Stuffed Bell Peppers with Melted Cheese Recipe

Zesty Stuffed Bell Peppers with Melted Cheese Recipe

Crafting delectable stuffed bell peppers with melted cheese sparks pure culinary magic in my kitchen.

Colorful peppers become vessels for incredible flavor combinations.

Cheese creates a rich, gooey centerpiece that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Mediterranean and Mexican influences dance through this versatile dish.

Each bite promises a delightful blend of robust seasonings and creamy textures.

Home cooks adore how quickly these peppers come together with minimal effort.

Why Stuffed Bell Peppers With Melted Cheese Are Comfort Food

  • Craft Wholesome Comfort: Packed with lean protein, vegetables, and beans, these stuffed peppers deliver a nutritious meal that feels like a warm hug from the kitchen.
  • Master Quick Customization: Switch proteins, experiment with different spices, or swap ingredients to match dietary preferences without losing the recipe's delicious core.
  • Minimize Kitchen Chaos: One-pan preparation means less cleanup, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet-style dinner without creating a mountain of dirty dishes.
  • Celebrate Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone craves a satisfying and colorful meal that looks impressive but comes together easily.

Ingredients For Stuffed Bell Peppers With Melted Cheese

Main Protein:
  • Ground Chicken or Turkey: A lean meat that provides protein and helps create a hearty filling for the stuffed peppers.
Bell Peppers:
  • Bell Peppers: Colorful and nutritious vegetables that serve as the base for this delicious dish and add a sweet, mild flavor.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Rice: A fluffy grain that adds substance and helps bind the filling together.
  • Black Beans: Provides additional protein and a creamy texture to the stuffed peppers.
  • Corn: Adds a sweet crunch and extra nutrition to the filling.
Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Enchilada Sauce: A flavorful tomato-based sauce that gives the dish its signature taste and moisture.
  • Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika: Spices that add depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that build a rich and savory base for the filling.
Cheese and Toppings:
  • Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating a golden and creamy finish.
  • Fresh Cilantro: A bright, fresh herb that adds a pop of color and freshness.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps to roast the peppers and adds a subtle flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Lime Wedges: Provides a zesty, fresh element to brighten the final presentation.

How To Make Stuffed Bell Peppers With Melted Cheese

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 375F (190C). Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Colorful Pepper Vessels

Slice bell peppers in half and place them cut-side up in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt. Bake for 10 minutes to soften the peppers and make them tender.

Step 3: Brown the Protein

In a large skillet, cook ground chicken or turkey over medium heat. Break up the meat and cook until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any extra fat from the pan.

Step 4: Build Flavor Base

Add to the skillet:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic
Saute for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables become soft and fragrant. Sprinkle in:
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt

Stir everything to create a delicious spice blend.

Step 5: Create Hearty Filling

Fold into the skillet:
  • Cooked rice
  • Black beans
  • Corn
  • Enchilada sauce

Mix thoroughly and heat until everything is warm and well combined.

Step 6: Load Up the Pepper Boats

Spoon the flavorful mixture into each pepper half. Drizzle remaining enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Melty Perfection

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 5-10 more minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Final Touches

Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Pro Tips For Stuffed Bell Peppers With Melted Cheese

  • Opt for colorful bell peppers like red, yellow, or orange for a vibrant presentation that adds visual appeal to your dish.
  • Swap ground chicken or turkey with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils for a vegetarian version that's equally delicious.
  • Drain excess liquid from black beans and corn to prevent watery filling and ensure a perfectly textured stuffed pepper.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack, monterey jack, or a Mexican cheese blend to customize the flavor profile.
  • Prepare extra filling and freeze for quick weeknight meals, making meal prep easier and saving time on busy days.

Variations For Stuffed Bell Peppers With Melted Cheese

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground meat with quinoa, black beans, and extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms for a protein-packed plant-based version.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, and extra chili powder to create a fiery, bold pepper filling with intense southwestern flavors.
  • Mediterranean Inspiration: Swap enchilada sauce for tomato sauce, incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and add spinach and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
  • Breakfast Bell Peppers: Transform the recipe by adding scrambled eggs, bacon bits, and cheddar cheese, turning it into a hearty morning breakfast dish.

Pairings For Stuffed Bell Peppers With Melted Cheese

  • Boost Flavor Fusion: Pair these stuffed bell peppers with a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial, cutting through the rich cheese and enhancing the spicy notes.
  • Complementary Cool Down: Serve with a refreshing cilantro-lime crema on the side, providing a tangy contrast to the warm, hearty pepper filling and balancing the dish's robust flavors.
  • Texture and Brightness Booster: Add a zesty black bean and corn salsa as a side, introducing extra crunch and fresh citrus undertones that highlight the peppers' complex seasoning.
  • Wine Companion Selection: Choose a medium-bodied red like Zinfandel, whose fruity and slightly spicy profile beautifully matches the enchilada-style stuffed peppers, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Storage Advice For Stuffed Bell Peppers With Melted Cheese

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain pepper texture.
  • Wrap individual stuffed peppers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place peppers on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature midway.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Place peppers in baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp cheese.

FAQs On Stuffed Bell Peppers With Melted Cheese

  • Can I use different types of bell peppers?

Yes, you can use any color bell peppers like red, yellow, or green. Each color offers a slightly different flavor and nutritional profile.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your enchilada sauce and spices are certified gluten-free to guarantee the entire dish is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

  • What protein alternatives can I use?

Besides ground chicken or turkey, you can substitute with ground beef, plant-based ground meat, or even black beans for a vegetarian version. The key is maintaining a similar texture and seasoning.

Print
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Stuffed Bell Peppers with Melted Cheese Recipe

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Melted Cheese Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 56-66 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers dance with zesty ground beef, rice, and melted cheese, creating a mouthwatering Mexican-inspired dish. Hearty ingredients blend perfectly, promising a delicious meal that will satisfy hungry diners craving bold, comforting flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
  • 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Grains:

  • 4 large bell peppers (any color), halved and deseeded
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 cup cooked rice

Seasonings and Toppings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 375F (190C) and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Slice bell peppers in half, removing seeds. Position peppers cut-side up in the prepared dish, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Roast for 10 minutes to soften their texture.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium temperature. Cook ground chicken or turkey until thoroughly browned and no pink remains, approximately 6-8 minutes. Eliminate excess liquid.
  4. Introduce diced onions and minced garlic to the meat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until vegetables become translucent. Incorporate cumin, chili powder, paprika, and salt, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Fold in cooked rice, black beans, corn, and three-quarters of the enchilada sauce. Stir until ingredients are well-integrated and heated completely.
  6. Generously fill each pepper half with the enchilada mixture. Drizzle remaining sauce over the peppers and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
  7. Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking 5-10 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbling surface.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Soften peppers gently by pre-baking to ensure tender, not mushy texture and prevent soggy bottom.
  • Use lean ground meat like chicken or turkey to reduce fat content while maintaining protein-packed flavor.
  • Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding hot sauce for heat-seeking taste buds.
  • Transform recipe into vegetarian version by replacing meat with quinoa or additional beans for protein boost.
  • Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 41-46 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 260 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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