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Before diving into the delicious process of making Mini Taco Rice Stuffed Peppers, it's crucial to preheat your oven to the right temperature. Preheating ensures that your dish cooks evenly, allowing the flavors to develop fully while maintaining the right texture. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to achieve a perfect bake. An adequately preheated oven will help the peppers soften without losing their vibrant color, giving you that appealing look and taste that makes this dish so irresistible.

Mini Taco Rice Stuffed Peppers

Discover the deliciousness of Mini Taco Rice Stuffed Peppers, a vibrant twist on a classic dish that’s perfect for any occasion. These colorful mini peppers are filled with a tasty mixture of rice, your choice of ground meat or beans, corn, and zesty taco seasoning, making them a crowd-pleaser for both meat lovers and vegetarians. Easy to customize, they can serve as appetizers, a main course, or fun party bites, offering a satisfying and nutritious meal option for everyone. Enjoy a culinary adventure with this flavorful recipe that promises to brighten up your dinner table!

Ingredients
  

12 mini bell peppers (any color)

1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

1 cup ground beef or turkey (or black beans for a vegetarian option)

1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

1/2 cup salsa

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.

    Prepare the Peppers: Slice the tops off the mini bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange them upright in the prepared baking dish.

      Cook the Meat (or Beans): In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. If using beans, you can skip this step and proceed to the next.

        Add Ingredients: Once the meat is cooked (or if using beans), stir in the taco seasoning, cooked rice, corn, black beans, and salsa. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

          Stuff the Peppers: Carefully spoon the rice and meat mixture into each of the prepared mini bell peppers, packing them slightly as you fill them.

            Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the stuffed peppers.

              Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

                Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, optionally sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top. Serve with lime wedges on the side for added zest.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | 4-6 servings