Taco-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (any color), halved lengthwise and seeded
• 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning (or 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika)
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or mexican-blend cheese, divided
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the halved bell peppers, and blanch for 3 minutes to soften them slightly; drain and arrange cut-side up in the prepared baking dish.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion, and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking the beef apart with a spoon, until the beef is browned throughout with no pink remaining and the onion is softened.
4. Drain any excess grease from the skillet, then stir in the garlic and taco seasoning, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, corn, and salt to the skillet, stirring until everything is evenly combined and heated through, about 2 minutes.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese until melted and combined.
7. Spoon the beef and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper half, packing it in gently and mounding slightly on top.
8. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
9. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the peppers are fork-tender and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
10. Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro.

Tips

Why You'll Love This

• A complete meal in one tidy, portioned package
• Great for meal prep, reheats well for lunches
• Naturally gluten-free with easy ingredient swaps

Nutrition

Nutrition values are estimated per serving based on the ingredients used.