Description
These Taco-Stuffed Poblano Peppers are a flavorful and hearty dish featuring poblano peppers filled with seasoned ground beef or turkey, rice or quinoa, sautéed onions, and garlic, all topped with melted Mexican cheese. Perfectly baked until tender, they make a delicious Mexican-inspired meal that can be customized with fresh toppings like cilantro, avocado, and sour cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Peppers
- 4 large poblano peppers
Filling
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Prepare the Peppers: Cut the tops off the poblano peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes to create a hollow space for the filling. Set them aside.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the meat. Cook until the onions are softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the taco seasoning, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Combine with Rice or Quinoa: Mix in the cooked rice or quinoa until the filling is well combined and heated through.
- Stuff the Peppers: Fill each prepared poblano pepper with the taco mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling inside. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top of each stuffed pepper to create a melty, cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
- Serve and Garnish: Allow the stuffed peppers to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with optional toppings such as fresh chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy your flavorful meal!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Try quinoa instead of rice for a higher protein and gluten-free filling.
- Adjust taco seasoning amount to your preferred spice level or use homemade seasoning.
- For a vegetarian version, replace meat with black beans or lentils.
- Cover the baking dish with foil if cheese browns too quickly during baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
