Description

Allow me to introduce you to a dish that's a delightful fusion of flavors, the Southwest Stuffed Peppers. This popular entrée has roots in the vibrant Southwest, known for its rich culinary tradition inspired by Mexican, Native American, and cowboy cuisines. The dish is a colorful combination of bell peppers generously stuffed with hearty ingredients like ground beef, beans, corn, and rice. What makes it special is the vibrant blend of spices that give it a unique, smoky and savory flavor profile. Preparing this dish is a joy, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that will have everyone eagerly awaiting mealtime. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and always a hit at family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy dinner for two.

Ingredients

• Here's what you'll need to prepare this tasty dish:
• For the Peppers:
• - 6 large bell peppers (any color)
• - 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the Stuffing:
• - 1 pound ground beef
• - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• - 2 cloves garlic, minced
• - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• - 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
• - 1 cup cooked rice
• - 1 teaspoon chili powder
• - 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• - Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Topping:
• - 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• If you're vegetarian, you can replace the ground beef with quinoa or additional beans for a protein-packed alternative.

Preparation Method

Let's get cooking! Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is warming up, cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Brush the outside of the peppers with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.

Now, let's move onto the stuffing. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, letting them cook until they're soft and fragrant.

Now, bring back the cooked ground beef to the skillet and add in the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, and cooked rice. Season this mixture with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Allow it all to simmer together for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Once the stuffing mixture is ready, spoon it into the prepared bell peppers, filling them up to the top. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over each filled pepper. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Tips and Conclusion

These Southwest Stuffed Peppers are a meal in and of themselves, but if youre looking to round out your dinner, a simple side salad or some warm tortilla chips with salsa make excellent companions. Additionally, these stuffed peppers freeze well, making them a great make-ahead meal. Just prepare the peppers through the stuffing step, then freeze them. When youre ready to serve, bake them from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.


Preparing and savoring these Southwest Stuffed Peppers is an experience that brings the vibrant flavors of the Southwest right to your kitchen. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a dish thats sure to impress and satisfy. If you enjoyed this recipe, we invite you to explore other Southwest-inspired recipes on our site, like our Chicken Enchiladas or our Slow Cooker Chili. Wed love for you to share this recipe with your friends and family and encourage you to continue browsing our pages for more delicious meal ideas.