Stuffed Bell Peppers with Melted Cheese

Stuffed bell peppers are a comforting and satisfying dish, especially when filled with flavorful ingredients like ground chicken or turkey, rice, black beans, corn, and melted cheese. This recipe takes a classic dish to the next level with the addition of zesty enchilada sauce and a perfect blend of spices. The bell peppers are roasted to perfection, then stuffed with a savory, cheesy filling and baked until golden and bubbly. The result is a dish that’s not only hearty and filling but also incredibly delicious and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, stuffed bell peppers with melted cheese offer the perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and cheese. They are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite fillings or toppings. Plus, this dish is visually appealing and makes a beautiful centerpiece for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stuffed bell pepper recipe is a winner for several reasons. The combination of lean ground chicken or turkey, rice, black beans, and corn offers a deliciously satisfying and balanced filling. The spice mix of cumin, chili powder, and paprika gives the dish a rich and smoky flavor, while the enchilada sauce adds tanginess and depth. Topping it all off with shredded Mexican blend cheese creates a gooey, cheesy crust that everyone loves. The bell peppers themselves become tender and sweet during baking, complementing the filling perfectly. This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to experiment with different proteins, grains, or vegetables to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

• Bell peppers, halved and deseeded
• Olive oil
• Ground chicken or turkey
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Cooked rice
• Enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Black beans, drained and rinsed
• Corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Variations

• Vegetarian version: Use a plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or tempeh in place of ground chicken or turkey.
• Add extra veggies: Include diced tomatoes, zucchini, or spinach for more nutrients and texture in the filling.
• Spicy kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for an extra heat boost.
• Cheese variations: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack, for varying levels of richness and spiciness.
• Quinoa substitution: Replace rice with cooked quinoa for a gluten-free, protein-packed option.
• Taco seasoning: For a different flavor profile, swap the cumin, chili powder, and paprika for a packet of taco seasoning.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Bell Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set it aside. Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place the bell pepper halves in the prepared baking dish, cut side up. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly with salt. Bake the peppers for 10 minutes to soften, then remove from the oven.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground chicken or turkey until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant. Season the mixture with cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt. Stir to coat the meat and vegetables in the spices.

Step 4: Add the Rice, Beans, Corn, and Sauce

Mix in the cooked rice, black beans, and corn. Add 3/4 cup of the enchilada sauce, stirring until the mixture is well combined and heated through.

Step 5: Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the filling evenly into the bell pepper halves. Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle the shredded cheese over the stuffed peppers.

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Garnish the stuffed peppers with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pre-bake the peppers: Roasting the peppers for a few minutes before filling them helps soften them and ensures they cook evenly when baked with the filling.
• Drain excess liquid: If your black beans or corn have excess liquid, be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the filling to avoid a soggy result.
• Customize the protein: Swap the ground chicken or turkey for ground beef, pork, or a vegetarian option for a different flavor.
• Use homemade enchilada sauce: Homemade enchilada sauce can give the dish a fresher and more customizable flavor.
• Top with extra cheese: For an even cheesier topping, sprinkle some additional cheese on top of the peppers just before the final 5-10 minutes of baking.

How to Serve

Stuffed bell peppers make an excellent main dish, perfect for a hearty meal. Serve them with a side of chips, a fresh salad, or a dollop of sour cream. For a more complete meal, pair them with Mexican-style rice, guacamole, or a side of beans. A squeeze of lime over the peppers will enhance the flavors and add a zesty finish. These peppers also work wonderfully as a standalone dish for a light dinner, especially when served with a refreshing drink like iced tea or margaritas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover stuffed bell peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Freezing

Stuffed bell peppers can be frozen for up to 3 months. Place the stuffed peppers in a freezer-safe container or wrap them individually in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 375°F (190°C) until heated through and the cheese is bubbly.

Reheating

To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use beef instead of chicken or turkey?

Yes, you can use ground beef instead of chicken or turkey for a different flavor.

2. Can I make stuffed peppers without rice?

Yes, you can omit the rice and use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or another grain, or skip it entirely for a lower-carb version.

3. How do I prevent the peppers from getting soggy?

Be sure to pre-bake the bell peppers for a few minutes before stuffing them to remove excess moisture.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack would work well.

5. How can I make the dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the filling for some extra heat.

6. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace the ground meat with a plant-based protein such as tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables.

7. How do I know when the stuffed peppers are done?

The peppers are done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the peppers are tender but not overcooked.

8. Can I use frozen bell peppers for this recipe?

Fresh bell peppers are best for this recipe, but you can use frozen peppers if necessary. Keep in mind that frozen peppers may release more water during baking.

9. How can I make these stuffed peppers lower in fat?

Use lean ground turkey or chicken, reduce the amount of cheese, or use a low-fat cheese alternative.

10. How can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers in advance, then cover and refrigerate them until ready to bake.

Conclusion

Stuffed bell peppers with melted cheese are a perfect blend of savory, cheesy goodness and nutritious ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers on both taste and convenience. With a mix of spices, healthy protein, rice, beans, and cheese, these stuffed peppers are not only satisfying but can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Serve them with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an added burst of freshness. Whether making them for a casual meal or a special occasion, these stuffed bell peppers will be a hit every time.

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