Zesty Pork-Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers
Elevate your appetizer game with these Zesty Pork-Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers! Bursting with flavors from seasoned ground pork, fresh herbs, and a delightful mix of spices, these vibrant little peppers make for the perfect party snack or a fun side dish. With a warm, cheesy center and a slight kick from the chipotle powder, they’re sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. Perfect for impressing friends or family at any gathering, these stuffed mini bell peppers are easy to prepare and can even be made ahead of time, making them a go-to recipe for any occasion.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (measured)
Assorted baby bell peppers
1 lb (washed and halved)
Small onion
1 (diced)
Poblano chile
1 (seeded and diced)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
Dried ancho chile powder
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
Dried chipotle powder
1 teaspoon (measured)
Kosher salt
to taste (as needed)
Ground pork
1/2 lb (raw)
Fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped)
Muenster cheese
3 ounces (diced (about 3/4 cup))
Lime wedge
for serving (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the assorted baby bell peppers in a single layer and cook for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally until the skins are blistered and browned. Remove and transfer the peppers to a plate to cool.
2
Still using the same skillet, add the diced onion, seeded and diced poblano chile, and minced garlic. Stir in ground cumin, dried oregano, ancho chile powder, chipotle powder, and a teaspoon of kosher salt. Cook for about 8 minutes, or until the onion and poblano are tender and fragrant.
3
Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground pork, using a wooden spoon to break it up. Cook until the pork is browned and no longer pink, approximately 6 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
4
While the meat cools, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Use a paring knife to carefully make a slit in each baby bell pepper from the stem to the tip. Crumble the cooled meat mixture and combine it in a bowl with chopped cilantro and diced muenster cheese.
5
Stuff each mini bell pepper with 2-3 teaspoons of the meat and cheese mixture, using your fingers or a small spoon. Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet. If preparing ahead, the stuffed peppers can be covered and refrigerated for up to 4 hours—make sure to bring them to room temperature before baking.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the peppers are heated through and the cheese is melted. Season with additional salt to taste, and serve warm with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of zesty flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Pork-Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers?
They are a vibrant appetizer featuring mini bell peppers filled with seasoned ground pork, fresh herbs, spices, and a cheesy center.
What kind of peppers are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of assorted baby bell peppers.
Is this stuffed pepper recipe spicy?
Yes, it has a slight kick from the use of 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder and 1/2 teaspoon of ancho chile powder.
How do I prepare the peppers before stuffing them?
Cook the peppers in olive oil for 8 minutes until blistered and browned, then cool and make a slit from the stem to the tip.
What vegetables are included in the meat filling?
The filling includes a small diced onion and one seeded and diced poblano chile.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
What spices are used to season the pork filling?
The pork is seasoned with ground cumin, dried oregano, ancho chile powder, and chipotle powder.
How much ground pork is needed?
You will need 1/2 lb of raw ground pork.
How long does it take to cook the pork?
Cook the pork over medium-high heat for approximately 6 minutes until it is browned and no longer pink.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
What kind of cheese is used in these stuffed peppers?
The recipe uses 3 ounces (about 3/4 cup) of diced muenster cheese.
What fresh herb is added to the filling?
1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro is mixed into the meat and cheese filling.
How much filling should I put in each mini pepper?
Stuff each pepper with 2-3 teaspoons of the meat and cheese mixture.
Can I make these stuffed peppers in advance?
Yes, they can be stuffed, covered, and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before baking.
What is the instruction for refrigerated peppers?
Make sure to bring refrigerated stuffed peppers to room temperature before placing them in the oven.
How long do the peppers need to bake?
Bake the peppers for about 10 minutes until they are heated through and the cheese has melted.
How should these peppers be served?
Serve them warm with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of zesty flavor.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil.
How do I prepare the poblano chile?
The poblano chile should be seeded and diced before being added to the skillet.
What tool is recommended for breaking up the meat?
A wooden spoon is recommended for breaking up the pork while it cooks.
How much chipotle powder is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried chipotle powder.
How much ground cumin is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Is there a specific way to cut the peppers for stuffing?
Use a paring knife to make a slit from the stem to the tip of each baby bell pepper.
When do I add the cilantro and cheese?
Add them to the meat mixture after it has been removed from the heat and cooled slightly.
What is the first step of the recipe?
Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the baby bell peppers until their skins are blistered.
How long do the onions and poblano need to cook?
They should be cooked for about 8 minutes or until they are tender and fragrant.
Can I use lime wedges as a garnish?
Yes, serving with lime wedges is recommended for a zesty flavor profile.
What kind of skillet is best?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended.
Should I add salt to the dish?
Add 1 teaspoon of kosher salt during cooking and additional salt to taste after baking.
How many servings does the recipe make?
While servings aren't specified, the recipe uses 1 lb of peppers, making it suitable as a party appetizer.