Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Ever felt like your dinner needed a glow-up? These stuffed bell peppers are the culinary makeover you didn’t know you needed—colorful, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Let’s dive into this tasty adventure!

I love creating meals that are as nutritious as they are flavorful, and my Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers hit the mark. Packed with vibrant bell peppers, savory ground beef, protein-rich black beans, and aromatic spices like chili powder and cumin, they offer a delightful kick.

Topped with melted cheese, this dish is both satisfying and wholesome.

Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe Ingredients

• Bell Peppers: High in vitamin C, adds sweetness and vibrant color.
• Ground Beef or Turkey: Rich in protein, offers a savory and hearty flavor.
• Chili Powder: Provides warmth and spice, enhances the dish’s flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tang, high in antioxidants.
• Cooked Rice: A carbohydrate source, balances the dish’s texture.
• Black Beans: Packed with fiber and protein, adds earthiness.
• Cheese: Melts into creaminess, adds richness and depth of flavor.

Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 4 large bell peppers, any color
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving

How to Make this Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the peppers with olive oil and arrange them in a baking dish.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are well incorporated.

5. Add the drained diced tomatoes, cooked rice, and black beans to the meat mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients and allow them to heat through, about 2-3 minutes.

6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese and the chopped cilantro. Mix until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.

7. Stuff each bell pepper with the filling mixture, pressing down gently to ensure they are packed full.

8. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper.

9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

10. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly. Serve the stuffed peppers with lime wedges for squeezing over the top, adding a fresh burst of flavor. Enjoy your spicy creation!

Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking dish
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Basting brush
6. Large skillet
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Measuring spoons
9. Can opener
10. Foil
11. Spoon for stuffing peppers
12. Plate for serving

FAQ

• Q: Can I make these stuffed peppers vegetarian?
  A: Yes, you can substitute the ground meat with additional beans or a meat substitute such as crumbled tofu or tempeh.
• Q: Can I use a different type of rice?
  A: Absolutely, you can use brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Q: How do I store leftover stuffed peppers?
  A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Q: Can the stuffed peppers be frozen?
  A: Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Wrap each pepper individually and store in an airtight container. Bake directly from frozen, adjusting cooking time as needed.
• Q: What can I serve with stuffed peppers?
  A: These peppers pair well with a side salad, crusty bread, or a light slaw.
• Q: How do I make this recipe less spicy?
  A: Omit the cayenne pepper and reduce the amount of chili powder to tone down the spice level.
• Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
  A: Certainly! You can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend of your choice.

Spicy Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Ground beef or turkey can be substituted with ground chicken or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
• Olive oil can be replaced with avocado oil or coconut oil.
• For the cheese, use feta or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• If fresh cilantro is not preferred, parsley can be used as a substitute.
• Canned black beans can be replaced with canned kidney beans or chickpeas.

Pro Tips

1. Pepper Preparation To ensure the peppers cook evenly, parboil them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes before stuffing. This will soften them slightly and reduce baking time.

2. Flavor Boost For an extra depth of flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste when cooking the meat. This will enhance the richness of the filling.

3. Cheese Uniformity Mix in a small amount of cheese throughout the filling, not just on top. This ensures gooey cheese in every bite and helps bind the ingredients together.

4. Rice Options Consider using a flavored rice, like cilantro lime or Spanish rice, to add additional flavor layers. Alternatively, swap in quinoa for a protein-packed, healthful alternative.

5. Custom Toppings Serve with a variety of toppings for guests to customize, such as sour cream, avocado slices, jalapeño, or additional fresh cilantro, to enhance the dining experience.