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Southwest Stuffed Bell Peppers

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Southwest Stuffed Bell Peppers are vibrant and hearty bell peppers filled with a zesty mix of seasoned meat, black beans, corn, rice, and spices, topped with cheese and baked for a satisfying, flavor-packed meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–6 bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 1 lb ground beef, turkey, or chicken
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes or salsa
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped jalapeños
  • Optional: chopped cilantro
  • Optional: sour cream for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise, remove seeds and membranes, and lightly brush with olive oil.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Stir in cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes or salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until heated through.
  4. Place bell pepper halves in a baking dish with a small amount of water at the bottom. Spoon the filling into each pepper.
  5. Top with shredded cheese. Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and peppers are tender.
  7. Garnish with cilantro, jalapeños, or sour cream if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter flavor, or green for a more robust taste.
  • To make vegetarian, omit meat and add extra beans or tofu.
  • Swap rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
  • Freeze cooked peppers individually and reheat from frozen or thaw first.
  • Use quinoa as a nutritious rice substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, southwest peppers, healthy dinner, meal prep, baked peppers, gluten-free stuffed peppers, mexican inspired dinner

Find it online: https://yumcove.com/southwest-stuffed-bell-peppers/