Southwestern Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe 🌶️🥩🧀

Overview:

Prepare yourself for a flavor fiesta with these tantalizing Southwestern Stuffed Bell Peppers! Bursting with vibrant colors and robust flavors, this dish combines the succulence of lean ground beef, the aromatic sweetness of onions, and the hearty goodness of cooked rice, all nestled within the tender embrace of bell peppers. Seasoned to perfection with a homemade blend of spices, these stuffed peppers are then generously topped with salsa and cheddar cheese for an extra kick of savory goodness. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, this recipe promises simplicity and satisfaction in every bite.

Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serves: 4-6
Calories: 435.8 per serving
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (based on 117 reviews)

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef
1/4 onion, finely chopped
1 egg
1 cup cooked rice
4-6 bell peppers (red, green, yellow, orange for a colorful presentation)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream, for serving

Instructions:

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, finely chopped onion, and seasoning mix. Crack in the egg and mix until well combined. Stir in the cooked rice until evenly distributed.
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Prep the Peppers: Wash the bell peppers thoroughly and pat them dry. Cut each pepper in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membrane, creating hollow cavities for stuffing.
Create the Base: Spread the diced tomatoes evenly on the bottom of an ovenproof 12 x 9-inch baking dish. For extra sauciness, add about a cup of water to the dish. This will help soften the peppers and infuse them with flavor as they cook.
Fill the Peppers: Arrange the hollowed-out bell pepper halves, cut side up, on top of the bed of diced tomatoes in the baking dish. Spoon the beef and rice mixture generously into each pepper, mounding it as necessary to ensure they’re packed full of deliciousness.
Top with Salsa: Spoon a dollop of salsa onto the top of each stuffed pepper, spreading it evenly to cover the beef mixture.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the beef is cooked thoroughly and the peppers are tender.
Cheesy Finale: Once the peppers are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and sprinkle each stuffed pepper generously with shredded cheddar cheese. Return the dish to the oven, this time under the broiler, and broil for just under a minute, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and an extra spoonful of salsa on the side.

Tips:

For a spicy twist, swap out the regular salsa for a hot or chipotle-flavored variety.
Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients such as black beans, corn, or diced jalapeños.
Make ahead: Prepare the stuffed peppers up to a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just increase the baking time slightly to ensure they’re heated through.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 435.8
Fat: 13.4g
Saturated Fat: 5.2g
Cholesterol: 120.2mg
Sodium: 1455.9mg
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 7.5g
Sugar: 11.8g
Protein: 30.4g

Enjoy your Flavorful Fiesta!

With its colorful presentation, robust flavors, and simple preparation, these Southwestern Stuffed Bell Peppers are sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family, this dish offers a delicious taste of the Southwest that will have everyone coming back for seconds!