Taco Bell Peppers
Flavorful stuffed peppers filled with seasoned beef, rice, and cheese, baked to perfection—ideal for a hearty family dinner or casual gathering with bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut off the tops and remove insides of green peppers.
- Parboil peppers in boiling, salted water for 5 minutes; drain.
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion; drain excess fat.
- Add 1 cup spaghetti sauce, cooked rice, taco seasoning, pepper, and diced green pepper reserved from tops to the beef mixture; mix well.
- Spoon the meat mixture into each pepper shell.
- Pour the remaining 2 cups spaghetti sauce over the stuffed peppers.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese on top of the peppers.
- Bake, covered, at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes or until tops are browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or swapping the taco seasoning for a spicier blend. You can also use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice can be a great substitute for cooked rice. Experiment with different cheeses, like Pepper Jack, for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Taco Bell Peppers with a side of tortilla chips and salsa for a delightful crunch. They pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a side of Mexican rice. For a complete meal, consider complementing them with Kay Lynn'S Mexican Layered Casserole for an extra layer of flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option, but the oven will help maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Taco Bell Peppers contains roughly 847 calories, with 25g protein, 102g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (554% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1182mg per serving (51% 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 use a different type of meat in the recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Just ensure that the meat is cooked through and seasoned well to maintain the dish's flavor.
What can I do if I don't have spaghetti sauce?
If you don't have spaghetti sauce on hand, you can use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, seasoned with Italian herbs. Alternatively, a homemade sauce with diced tomatoes, garlic, and onion can also work well in this recipe.
How can I make these peppers healthier?
To make these Taco Bell Peppers healthier, consider using brown rice instead of white rice and adding more vegetables like corn or black beans to the meat mixture. Reducing the amount of cheese or opting for a lower-fat cheese can also help lighten the dish.
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).