These ultimate taco stuffed peppers bring everything you love about classic tacos into a wholesome, colorful pepper “boat” that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or busy weeknights. Filled with seasoned beef, beans, tomatoes, and melty cheese, they deliver big flavor while keeping things lighter and naturally low-carb.
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Why You’ll Love This Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe
If you’re craving a fun twist on taco night, this recipe is exactly what you need. Each pepper half is packed with a hearty taco filling that bakes into a bubbly, satisfying meal. It’s easy to customize, kid-friendly, and uses ingredients most home cooks already have on hand. The technique of pre-baking the peppers helps remove extra moisture, giving them the perfect tender-crisp texture without turning soggy. These peppers also store beautifully, making them a practical choice for healthy lunches throughout the week.
Ingredients for Taco Stuffed Peppers
Bell Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers, any color
- A drizzle of olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Savory Taco Filling
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 ounce taco seasoning (packet or homemade)
- ⅔ cup water
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained
Cheesy Topping
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Healthy Swaps)
- Meat Options: Ground beef gives a rich, classic taco flavor, but you can use ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter profile without losing heartiness.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat for extra beans, quinoa, or sautéed mushrooms.
- Taco Seasoning: Homemade seasoning lets you control sodium and spices — perfect for families.
- Cheese Alternatives: Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a dairy-free option all work well.
- Heat Level: Use mild, medium, or hot Rotel depending on how much spice you want.
- Sodium Control: Rinse canned beans and choose low-sodium tomatoes or seasoning blends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Bell Peppers
Slice the peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them on a baking sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake just until they begin to soften and release water. This step ensures the peppers won’t become watery once stuffed.
Step 2 – Cook the Taco Filling
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and tomato paste. Mix in taco seasoning and water, allowing the mixture to simmer until thickened. Stir in black beans and drained Rotel to create a rich, flavorful filling.
Step 3 – Stuff & Bake
Spoon the filling generously into each pepper half. Top with shredded Mexican cheese and return the tray to the oven. Bake until the cheese melts and the filling heats through, creating a golden, irresistible finish.
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Ultimate Taco Stuffed Peppers
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Ultimate Taco Stuffed Peppers bring everything you love about classic tacos into a wholesome, colorful pepper boat packed with seasoned beef, beans, tomatoes, and melty cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
- Olive oil (drizzle)
- Salt and pepper
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 oz taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can Rotel, drained
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese
Instructions
- Slice peppers lengthwise, remove seeds, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and pre-bake until slightly softened.
- Brown ground beef in a skillet, then add diced onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in garlic and tomato paste.
- Add taco seasoning and water; simmer until thickened.
- Mix in black beans and drained Rotel.
- Spoon filling into pepper halves.
- Top with shredded Mexican cheese.
- Bake until cheese is melted and filling is hot and bubbly.
Notes
For best results, pre-bake peppers to reduce moisture and drain canned ingredients well to avoid sogginess. Let peppers rest before serving so the filling can settle.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Pro Tips for Success
- Pre-bake the peppers: This prevents extra moisture from diluting your filling.
- Drain canned ingredients well: Eliminates sogginess and keeps flavors bold.
- Season the meat generously: The filling should taste like your favorite taco.
- Choose firmer peppers: They hold their shape better during baking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded bags.
- Let the peppers rest before serving: This helps the filling thicken slightly.
Flavor Variations
- Southwest Style: Add corn, cilantro, and pepper jack cheese.
- Fiesta Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken and top with salsa verde.
- Loaded Veggie: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or cauliflower rice to the filling.
- BBQ Tex-Mex: Add a splash of BBQ sauce and top with sharp cheddar.
- Breakfast Edition: Swap the meat for scrambled eggs and spicy sausage alternatives.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with sour cream, guacamole, or fresh pico.
- Add a crunchy finish with crushed tortilla chips or corn strips.
- Pair with cilantro-lime rice or a crisp green salad.
- Serve alongside black bean soup or Mexican street corn for a hearty dinner.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze fully cooked stuffed peppers individually for 2–3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave in 60-second intervals.
- Meal Prep Tip: Fill the peppers and refrigerate them unbaked; add cheese and bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~290 |
| Protein | 23g |
| Carbs | 19g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 520mg |
(Approximate values.)
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FAQ About Taco Stuffed Peppers
How do I keep stuffed peppers from getting watery?
The key is pre-baking the peppers before adding the filling. Bell peppers naturally contain a lot of water, and baking helps release some of that moisture ahead of time. Draining canned beans and tomatoes also makes a significant difference. Avoid overfilling with overly saucy meat mixtures, and let the peppers rest briefly after baking so the filling can settle.
Can I make these taco stuffed peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the filling and pre-baked peppers up to two days ahead. Store them separately or stuff them and refrigerate until ready to bake. If baking straight from the fridge, allow a few extra minutes in the oven. They also freeze well, making them perfect for bulk meal prep.
What color peppers work best for this recipe?
Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter and soften nicely, making them ideal for stuffed dishes. Green peppers have a more savory, slightly bitter taste, which many people love with taco seasoning. Choose whichever flavor profile you prefer—or mix and match for color variety.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, both options work beautifully. Turkey and chicken absorb the spices easily and create a lighter meal while keeping the same satisfying texture. You may need to add a small splash of oil during browning since lean meats can dry out, but otherwise the steps stay the same.
What toppings go well with taco stuffed peppers?
Classic taco toppings shine here. Popular choices include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, or a drizzle of hot sauce. Use toppings to add color, crunch, and freshness to each serving.
Final Thoughts
These Ultimate Taco Stuffed Peppers offer a wholesome, flavorful twist on taco night that’s easy to customize and perfect for feeding families. Whether you’re aiming for a lighter dinner, a colorful meal prep option, or a reliable way to use pantry staples, this recipe delivers every time. The combination of seasoned taco filling and tender roasted peppers makes each bite comforting, satisfying, and filled with vibrant flavor.For more inspiration, check out this Easy Pumpkin Pie Tacos — A Fun Fall Dessert or explore more on Pinterest for your next meal idea!