Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers are a healthy, easy, and colorful weeknight dinner the whole family will love! A ground beef filling is made from salsa and taco seasoning, loaded into pepper halves and then baked in the oven with shredded cheese. Since they’re made without rice, they are a great low-carb recipe that taste delicious topped with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream!
Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers
Having lived in San Antonio for four years, a week is never complete in my house without some form of Mexican food on the menu!
When the craving hits for tacos without the carbs, I either whip up some Zucchini Boat Tacos or these Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers!
You get all of the delicious Southwest flavors like ground beef, salsa, and a homemade taco seasoning in a MUCH healthier package.
Plus, they can be dressed up with all your favorite taco toppings like guacamole, cilantro, or even a Lime Crema.
This recipe is easy to meal prep, and makes a delicious and quick dinner for busy school nights.
Having some dinner guests over? They’re even great for entertaining, too!
And for more peppers, don’t miss out on these Black Bean & Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers, Crock-Pot Stuffed Peppers, or this deconstructed Stuffed Pepper Soup!
Ingredients
- Bell Peppers. Three medium-sized peppers are needed. You can use all of the same color or mix it up with different colors. You can also use poblano peppers if you want more of a spicy kick.
- Ground meat. Beef is traditionally used, but ground turkey, chicken, or even venison can be subbed instead. A lean ground beef, 90/10 or 85/15 fat content, is recommended for the healthiest option.
- Salsa. This is a quick way to give the peppers a lot of flavor. Use mild if you don’t want it too spicy, or medium for more heat. You can even use a homemade Roasted Tomato Salsa if you have extra on hand.
- Taco Seasoning. Use store-bought packets or make your own taco seasoning at home. Just make sure to adjust the amount of salt added accordingly.
- Beans. Black beans are preferred. If you’re using canned, make sure to rinse and drain before adding them in. Pinto beans or red beans can also be substituted.
- Corn. Either use canned, previously frozen, or fresh corn. If you are on a keto diet, you can leave this out completely.
- Cheese. Both shredded cheddar or Monterrey jack taste great. You can also use a vegan and dairy-free alternative.
How to Make Mexican Stuffed Peppers
Please see the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts.
1. Prepare the Bell Peppers
Cut each pepper in half through the stem and from top to bottom. Remove the seeds and ribs.
Place peppers cut side-up on a baking dish and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Add a little water to the dish so they steam and don’t burn.
Pre-bake the peppers in the preheated 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they pierce easily with fork. This step ensures the peppers are tender, but the filling doesn’t get overcooked.
2. Make the Taco Filling
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add some oil to the pan.
Sauté the onion and garlic for a couple of minutes. Next, add the ground meat and cook until it is browned. Then, use a potato masher to crumble.
After the meat is in small pieces, add in the salsa, seasonings, corn, beans, and cheese.
Then, stir until everything is well combined.
3. Fill and Cook
Drain out any liquid from the peppers. Use a spoon to stuff each one really full with the meat mixture.
Top with shredded cheese. Then bake for 5 to 10 minutes. When the cheese melts, they are done!
4. Top and Serve
Add some extra flavor to these stuffed peppers by loading them with toppings.
Try pairing with guacamole, sour cream, roasted tomato salsa, cilantro, green onions, or simply sliced avocado.
You can also serve over a bed of white rice or quinoa if you are not following a low-carb diet.
FAQs
Just using seasoning in the filling and not on the peppers can result in a bland flavor. Try adding a bit of salt and black pepper to the bell peppers before baking.
It is not necessary. However, if the peppers are not pre-cooked they will likely still be pretty crisp. You can also pre-bake them in the oven before filling them up.
The peppers were likely not cooked long enough before filling. Pre-cooking the peppers separately allows them to soften completely.
You don’t have to. Some recipes even call for raw beef to be stuffed into peppers! However, if you cook the peppers and meat separately you ensure everything is cooked perfectly.
What to Serve with Mexican Stuffed Peppers
These peppers can be served on their own, or along with these recipes.
Go for a classic side, like Cilantro Lime Rice, Easy Mexican Street Corn Salad, or Mexican Rice.
Or change things up with Southern Corn Fritters or Mexican Quinoa Salad.
More Easy Mexican Main Dish Recipes
Stuffed peppers are so delicious, you might find yourself craving more south of the border flavors! Try one of these next:
- Mexican Zucchini Boats
- Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Mexican Taco Lasagna
- Baja Fish Tacos
- Chicken Taquitos
- One-Pot Mexican Beef and Rice
- Corn Tortilla Quesadillas
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Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
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Ingredients
- 3 bell peppers red, yellow, or green
- 2 Tbsp. oil olive or avocado oil
- ½ sweet onion finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 lb. ground beef 90/10*
- 2 Tbsp. taco seasoning homemade or store-bought
- ¼ tsp. salt optional
- 1 cup salsa mild or medium heat
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn drained
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded, divided
To Serve:
- Cilantro finely chopped, optional
- Sour cream optional
- Guacamole optional
Instructions
- Prep the Peppers: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut bell peppers in half lengthwise, starting from the stem end. Remove and discard the ribs and seeds. Place the peppers cut side-up in a large baking dish and sprinkle with a dash of salt and pepper on each one. Fill the bottom of the dish with ⅓ cup of water. Bake peppers in oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they pierce easily with a fork.3 bell peppers
- Sauté the Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat add oil and onion. Saute for 2-3 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent. Add the crushed garlic and continue sauteing for 1 minute.2 Tbsp. oil, ½ sweet onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Cook the Meat: Push the onion to the side and add the ground meat. Cook for 7-8 minutes, or until it is cooked through. Use a potato masher to crumble the beef once cooked.1 lb. ground beef
- Season and Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and add the salsa, taco seasoning, salt, black beans, and corn. Stir and let simmer for a few minutes, or until the corn and beans are heated through. Turn off the heat and mix in ½ cup cheese.2 Tbsp. taco seasoning, ¼ tsp. salt, 1 cup salsa, 1 cup black beans, 1 cup corn, 1 cup cheddar cheese
- Fill the Peppers: Remove the peppers from the oven and carefully drain out any liquid that has gathered in them. Fill each pepper half liberally with the ground meat mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.1 cup cheddar cheese
- Bake and Serve: Bake in preheated oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender. Serve immediately with cilantro, sour cream, or guacamole. Enjoy!Cilantro, Sour cream, Guacamole
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Video
Notes
- Same sized. This way the peppers will cook up more evenly.
- Make it colorful. Not only does it make the presentation gorgeous, but you also get diverse flavors! Red and yellow peppers are a tad sweeter, while green peppers have a bit of a bite.
- Change it up. Try different varieties such as poblano peppers.
- Give it a sprinkle. A dash of salt and pepper on the inside of the peppers brings out their natural flavors when baked.
- Mash it real good. Using a potato masher helps to break apart the ground meat into fine crumbles.
- Give it some heat. Add a medium-heat salsa and a little extra cayenne pepper to up the spice level.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
The is my absolute favorite stuffed bell peppers. Made this several times.
Thank you!!!
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
I made these with ground turkey and they are absolutely delicious!!!!
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Sandy! Ground turkey is a great way to make them even healthier! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
We love these! This time I’m using leftover shredded chicken enchilada filling instead of ground meat.
I never pre-cook the peppers. They come out cooked, but still crisp, when filled raw and baked. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Linda! That sounds like a good switch. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
In the oven as I write this! Love stuffed peppers growing up and also love anything southwest! The only thing I did differently was combine everything in a bowl, RAW. Covered with foil and baked at 350 for 1hr15min as this was the way I’d been taught growing up. Added the cheese last, uncovered just long enough to melt! Omg!!!!!!They smell delish already! Thank you!!!!
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Audrey! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
We made these using taco seasoning and Spanish rice on the side. So good!
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Angela! Yum! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
We loved this recipe. I had doubled the filling & will have the leftovers for another day. So good. Hubby picked it out & I served it up. Definitely putting this on repeat. Thanks so much💖
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Suzanne! I love having leftovers! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!