Tamale Style Stuffed Peppers
Tamale-inspired stuffed peppers feature a flavorful beef and corn filling topped with cheese, perfect for a hearty, Mexican-inspired meal suitable for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 green peppers ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped fresh tomatoes ⓘ
- 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons olive oil ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onions ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 pound lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chili powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander ⓘ
- salt to taste
- 1 cup cooked corn ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar ⓘ
Instructions
- Split peppers lengthwise and remove seeds and veins.
- Drop peppers into boiling water, then drain once water returns to a boil.
- Put chopped tomatoes in a saucepan and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring and breaking up lumps.
- Add cornmeal to the tomato mixture and cook over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring often.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic; stir until the onion wilts.
- Add ground beef and chop with a heavy metal spoon; cook until browned.
- Add chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, and salt to taste.
- Stir in the tomato and cornmeal mixture; blend well.
- Fill the pepper halves with the mixture and sprinkle with grated Cheddar cheese.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 minutes, uncovered.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mixture of ground beef and ground turkey. You can also substitute yellow cornmeal with masa harina for a more authentic tamale taste. If you prefer heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. Ensure the peppers are blanched just enough to soften them without losing their shape.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these stuffed peppers with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top enhances the flavors beautifully. They pair wonderfully with recipes like Cazuela Sabrosa or a refreshing salsa for added zest.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the oven will maintain the texture of the peppers better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tamale Style Stuffed Peppers contains roughly 1227 calories, with 29g protein, 162g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (335% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2345mg per serving (102% 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 stuffed peppers vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, black beans, or a meat substitute like tempeh. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning to maintain flavor. This makes for a hearty and satisfying vegetarian option that everyone will love.
How can I make the peppers spicier?
To add more spice to the filling, consider incorporating diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a spicy salsa. You can also use a spicier chili powder blend. Adjust the heat level according to your preference to make it perfect for your taste buds.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed peppers a day in advance. Assemble the peppers, cover them tightly, and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving for a fresh and warm dish, making them a fantastic option for meal prep or entertaining.
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).