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Taco Stuffed Mini Peppers

Taco Stuffed Mini Peppers

A fun, low-carb appetizer or light meal featuring colorful mini bell peppers generously stuffed with savory seasoned ground beef and cheese, baked until tender.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 peppers
Course: Appetizer, Light Meal, Snack
Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 2202
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 1 pound ground turkey or lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning or 1 packet
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup salsa mild or medium
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese divided
For the Peppers
  • 12 mini sweet bell peppers assorted colors, halved lengthwise and seeded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Toppings
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat with the chopped onion until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Stir in the taco seasoning, water, and salsa. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the liquid has mostly reduced.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese until just melted into the meat mixture. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
  5. Lightly brush the cut sides of the mini bell peppers with olive oil. Arrange them cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
  6. Spoon the seasoned meat mixture evenly into each pepper half, packing loosely. Top each stuffed pepper with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are slightly tender and the cheese topping is melted and lightly golden brown.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with sour cream and fresh cilantro, if desired.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño to the meat mixture while cooking. These are excellent served with guacamole or hot sauce on the side.