Spanish Style Bell Peppers
Spanish Style Bell Peppers feature flavorful seasoned beef stuffed into vibrant peppers, topped with cheese, and baked until tender—perfect for a hearty, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion and garlic in oil until browned.
- Add ground beef and cook until done.
- Add 1/2 cup flour and allow to brown.
- Mix in chili powder with the meat.
- Add tomato paste and stir well.
- Add enough water to make the mixture sticky.
- Simmer for a few minutes until thick.
- Prepare cornbread mix according to package directions and bake.
- Add half of the cooked cornbread to the meat mixture and stir.
- Stuff the mixture into the cleaned and prepared bell peppers.
- Top stuffed peppers with cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a 350°F oven until peppers are cooked through and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or using spicy chili powder. If you don't have ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes. To prevent the peppers from becoming too soggy, blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes before stuffing. This dish is versatile; feel free to incorporate other vegetables like corn or beans for added flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Spanish Style Bell Peppers hot, garnished with additional cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor. They pair wonderfully with a side salad or some Mexican recipes like Janice's Taco Salad Dip for a festive meal. Consider offering a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on the side for added richness and creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 2-3 minutes, covered, until warm, but the oven method will keep the peppers' texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spanish Style Bell Peppers contains roughly 526 calories, with 18g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (36% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 814mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just stuff the peppers before baking. This saves time on busy weeknights and allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I use instead of tomato paste?
If you don't have tomato paste, you can substitute with an equal amount of crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce. Keep in mind that this may alter the consistency slightly, so adjust the water added to achieve the desired thickness.
How do I know when the peppers are done cooking?
The peppers are done when they are tender and easily pierced with a fork, usually after about 30-35 minutes in the oven. The cheese should also be melted and bubbly, indicating that the filling is heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).