Name: Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 3 tablespoons taco seasoning, or one packet + 1 teaspoon chili powder and 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 cup salsa; 1 cup corn; 1 cup black beans; 4 bell peppers (split in half and de-seeded through the stem); 1 cup enchilada sauce; 8 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 8 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, then this Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers Recipe is exactly what your weeknight dinner lineup needs. These colorful peppers are stuffed to the brim with a hearty mix of seasoned ground beef, rice, and vegetables, all smothered in rich enchilada sauce and melted cheddar cheese. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe brings that bold Southwest flair in a simple, approachable way that will quickly become one of your favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass rectangular dish holds six hollowed-out green bell peppers, arranged in two rows of three. Each pepper is vibrant green, smooth, and shiny, with the tops removed and the inner white ribs cleaned out. The peppers stand upright, showing their hollow interiors. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating a balanced dish full of texture, flavor, and color. From the tender bell peppers providing a natural vessel to the spicy taco seasoning that brings everything to life, every element is thoughtfully chosen.

Lean ground beef (1 pound): The hearty base that gives this dish structure and richness.
Taco seasoning (3 tablespoons or one packet plus chili powder and cumin): Adds that fiery Tex-Mex punch that defines the flavor profile.
Cooked rice (1 cup): Gives the filling a fluffy, comforting texture.
Salsa (1 cup): Brings freshness and a slight tang, keeping the filling moist and flavorful.
Corn (1 cup): Adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color.
Black beans (1 cup): Boosts protein and adds a lovely, earthy depth.
Bell peppers (4, halved and deseeded): The vibrant, edible bowls that hold all the goodness.
Enchilada sauce (1 cup): Lends a saucy, smoky richness that ties all ingredients together.
Shredded cheddar cheese (8 ounces, divided): Melts beautifully, giving a creamy, indulgent finish.

How to Make Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating your skillet and adding the lean ground beef. Brown it well until you see a deep, flavorful crust forming—that’s where all the magic happens. Breaking the beef apart after the crust sets ensures you get those mouthwatering caramelized bits for added depth.

Step 2: Mix in Seasoning and Vegetables

Once the beef is browned, stir in the taco seasoning alongside cooked rice, salsa, corn, and black beans. This combination creates a colorful, well-seasoned filling that’s bursting with classic Tex Mex flavor.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

Carefully spoon the hearty filling evenly into the halved bell peppers, making sure each one is generously packed—no skimping here. The natural sweetness of the peppers complements the spicy filling perfectly.

Step 4: Add Enchilada Sauce and Cheese

Top each pepper half with enchilada sauce and sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the filling. This layer adds a rich, saucy element and a hint of gooey cheesy goodness right from the start.

Step 5: Bake Covered

Place the stuffed peppers in a covered pan and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Covering them helps all those flavors meld together while softening the peppers without drying out the filling.

Step 6: Finish with More Cheese

Remove the cover, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes. This gives you that irresistible golden, melted cheese topping that’s hard to resist.

How to Serve Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers Recipe

The image shows six stuffed bell peppers arranged in two rows of three inside a white baking dish filled with a rich, dark red sauce. There are three yellow bell pepper halves and three green bell pepper halves, each filled with a mixture of ground meat, black beans, diced vegetables, and melted golden-yellow cheese on top. The peppers have a slightly browned, textured surface where the cheese has melted and cooked. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled over the peppers and the sauce, adding a fresh touch. The white baking dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishing with fresh ingredients can elevate your Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers Recipe to restaurant-quality. Try a handful of chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Each garnish adds a fresh or creamy contrast that brightens up the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

These stuffed peppers are hearty on their own, but pairing them with a crisp green salad or a simple tortilla chips and guacamole duo makes for a complete meal. The fresh crunch and coolness from the sides balance the warm, spicy peppers perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress friends or family, consider serving your Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers Recipe on a colorful platter lined with lime wedges and sliced avocados. You can also place the peppers over a bed of cilantro-lime rice for an inviting presentation that’s as appetizing visually as it is to the taste buds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers, simply cover any leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, with the flavors continuing to develop overnight – making for a delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

This recipe also freezes beautifully. Place individual peppers in an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 2 months. To avoid sogginess, freeze before baking or after the covered baking step, but before adding the final cheese topping.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently in the microwave or in a 350-degree oven until warmed through. Add extra cheese on top if you like and bake for a few minutes more to get that melty, fresh-from-the-oven feel all over again.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well with the bold spices and keeps the dish lighter, though you might want to add a bit of extra seasoning since turkey is milder.

Should I cook the rice before mixing it in?

Yes, the rice needs to be cooked ahead of time so it’s soft and fluffy, blending well with the other filling ingredients during baking.

Can I substitute the bell peppers for other types of peppers?

You can try poblano or even sweet mini peppers, but keep in mind different peppers might require adjusting the baking time because of size and thickness.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level comes from the taco seasoning and salsa, so if you prefer milder flavors, go easy on the seasoning or choose a mild salsa variety.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace the ground beef with extra beans, lentils, or even meat substitutes, and load up on veggies to maintain that hearty texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Tex Mex Stuffed Peppers Recipe is like inviting a fiesta straight into your kitchen with every bite. It’s straightforward to prepare, wildly flavorful, and versatile enough for endless tweaks—making it a wonderful staple for your recipe box. Once you make it, it’s sure to become one of those dishes you can’t wait to share with friends and family again and again.