Zesty Tamale-Stuffed Bell Peppers
These Zesty Tamale-Stuffed Bell Peppers are a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings a burst of freshness to any table. Perfectly roasted bell peppers serve as the ideal vessel for a hearty filling made from ripe tomatoes, nutritious black beans, and sweet corn, all jazzed up with your favorite salsa and topped with gooey melted cheese. Whether you choose to enjoy them as a satisfying entree or slice them in half for a delicious side dish, these stuffed peppers are sure to please. Feel free to customize the heat level by selecting your preferred salsa, and consider adding pepperjack cheese for an extra kick. Whip these up in less than an hour and bring a taste of the Southwest to your home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
large bell peppers
4 (Any color, tops sliced off and seeds removed)
fresh tomato
1 cup (Diced)
black beans
1 cup (Rinsed and drained)
corn
1 cup (Fresh or frozen)
onion
1/2 cup (Chopped)
salsa
3/4 cup (Of your preferred heat level)
cheddar cheese
1 cup (Shredded, divided)
cornmeal
1/4 cup (N/A)
cilantro
2 tablespoons (Chopped, plus additional for garnish)
cumin
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
water
1/4 cup (N/A)
green onions
2 tablespoons (Chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Carefully slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes, creating hollow shells for the filling.
3
In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, rinsed black beans, corn, chopped onion, salsa, 3/4 cup of shredded cheese, cornmeal, chopped cilantro, cumin, and water. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4
Spoon the veggie mixture generously into each hollowed bell pepper, packing it in lightly.
5
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed pepper.
6
Place the filled peppers upright in an 8x8 inch baking pan. Pour in enough water to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/2 inch, which will help steam the peppers as they bake.
7
Bake the peppers in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is hot throughout.
8
Once baked, let the peppers stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and additional cilantro for a fresh touch. Enjoy warm!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish described in this recipe?
The dish is Zesty Tamale-Stuffed Bell Peppers.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these stuffed peppers are a vegetarian dish featuring black beans and corn.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How many bell peppers are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 large bell peppers.
How do I prepare the bell peppers for stuffing?
Carefully slice off the tops and remove the seeds and membranes to create hollow shells.
What ingredients make up the filling?
The filling includes diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, onion, salsa, cheese, cornmeal, cilantro, cumin, and water.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, divided.
Can I make the peppers spicier?
Yes, you can use a hotter salsa or substitute pepperjack cheese for an extra kick.
How long do the peppers need to bake?
Bake the peppers for 50 minutes until they are tender.
Why is water added to the baking pan?
The water helps steam the peppers as they bake in the oven.
How much water should be in the baking pan?
Pour in enough water to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/2 inch.
What size baking pan is recommended?
An 8x8 inch baking pan is used for this recipe.
Should the filling ingredients be mixed together?
Yes, combine the filling ingredients in a large bowl until well incorporated before stuffing.
What is the purpose of cornmeal in the filling?
Cornmeal provides a tamale-like texture to the stuffing.
How much cheese goes on top of the peppers?
1/4 cup of the shredded cheese is sprinkled evenly over the tops.
What kind of corn should I use?
You can use 1 cup of either fresh or frozen corn.
Should the black beans be prepared in any specific way?
The black beans should be rinsed and drained before use.
What are the suggested garnishes for this dish?
Garnish with chopped green onions and additional fresh cilantro.
How long should the peppers sit after baking?
Let the peppers stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Can these be served as a side dish?
Yes, they can be sliced in half to serve as a delicious side dish.
What colors of bell peppers work best?
Any color of bell pepper can be used for this vibrant dish.
How much salsa is required?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of your preferred salsa.
What spice is used for seasoning?
1/2 teaspoon of cumin is used for seasoning the filling.
How much onion is needed?
Use 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
How much tomato is included?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of diced fresh tomato.
How many ingredients are in the entire recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients in this recipe.
How should the peppers be placed in the pan?
The filled peppers should be placed upright in the baking pan.
Is water added directly into the filling mixture?
Yes, 1/4 cup of water is mixed into the veggie filling.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, these can be whipped up in less than an hour.
What regional flavors does this dish represent?
This dish brings a taste of Southwest flavors to your home.