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If you’re a fan of bold and vibrant flavors, these Mexican-Style Stuffed Peppers are sure to become a favorite. This recipe combines the richness of seasoned ground beef, the sweetness of corn, and the warmth of coriander, all stuffed into colorful bell peppers. The dish is then baked to perfection and topped with melted cheese, creating a savory, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With a mix of textures and a balanced blend of spices, these stuffed peppers offer a delicious taste of Mexico in every bite. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and versatile, as you can adjust the ingredients to your liking.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Peppers – 7-8 medium-sized bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
Ground beef – 500g

Canned corn – 100g
Onion – 1 medium-sized
Garlic – 2 cloves

Salt and black pepper – to taste
Ground coriander – 1 tsp
Soy sauce – 5 tbsp (adjust to taste, depending on the saltiness of your soy sauce)

Rice – 100g
Ketchup – 1 tbsp
Cheese – 100g (grated)

Steps:

1. Prepare the Rice:

Cook the Rice: Start by cooking 100g of rice in boiling water until it’s almost done. It usually takes about 10 minutes after the water starts boiling. You want the rice to be al dente, as it will finish cooking inside the peppers while baking. Once cooked, drain the water and set the rice aside.

2. Prepare the Peppers:

Prepare the Bell Peppers: Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and inner membranes. This will create a hollow space perfect for stuffing. Lightly season the inside of each pepper half with salt and pepper. Brush the outside of the peppers with vegetable oil to prevent them from drying out while baking.

3. Prepare the Filling:

Sauté the Onion: Finely chop the onion and sauté it in a pan with a little vegetable oil over medium heat until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add Garlic: While the onion is cooking, finely chop the garlic. Once the onion is softened, add the garlic to the pan and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, canned corn, ketchup, soy sauce, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined. The soy sauce will give the filling a rich, umami flavor, while the coriander adds a touch of warmth and earthiness.

4. Stuff the Peppers:

Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the beef and rice mixture into the pepper halves, packing the filling tightly so that it holds together during baking. Arrange the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, ensuring they are placed close together to help them stay upright during baking.

5. Bake the Peppers:

Bake in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Place the baking dish with the stuffed peppers into the oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes. This will give the beef time to cook through and the peppers to become tender.

6. Add Cheese:

Top with Cheese: After 40 minutes, remove the baking dish from the oven and sprinkle the grated cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve:

Serve Hot: Once the cheese is fully melted and golden, remove the stuffed peppers from the oven. Let them cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be very hot. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or a squeeze of lime if desired, and enjoy your delicious Mexican-style stuffed peppers!

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Approximate):

Calories: 310
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 28g

Fats: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Calcium: 15% of daily value

Iron: 10% of daily value

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork. Each will provide a slightly different flavor, but they all work well in this recipe.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. Just ensure that the filling is well-seasoned.

3. What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack cheese all work well for this recipe. Feel free to use any cheese that melts nicely and has a good flavor. You can also experiment with a blend of cheeses for extra richness.

4. How do I know when the peppers are fully cooked?
The peppers should be tender but still hold their shape, and the beef should be fully cooked through. You can check by inserting a fork or knife into the pepper—it should go in easily.

Tips for Making the Perfect Mexican-Style Stuffed Peppers:

Choose Peppers of Similar Size: For even cooking, select bell peppers that are roughly the same size. This ensures they all finish cooking at the same time.

Pre-Cook the Rice: Make sure the rice is not fully cooked but just slightly underdone before mixing it with the beef. This allows the rice to absorb moisture from the filling while baking, preventing it from becoming mushy.
Don’t Overstuff the Peppers: While it may be tempting to pile the filling into each pepper, be careful not to overstuff them. Overfilling may cause the peppers to fall apart during baking.
Add a Kick of Spice: If you love heat, add a finely chopped jalapeño pepper or a dash of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.

Storage Tips:

Refrigerating: Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freezing: These stuffed peppers freeze well. Allow the peppers to cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the peppers in the refrigerator overnight and bake them in the oven until heated through.

Conclusion:

Mexican-Style Stuffed Peppers are a satisfying and hearty meal that offers a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. The combination of tender bell peppers, savory beef, sweet corn, and melted cheese makes this dish a hit with both kids and adults alike. The recipe is easy to customize, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs. With its vibrant colors and rich, robust flavors, this dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep. Enjoy these stuffed peppers as a complete meal on their own, or serve them with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh salad for an unforgettable meal!