Flavorful Southwest Chipotle Stuffed Peppers: A Hearty & Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Stuffed peppers have always held a special place in our hearts and on our dinner table. There’s something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a vibrant bell pepper, baked until tender, and overflowing with a savory, seasoned filling. My classic, cherished family recipe for Stuffed Peppers remains a top favorite. So, when I stumbled upon this exciting Southwest Chipotle Stuffed Peppers recipe during a Secret Recipe Club assignment, hosted by the talented Renee from Renee’s Kitchen Adventures, I was intrigued. Could a new take on this beloved dish truly compete with my all-time favorite? The answer, to my delightful surprise, was a resounding yes! These peppers, along with Renee’s incredible Fried Ice Cream Pie (which has become a sensation among my readers), proved to be absolute culinary triumphs. A huge thank you to Renee for sharing such fantastic recipes!
If you’re looking to add an exciting new dimension to your weeknight dinner rotation, these Southwest Chipotle Stuffed Peppers are an absolute must-try. They offer a delightful blend of smoky chipotle, hearty beans and rice, lean ground beef, and a generous topping of melty pepper jack cheese, all nestled within sweet, colorful bell peppers. This dish is not just incredibly flavorful but also surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings when you crave something satisfying and wholesome without a lot of fuss. It’s a meal that promises both comfort and a subtle, exciting kick that will awaken your taste buds.
Why These Southwest Chipotle Stuffed Peppers Will Become Your New Favorite
These aren’t your grandmother’s stuffed peppers, though they carry the same comforting essence. What sets this Southwest version apart is its bold flavor profile and vibrant ingredients. The chipotle infuses a smoky heat that is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the bell peppers and the richness of the cheese. The combination of lean ground beef, wholesome rice, and hearty beans creates a filling that is both substantial and incredibly satisfying. Every bite offers a medley of textures and tastes, from the tender pepper shell to the savory, slightly spicy interior. It’s a meal that feels gourmet but is entirely approachable for home cooks of all skill levels.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to deliver a hearty meal that is also visually appealing. The colorful bell peppers – I personally love using a mix of red, yellow, and orange for a stunning presentation – create a beautiful canvas for the robust filling. Topped with a generous layer of pepper jack cheese that melts into a gooey, bubbly perfection, and then finished with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, this dish is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. It’s an ideal choice for a family dinner or when entertaining guests, as it always elicits rave reviews.
Key Ingredients for Success
The magic of these Southwest Chipotle Stuffed Peppers comes from a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients that work in harmony. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish truly special:
- Bell Peppers: Opt for medium to large sweet bell peppers in a variety of colors like red, yellow, and orange. These not only add visual appeal but also a subtle sweetness that complements the savory filling. Green bell peppers can also be used for a slightly more peppery, bitter note. Ensure they are sliced cleanly in half horizontally and all seeds and stems are removed to create perfect “boats” for your filling.
- Lean Ground Beef: This forms the base of our hearty filling. Using lean ground beef helps keep the dish lighter while still providing excellent flavor and protein. If you prefer, ground turkey or even a plant-based ground substitute can work beautifully for a different twist.
- Uncle Ben’s® Ready Whole Grain Santa Fe Medley Rice: This pre-seasoned rice blend is a brilliant shortcut, infusing the filling with instant Southwest flavors from beans and corn, significantly cutting down on prep time. If you can’t find this specific product, you can use cooked brown rice or white rice mixed with canned black beans and corn, seasoned with a little chili powder and cumin.
- Egg: A slightly beaten egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the meat and rice mixture together so it stays perfectly nestled within the pepper halves.
- Ground Cumin: This essential spice is the cornerstone of Southwest cuisine, providing a warm, earthy aroma and flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
- Salsa: Use your favorite salsa! Whether you prefer mild, medium, or hot, the salsa adds moisture, tang, and a burst of tomato and chili flavor. Dividing it ensures some is mixed into the filling and some is generously topped on the peppers for added moisture and taste during baking.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: This cheese is a game-changer. Its creamy texture and mild spicy kick melt beautifully, forming a delicious, bubbly crust over the filling. If you’re not a fan of spice, Monterey Jack or even a Mexican blend cheese would be excellent alternatives.
- Fresh Cilantro: A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro after baking provides a bright, herbaceous finish that elevates the entire dish, adding a burst of freshness that contrasts wonderfully with the rich, savory flavors.
The beauty of this recipe also lies in its simplicity. You’ll combine the savory ground beef with the flavorful rice and bean medley, a hint of cumin, a binding egg, and a portion of salsa to create a perfectly seasoned filling. This mixture is then lovingly spooned into the halved bell peppers, topped with more salsa, and baked until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through. A final flourish of pepper jack cheese under the broiler creates that irresistible golden, bubbly topping. Three medium to large bell peppers typically yield six generous portions, making it perfect for families or for meal prepping healthy lunches throughout the week.
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Peppers Every Time
- Choosing Peppers: Look for firm, vibrant bell peppers without any soft spots. Red, yellow, and orange peppers tend to be sweeter, while green peppers offer a slightly more savory, earthy flavor.
- Pre-baking Peppers (Optional): If you prefer your peppers very tender, you can par-bake the empty pepper halves for 10-15 minutes before filling them. This step is optional, as the baking time with the filling usually softens them sufficiently for most preferences.
- Preventing Overcrowding: While the recipe notes that crowding can be okay if peppers aren’t wide, ensure your baking dish isn’t *too* packed. Allowing a little space can help the peppers cook more evenly and the cheese to melt perfectly. If you have a larger batch, use two baking dishes.
- Don’t Skimp on the Salsa: The salsa adds crucial moisture and flavor to the filling. Using a portion in the mixture and a portion on top ensures maximum flavor penetration and prevents the filling from drying out.
- Covering with Foil: This is essential for the initial baking stage. The foil traps steam, helping the peppers soften beautifully and the meat cook thoroughly without drying out.
- Broiling for Golden Perfection: Keep a close eye on the peppers during the broiling step. Cheese can go from perfectly bubbly to burnt very quickly. Three to five minutes is usually sufficient for a golden, melted top.
Serving Suggestions to Complete Your Meal
These Southwest Chipotle Stuffed Peppers are a meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a few simple sides. I love serving them alongside a simple bowl of sweet corn, which offers a lovely contrast to the savory, slightly spicy peppers. Other fantastic options include:
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- A side of fluffy cilantro-lime rice (if your rice medley wasn’t enough).
- Warm tortillas or tortilla chips for scooping up any delicious extra filling.
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for a cooling counterpoint.
- Freshly made guacamole or sliced avocado for a creamy, rich addition.
- Black beans, either plain or seasoned, if you want extra protein and fiber.
Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about stuffed peppers is their versatility. Feel free to experiment with this recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs:
- Meat Alternatives: Substitute the lean ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a vegetarian ground “meat” crumble for a lighter or meat-free option.
- Spice Level: If you love more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. For less heat, choose a mild salsa and use regular Monterey Jack cheese instead of pepper jack.
- Add More Veggies: Finely diced onions, zucchini, or mushrooms can be sautéed and added to the filling for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend if pepper jack isn’t your preference.
- Smoked Paprika: For an extra layer of smoky flavor, add half a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the meat mixture.
This recipe is not only quick to assemble but also offers a beautiful presentation, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion. Give them a try the next time you’re searching for a great dinner idea!
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Print Recipe
Southwest Chipotle Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- 3 medium to large sized sweet bell peppers sliced in half horizontally, with stems and seeds removed.
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 egg slightly beaten
- 1 8.5oz package of Uncle Ben’s® Ready Whole Grain Sante Fe Medley Rice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 cup salsa divided
- 6 slices Pepper-jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
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Lightly spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange the prepared bell pepper halves side by side in the dish. (Note: If your peppers are not very wide, you might find a 10×8 inch dish works better to keep them snug and upright.)
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, the slightly beaten egg, the package of Uncle Ben’s® Ready Whole Grain Santa Fe Medley rice, ground cumin, and 1/3 cup of the salsa. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Divide this meat mixture evenly among the 6 pepper halves, filling them generously. Top each pepper half with the remaining salsa. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 90 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender and the ground beef filling is fully cooked through. Carefully remove the foil from the baking dish. Place one slice of pepper jack cheese on top of each stuffed pepper. Increase the oven temperature to broil. Broil the peppers for 3-5 minutes, keeping a very close eye on them, until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro just before serving.
Nutrition
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Original Recipe Source: Renee’s Kitchen Adventures