Zesty Southwestern Stuffed Peppers
Elevate your dinner table with these Zesty Southwestern Stuffed Peppers! Bursting with robust flavors and a colorful array of bell peppers, this recipe combines lean ground beef with a homemade taco seasoning, fragrant onions, and hearty rice. Topped with salsa and melted cheddar cheese, these peppers are not only visually appealing but also deliver a satisfying and delicious meal. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this dish is easy to make and sure to impress your palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 lb (raw)
chopped onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
taco seasoning mix
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package (store-bought or homemade)
egg
1 (beaten)
cooked rice
2 cups (any variety)
bell peppers
4-6 (cut in half lengthwise)
diced tomatoes
1 (19 ounce) can (drained)
salsa
1 (15-16 ounce) jar (any variety)
shredded cheddar cheese
to taste (for topping)
sour cream
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, chopped onion, taco seasoning mix, and beaten egg. Mix well until all ingredients are fully integrated.
3
Add the cooked rice to the beef mixture, stirring until thoroughly combined.
4
Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove any seeds or membranes.
5
Spread the canned diced tomatoes evenly across the bottom of a greased 12 x 9-inch baking dish. If you prefer extra sauce, add about a cup of water to the dish to enhance the cooking process and soften the peppers.
6
Arrange the halved peppers cut side up in the baking dish on top of the tomatoes.
7
Generously fill each pepper with the beef and rice mixture, mounding it slightly if necessary.
8
Spoon your favorite salsa over the top of each stuffed pepper.
9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and the peppers are tender.
10
Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each pepper. Return the dish to the oven under the broiler for a minute or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close watch to avoid burning.
11
Serve hot, garnished with sour cream and additional salsa for an extra kick.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Southwestern Stuffed Peppers?
Zesty Southwestern Stuffed Peppers are a flavorful dish featuring bell peppers filled with a mixture of lean ground beef, rice, and taco seasoning, then topped with salsa and cheese.
What is the primary protein used in this recipe?
The primary protein used is one pound of lean ground beef.
How many bell peppers do I need for this recipe?
You will need 4 to 6 bell peppers, which should be cut in half lengthwise.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the beef?
Yes, the recipe requires 2 cups of rice that is already cooked.
What kind of seasoning is used for the meat filling?
The recipe uses one 1.25-ounce package of taco seasoning mix, either store-bought or homemade.
Why is an egg included in the meat mixture?
One beaten egg is added to the ground beef mixture to act as a binder for the ingredients.
How should I prepare the bell peppers before stuffing them?
Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove any seeds or internal membranes.
What goes on the bottom of the baking dish?
Spread one 19-ounce can of drained diced tomatoes evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
Can I add water to the baking dish?
Yes, adding about a cup of water to the dish can help soften the peppers and create more sauce.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A greased 12 x 9-inch baking dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
How do I assemble the peppers in the dish?
Arrange the halved peppers cut side up on top of the diced tomatoes in the baking dish.
What do I put on top of the beef and rice filling before baking?
Spoon your favorite variety of salsa over the top of each stuffed pepper before placing them in the oven.
Should the baking dish be covered during the cooking process?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil before putting it in the oven.
How long do the stuffed peppers need to bake?
Bake the peppers for 40 to 45 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the peppers are tender.
When is the cheddar cheese added to the recipe?
Remove the foil after the initial baking time, sprinkle the cheese on top, and return it to the oven to melt.
What is the best way to melt the cheese at the end?
Place the dish under the broiler for about a minute until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What garnishes are suggested for serving?
The recipe suggests garnishing the finished peppers with sour cream and additional salsa.
How much onion is used in the beef mixture?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion.
Can I use any variety of rice?
Yes, any variety of cooked rice can be used in the filling.
Do I need to drain the salsa?
No, you use a 15-16 ounce jar of salsa as is, spooning it over the peppers.
Is the beef cooked before it goes into the peppers?
No, the beef is mixed raw with other ingredients and then cooks inside the peppers while in the oven.
How much cheese should I use?
The amount of shredded cheddar cheese is used to taste for the topping.
Can I use different colored bell peppers?
Yes, using a colorful array of bell peppers is encouraged for a visually appealing presentation.
What should I watch out for when broiling the cheese?
Keep a close watch on the peppers while they are under the broiler to avoid burning the cheese.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-make dish that is perfect for weeknight family dinners.
Can I make my own taco seasoning for this?
Yes, you can use either a store-bought package or a homemade version of taco seasoning.
What provides the 'zesty' flavor in this dish?
The zesty flavor comes from the combination of taco seasoning and the salsa topped on the peppers.
How do you serve this meal?
Serve the peppers hot, ideally straight from the oven with sour cream and extra salsa on the side.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the 19-ounce can of diced tomatoes should be drained.