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Easy Cheesy Taco Stuffed Peppers

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A quick and flavorful dinner featuring bell peppers stuffed with taco-seasoned ground beef, cream cheese, and melted cheddar cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color: red, yellow, or green)
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Wash and slice the tops off each bell pepper about 1/2 inch from the stem. Remove seeds and membranes with a small spoon. Set aside the tops if desired for presentation.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up and cook until browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in taco seasoning and tomato sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat.
  6. Fold softened cream cheese into the warm meat mixture until creamy and well combined.
  7. Spoon the taco meat mixture evenly into each hollowed bell pepper, packing gently but not overfilling.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the stuffed peppers. Add diced jalapeño on top if desired for heat.
  9. Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  10. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  11. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

If peppers are not softening enough, parboil them for 3-4 minutes before stuffing. Keep an eye on the cheese near the end of baking to avoid burning. Use a baking dish with sides to catch drips. Foil cover should be loose to allow cheese to crisp. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and cheddar with plant-based alternatives. Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef for a leaner option.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/easy-cheesy-taco-stuffed-peppers-recipe-for-a-perfect-flavorful-dinner/