Mini Taco Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- 1-1/2 lbs mini bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 package package taco seasoning mix
1 ounce
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350 ° F.
- 2
Slice 1/3 of the pepper off lengthwise, reserving for later use. Seed the peppers. Peppers naturally have one side that is straighter than the other. When slicing the top of your bell peppers, try to slice the side that is curvier off so that the flat side remaining is the side we are stuffing.
- 3
Chop the reserved peppers finely and set aside 3/4 cup.
- 4
In 10-inch skillet, cook beef and reserved 3/4 cup chopped peppers over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain. Stir in taco seasoning mix and water. Cook over medium heat about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let mixture slightly cool.
- 5
With a small spoon, fill each pepper as full as possible with the beef mixture over the skillet so the meat can fall back in if it doesn't fit and place on a baking sheet. Bake peppers for 8-10 minutes.
- 6
While peppers are baking, make the Cilantro Cream Sauce. If you don't want to make this sauce you can just top with taco toppings like sour cream, guac, and salsa.
- 7
For the Cilantro Cream Sauce: In a food processor, pulse the sour cream, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If you don't have a food processor, chop by hand.
- 8
Remove peppers from oven and top with cheese. Return to the oven for 1-2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Top with a dollop of cilantro cream sauce.
Mini Taco Stuffed Peppers
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About this Recipe
Looking for an appetizer that's always a crowd-pleaser and surprisingly simple to make? These Mini Taco Stuffed Peppers deliver all the festive flavor of tacos in a bite-sized package, perfect for any gathering.
This recipe shines by taking advantage of naturally sweet mini bell peppers, creating a vibrant vessel for classic seasoned ground beef. The secret weapon is the bright, tangy cilantro cream sauce, which adds a fresh, zesty counterpoint that truly elevates every bite and sets it apart from typical party snacks.
Imagine crisp-tender mini bell peppers bursting with savory, seasoned ground beef and gooey melted cheddar cheese. Each mini pepper provides a satisfying crunch and a rich, hearty filling, all beautifully complemented by the cooling, herbaceous cream sauce. This dish offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making for a truly satisfying and easy appetizer or light meal. You'll love how quickly these come together, with minimal effort for maximum impact.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite ground meat for the filling; ground turkey or chicken can be used for a leaner option. For a different cheesy note, pepper jack could replace cheddar for a bit of spice, or for a quick variation, use plain sour cream instead of preparing the cilantro cream sauce. If you're a cilantro fan, consider adding extra fresh cilantro to the ground beef mixture for an even more herbaceous flavor.
These Mini Taco Stuffed Peppers are ideal for game day gatherings, festive parties, or even a fun weeknight dinner. Arrange them on a platter for an impressive, colorful spread that's sure to disappear quickly.