The Best Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe You’ll Ever Make
If you love tacos and want to sneak more veggies into your weeknight meals, let me introduce you to your new obsession: Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers.
They’ve got all the bold, satisfying flavor of taco night, seasoned ground meat, melty cheese, and zesty toppings, but wrapped in a juicy, tender bell pepper instead of a tortilla. It’s like your favorite taco got a fresh, colorful upgrade… and somehow became a little healthier in the process.
In this recipe, I’ll show you exactly how to make the best taco stuffed bell peppers at home, no bland fillings or soggy peppers here. You’ll learn:
- The key ingredients (and smart swaps)
- How to prep and stuff your peppers like a pro
- Flavor-boosting topping ideas
- Tips for making them ahead, freezing, or customizing for your family
Whether you’re going low-carb, gluten-free, or just want a lighter take on taco night, this dish checks all the boxes, and then some.
Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
What Are Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers?
Taco stuffed bell peppers are exactly what they sound like, a delicious mash-up of two weeknight favorites: tacos and stuffed peppers. Instead of using tortillas, the taco filling gets tucked inside hollowed-out bell peppers, then baked to perfection and topped with melty cheese, salsa, or whatever your taco-loving heart desires.
It’s a flavor-packed, low-carb twist on taco night that’s naturally gluten-free, customizable, and family-approved.
🌮 Why Are They So Popular?
This dish has exploded in popularity, and for good reason:
- Healthy without feeling like “diet food” – tons of veggies, lean protein, and fiber
- Perfect for meal prep – they reheat like a dream
- Endlessly customizable – swap proteins, go vegetarian, or load them up with toppings
Whether you’re trying to cut carbs, add more veggies, or just break free from your dinner rut, taco stuffed bell peppers bring the fun of taco night in a whole new (and delicious) way.
Ingredients You’ll Need (And Customizable Options)
Before we get cooking, let’s break down what you’ll need to make the best taco stuffed bell peppers, plus a few easy substitutions to fit your diet, pantry, or personal taste. This recipe is super flexible, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!
🌶️ Bell Peppers
You’ll need large bell peppers, halved and hollowed out. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweet and perfect for this dish, but green works great too (a bit more savory and less sweet).
🔄 Swap tip: Want smaller portions or appetizers? Use mini bell peppers!
🥩 Ground Beef (or Turkey)
Classic taco meat starts with lean ground beef, but ground turkey or chicken works just as well.
💡 Pro Tip: You can also use plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version.
🌮 Taco Seasoning
A must-have for that bold, familiar taco flavor. Use store-bought packets or make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
🌿 Homemade = less sodium + more control over spice levels.
🍚 Rice or Cauliflower Rice
This helps fill out the stuffing and adds a satisfying texture. Use:
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Mexican or Spanish rice
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb version
🍴 Meal prep tip: Use leftover rice from last night’s dinner!
🧀 Cheese (LOTS of It)
Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend works beautifully. You’ll mix some into the filling and melt more on top.
🧀 Dairy-free? Try vegan cheese shreds or skip it, the filling is still tasty without it.
🍅 Salsa or Tomato Sauce
This adds moisture and flavor. Mix a bit into the meat or spoon it over before baking.
🔥 Want heat? Use a spicy salsa or add diced green chiles to the mix.
✨ Optional Add-Ins:
Take things up a notch with:
- Black beans or corn
- Chopped onions or jalapeños
- Cilantro or green onions
- A squeeze of lime before serving
How to Make Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers (Step-by-Step)
This recipe is simple enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for meal prep or dinner guests. Here’s exactly how to make the best taco stuffed bell peppers from start to finish.
📝 Ingredients Recap
- 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
- 1 cup cooked rice or cauliflower rice
- 1/2 cup salsa (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend)
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
- Optional: black beans, corn, jalapeños, cilantro
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Peppers
- Cut each bell pepper in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Lightly drizzle with olive oil and place in a baking dish, cut side up.
🔥 Optional: Par-bake the peppers at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes if you prefer softer texture.
Step 2: Cook the Taco Filling
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through.
- Drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning and 2–3 tablespoons of water.
- Mix in the salsa and cooked rice. Stir well and simmer for 2–3 more minutes.
- Add 1/2 cup shredded cheese into the mixture and stir until melted.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
- Spoon the taco filling into each bell pepper half, pressing down lightly to pack it in.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the tops.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly.
Step 5: Add Toppings & Serve
- Top with your favorites: sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, hot sauce, or extra salsa.
- Serve hot and enjoy your taco night twist!
Pro Tips for the Best Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers
Want your taco stuffed bell peppers to come out absolutely perfect? Here are a few simple, game-changing tips to level up flavor, texture, and presentation, no extra effort required.
🔥 1. Pre-Bake the Peppers for Softer Texture
Like your peppers super tender? Bake them for 10 minutes before stuffing. This gives them a head start and makes for a softer bite.
🧀 2. Mix Some Cheese Into the Filling
Don’t just pile it on top, stir some shredded cheese into the meat and rice mixture before stuffing for creamy, melty goodness in every bite.
🍅 3. Add Salsa or Tomato Sauce to Keep It Juicy
A spoonful or two of salsa in the taco filling keeps things from drying out during baking. Choose mild or spicy based on your heat preference.
🌶️ 4. Use a Variety of Peppers for Flavor & Color
Mix red, yellow, and green bell peppers for a colorful dish that’s also subtly different in taste (red is sweeter, green is more savory).
🧤 5. Don’t Overfill, or Underfill
Pack the filling in firmly, but don’t overstuff. Aim for a nice dome on top, this helps the cheese melt evenly and keeps everything neat.
⏱️ 6. Make It Ahead (It Reheats Beautifully!)
Prep the peppers in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just bake when ready! They also freeze well if you want to batch cook.
🌮 7. Broil for 1–2 Minutes at the End
Want that bubbly, golden cheese crust? Turn on your broiler at the very end for a restaurant-style finish.
Topping Ideas to Take Them Over the Top
The beauty of taco stuffed bell peppers? They’re basically a blank canvas for all your favorite taco toppings. Whether you like it classic, creamy, spicy, or fresh, these extra touches take your peppers from “pretty good” to crazy delicious.
Here are some top-rated (and reader-loved) ways to finish off your peppers:
🥑 1. Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
Creamy, cool, and the perfect contrast to warm, spicy filling.
Use Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich option.
🥑 2. Guacamole or Avocado Slices
Add creaminess and healthy fats.
You can go store-bought or mash your own with lime, garlic, and salt.
🌶️ 3. Jalapeños or Hot Sauce
For spice lovers! Fresh, pickled, or sautéed jalapeños add a bold kick.
Hot sauce like Cholula or Tapatío levels up flavor fast.
🧀 4. Extra Cheese (Of Course)
If you didn’t think one layer was enough… you were right.
Melt a little more on top after baking or even broil for a bubbly, golden finish.
🌿 5. Fresh Cilantro, Green Onions, or Lime
Bright herbs and a squeeze of citrus add freshness and balance the rich taco flavor.
A must if you’re using spicy toppings.
🫘 6. Beans, Corn, or Salsa on Top
Turn it into a full taco bowl with toppings like:
- Black beans
- Fire-roasted corn
- Fresh pico de gallo or mango salsa
🧄 Bonus Pro Tip:
Pop the stuffed peppers back under the broiler for 1–2 minutes before serving. It gives the cheese that bubbly, golden-brown finish everyone loves.
What to Serve with Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers
You’ve got your taco-stuffed beauties hot and melty… now what goes on the plate next to them?
Whether you’re planning a family dinner, meal prep menu, or a fun Mexican-inspired spread, here are the perfect sides to serve with your taco stuffed bell peppers.
🍚 1. Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice
A classic pairing. Fluffy, flavorful, and perfect for scooping up extra taco filling.
Want a lighter option? Try cauliflower rice seasoned with lime, cumin, and fresh cilantro.
🫘 2. Refried Beans or Black Beans
Warm, creamy beans are hearty, fiber-packed, and totally satisfying.
- Go traditional with refried pinto beans
- Or try spiced black beans with garlic and cumin
🥗 3. Southwest Salad or Slaw
Balance the warm, cheesy peppers with a cool, crisp side salad.
- Try a Southwest salad with black beans, corn, and avocado
- Or a tangy cabbage slaw with lime vinaigrette
🌽 4. Elote (Mexican Street Corn)
Sweet corn on the cob slathered with mayo, cotija, lime juice, and chili powder, yes, please.
You can also make elote-style corn salad if fresh corn isn’t in season.
🥑 5. Tortilla Chips & Dips
Add a crunchy element with tortilla chips and:
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Queso
- Or all three, no judgment
🍹 Bonus: Refreshing Drinks to Pair
- Iced agua fresca (like hibiscus or pineapple)
- Classic margaritas
- Or just a cold lime sparkling water
How to Store and Reheat Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers
Made a big batch or have a few leftovers? No problem. These taco stuffed bell peppers store and reheat like champs, which makes them great for meal prep or next-day lunches.
🧊 How to Store:
- Refrigerator: Place leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container.
→ Store for up to 4 days in the fridge. - Freezer: Let cooked peppers cool completely, then wrap each one in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container or bag.
→ Freeze for up to 2 months.
Tip: Freeze peppers individually so you can grab just one or two at a time!
🔥 How to Reheat:
🏠 In the Oven (Best Texture)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Place peppers in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through
⚡ In the Microwave (Fastest)
- Place on a microwave-safe plate
- Place a damp paper towel over the top to help keep the moisture in while reheating.
- Heat for 1.5–3 minutes, depending on your microwave strength
💡 Reheat tip: Add a spoonful of salsa or a sprinkle of cheese before heating to refresh the flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make taco stuffed bell peppers ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the entire dish a day in advance. Just assemble the peppers, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, pop them in the oven and add 5–10 extra minutes of cook time.
Are taco stuffed peppers low-carb or keto-friendly?
They can be! Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice, skip the beans, and be mindful of the toppings. This simple swap can bring net carbs down to 10–12g per serving.
What’s the best type of bell pepper to use?
All bell peppers work, but red, orange, and yellow are sweeter and milder than green. For presentation, use a mix for a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish.
Can I make these vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely. Swap the meat for plant-based crumbles, lentils, or black beans, and use dairy-free cheese if needed. The seasoning and toppings carry the flavor either way!
Are these good for meal prep?
Yes! Taco stuffed bell peppers are ideal for meal prep. Store them in containers with your favorite side (like rice or salad), and reheat when ready to eat. They stay flavorful for days.
Can I make taco stuffed peppers in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fryers are perfect for a quicker bake. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, cook the stuffed peppers for 10–15 minutes, and check for melty cheese and softened peppers. It’s great for small batches or reheating leftovers.
ow do I make taco stuffed peppers without an oven?
You can use a stovetop skillet with a lid! Place the stuffed peppers in a covered skillet with a splash of water, cover, and steam on medium heat for 10–15 minutes. Finish with a quick broil (if possible) for melted cheese.
Can I use taco stuffed peppers as a party appetizer?
Yes! Just use mini bell peppers and a smaller scoop of filling to make bite-sized, appetizer-style versions. Perfect for game day, potlucks, or taco bars.
The Best Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe You’ll Ever Make
Equipment
- 1 Skillet For browning the meat
- 1 Baking dish A 9×13" dish fits 8 pepper halves
- 1 Cutting Board To prep the bell peppers
- 1 Knife For halving and deseeding the peppers
Ingredients
- 4 Bell peppers Any color halved and seeded
- 1 lb Ground beef Or ground turkey or chicken
- 2 tbsp Taco seasoning Store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup Cooked rice Or cauliflower rice for low-carb
- 1/2 cup Salsa Any variety, mild medium, or spicy
- 1 cup Shredded cheese Cheddar Monterey Jack, or blend
- Olive oil salt, pepper To taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Halve and clean out the bell peppers. Place them cut-side up in the baking dish.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in taco seasoning and 2–3 tablespoons of water. Add salsa and cooked rice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Mix in 1/2 cup of cheese into the meat filling.
- Fill each pepper with the taco mixture. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until peppers are tender and cheese is melted.
- Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden cheese top.
- Let rest briefly, add toppings, and serve hot.
Notes
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Easily made vegetarian with beans or plant-based crumbles
- Use mini peppers for party appetizers or kids’ portions
- Freezes well up to 2 months
Final Thoughts: Taco Night Just Got a Glow-Up
Taco stuffed bell peppers are proof that you can enjoy bold, satisfying flavors and eat a little lighter, without sacrificing anything. This easy, flexible recipe brings together everything we love about taco night in a fresh, wholesome way.
Whether you’re keeping things low-carb, prepping meals ahead, or just want a new weeknight favorite, this is one recipe that checks every box.
Now that you know how to make the best taco stuffed bell peppers, it’s your turn to give it a try. Don’t forget to have fun with toppings, customize it to your taste, and share your version with us, we’d love to see what you create!
🌮 Hungry for More? Try These Flavor-Packed Recipes Next
Loved these taco stuffed bell peppers? Keep the comfort food coming with these reader favorites, perfect for easy dinners, meal prep, and craving-worthy nights in:
- 🔥 Whataburger Honey Barbecue Chicken Strip Sandwich – crispy, saucy, and better than the drive-thru
- 🥣 Panera Chicken Tortilla Soup – warm, zesty, and packed with flavor
- 🧄 Texas Roadhouse Green Bean Recipe – the ultimate savory side
- 🌮 Costco Dinner Kit Chicken Taco – fast, fun, and family-approved
- 🍖 Cheesecake Factory Meatloaf Recipe – hearty, classic, and oh-so-satisfying
👉 Want more copycat dinners, one-pan meals, or restaurant-style favorites? Explore the full collection on DeenRecipes.com and turn your kitchen into your favorite restaurant!
