they are warm.
Freezing: Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers can also be frozen for longer-term storage. To freeze, place the unbaked, stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to serve, thaw the peppers in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
Additions and Substitutions
Diced jalapeños or other spicy peppers for added heat.
Corn kernels, black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans for extra texture and fiber
Chopped fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of freshness.
Your Questions Answered
Yes, you can use any color of bell pepper, including red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers, orange bell peppers, or green bell peppers. The different colors provide a variety of flavors as well as visual appeal.
The taco stuffed bell peppers are fully cooked when the filling is heated through, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peppers are tender but still slightly firm.
No, they don’t need to be cooked before stuffing. Pre-cooking the peppers helps them soften and ensures they cook evenly. If, like me, you prefer a crisper texture, you can skip this step.
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Recipe
Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and then cook the diced onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook it until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat.
- Pour in the entire 24 oz jar of marinara sauce, ½ cup of beef stock, and the taco seasoning mix into the browned beef and stir to combine. Using a wooden spoon, stir until the mixture is well combined. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir in the 2 cups of cooked rice until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise with a paring knife and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bell pepper halves in a 9x13 inch casserole dish or baking sheet. Spoon the meat mixture into each pepper half, filling them generously.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top of the stuffed peppers. Bake your peppers in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes. Broil to brown the cheese to your liking (this step is optional).
- Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly for 2-3 minutes before serving. Enjoy your taco-stuffed peppers with your favorite taco toppings!
Eva Filer says
Yum, this looks sooooo delicious! I love anything tex-mex. Can’t wait to make it.
Comfort Food and Drinks says
Thank you Eva, we do too! Let us know how it turned out!
Risa says
I love stuffed peppers, and this taco stuffed version looks so good! Can't wait to try it!
Comfort Food and Drinks says
Thank you Risa! We'd love to hear how it turned out for you!
Tina says
So good! I love stuffed peppers, and these are great! I subbed chicken for ground beef! Perfect weeknight meal:)