Colorful bell peppers packed with taco-seasoned beef or turkey, rice, beans, and melty cheese, then baked until tender with golden, bubbly tops. A family-friendly, make-ahead dinner that’s perfect for meal prep and easy weeknights.
4largebell peppers (any color), halved lengthwise and seeds removed
1tbspolive oil
1lbground beef or ground turkey
1smallonion, diced
2clovesgarlic, minced
1packettaco seasoning (1 oz) or 2–3 tbsp homemade
1cupcooked rice (white or brown) or cauliflower rice
1canblack beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz) (optional)
1candiced tomatoes with green chilies, drained (10 oz)
1cupcorn kernels, frozen or canned and drained (optional)
1cupshredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend cheese
salt and black pepper, to taste
Toppings: sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced avocado, salsa, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, lime wedges
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line a rimmed sheet pan.
Arrange the bell pepper halves cut-side up in the dish. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in taco seasoning and cook 30–60 seconds to bloom the spices.
Fold in cooked rice, black beans (if using), drained diced tomatoes with chilies, and corn (if using). Cook 2–3 minutes, stirring until the mixture is thick and cohesive. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Spoon the taco filling into the prepared pepper halves, mounding slightly and pressing down to remove air pockets.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the stuffed peppers.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 minutes more, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest 3–5 minutes. Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado, salsa, cilantro, and green onions. Serve warm with lime wedges.