Mini Taco Stuffed Peppers: A Simple and Delicious Beginner-Friendly Recipe
Mini Taco Stuffed Peppers take all the bold, savory goodness of tacos and pack it into sweet, tender mini bell peppers! Filled with seasoned beef or chicken, melty cheese, and fresh toppings, these easy, beginner-friendly bites are perfect for parties, meal prep, or a fun weeknight dinner! 🧀🍅🔥
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground chicken for a leaner option)
- ¼ cup taco seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ⅓ cup water
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 lb mini bell peppers, washed with tops and seeds removed
- 1 cup queso dip (or substitute with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F. Preheating ensures even cooking and prevents the cheese from over-browning too quickly.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula until no longer pink. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease to prevent the mixture from becoming too oily.
Step 3: Season the Meat
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and add the taco seasoning along with ⅓ cup of water. Stir well and allow it to simmer until the water has evaporated, ensuring that the seasoning fully coats the meat. This step enhances the flavor and helps the seasoning absorb into the beef.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Turn off the heat and mix in the cream cheese along with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until both cheeses have melted completely, creating a creamy and flavorful filling for the peppers.
Step 5: Prepare the Peppers
While the beef mixture is cooling slightly, prepare the mini bell peppers. Wash them thoroughly, then cut off the tops and remove the seeds. Since mini peppers are naturally sweet, they provide the perfect contrast to the savory beef filling.
Step 6: Fill the Peppers
Using a small spoon, carefully fill each pepper with the meat and cheese mixture. Try to distribute the filling evenly so each pepper is packed with flavor.
Step 7: Arrange in the Skillet
Place an oven-safe bowl in the center of the skillet. If using queso dip, fill the bowl with queso before baking. If using a cold dip like guacamole or sour cream, leave the bowl empty and fill it after baking. Arrange the stuffed peppers around the bowl in a circular pattern.
Step 8: Bake the Peppers
Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This allows the peppers to soften slightly while the flavors meld together.
Step 9: Add the Final Layer of Cheese
Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the peppers. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of dips.
Notes
- How to Tell if the Peppers Are Done: The peppers should be slightly softened but still hold their shape. If they become too soft, reduce the baking time slightly.
- Preventing Over-Browning: If the cheese starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil for the final 10 minutes of baking.
- How to Adjust the Spice Level: Use mild taco seasoning for a less spicy dish or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Substituting Tools: If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, you can use a baking dish instead. Arrange the peppers in a single layer and place the dip bowl in the center.