Mexican Unstuffed Bell Peppers

Take your weeknight dinner to the next level with these vibrant and flavorful Mexican Unstuffed Bell Peppers! This one-pan wonder combines tender bell pepper pieces, seasoned ground beef (or turkey), aromatic spices like chili powder and cumin, and a hearty mix of juicy diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Folded together with fluffy white or brown rice, this dish delivers all the irresistible flavors of stuffed bell peppers without the extra hassle. Topped with optional melted cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, it’s an easy, comforting meal ready in just 45 minutes. Perfect for busy families or anyone craving a delicious Mexican-inspired recipe, this dish is a must-try for those seeking a quick, wholesome dinner idea.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 3 large bell peppers (any color)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 14.5-ounce can canned diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 8-ounce can tomato sauce
• 2 cups white or brown rice (cooked)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Wash the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Dice them into medium-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the ground beef (or ground turkey) to the pan and cook, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.

Step 4

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the diced bell peppers along with the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are slightly tender.

Step 6

Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (including their juices) and the tomato sauce. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Stir in the cooked rice and heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 9

Optional: Sprinkle the top of the dish with shredded cheddar cheese and cover the pan until the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2426.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2784.6

Total Fat 163.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 66.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 482.9mg	0%
Sodium 4543.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 197.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.1g	0%
Total Sugars 47.6g
Protein 130.9g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1187.6mg	0%
Iron 21.4mg	0%
Potassium 3796.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.8%

Protein: 18.8%

Carbs: 28.4%