Tex-Mex Stuffed Bell Peppers

The bold, zesty essence of Tex-Mex cuisine takes center stage in these hearty stuffed bell peppers. Brimming with seasoned ground beef, sweet corn, black beans, and bubbling Pepper Jack cheese, each bite offers a spicy-satisfying combo of texture and flavor. Best of all, they’re naturally gluten-free and grain-free—ideal for families seeking a healthier comfort food. Whether you’re spicing up your weeknight dinner rotation or meal prepping for the week ahead, these vibrant, cheese-topped bell pepper bowls are a visually stunning and belly-warming solution. They’re simple to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to get the whole table talking. Serve them with a fresh green salad or guacamole on the side to complete your Tex-Mex inspired feast.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 6 large bell peppers (any color)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or lean)

• 1 onion, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 tablespoons tomato paste

• 1½ cups frozen corn kernels

• 1½ cups canned black beans, rinsed

• 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)

• 1¾ cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese, divided

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Slice the top ¼ off each bell pepper and remove the seeds and membranes. Reserve diced flesh from the tops (excluding stems). Place the hollowed peppers in a large baking dish and set aside.

3. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Once cooked, remove it from the pan and drain any excess fat.

4. In the same pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and reserved pepper tops. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 10–15 minutes until soft and golden.

5. Stir in tomato paste and garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

6. Add corn and black beans. Stir to combine. Return the cooked beef to the pan along with taco seasoning. Stir and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

7. Remove from heat. Mix in ¾ cup of the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and stir until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

8. Spoon the filling into the hollowed bell peppers. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

9. Remove from oven, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top, and return to oven for another 15–20 minutes until the peppers are soft and cheese is browned and bubbly.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour

Kcal: 483 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Inspiration Behind Tex-Mex Stuffed Bell Peppers

Tex-Mex cuisine is known for its bold flavors, vibrant colors, and hearty ingredients that bring people together around the dinner table. Drawing influence from both Mexican and American culinary traditions, Tex-Mex is a celebration of spicy, cheesy, and satisfying food.

This particular recipe for Tex-Mex Stuffed Bell Peppers is a modern, health-conscious take on the traditional taco night. By swapping tortillas for fresh, whole bell peppers, you get all the delicious flavors of Tex-Mex without the extra carbs — and gain a serving of vegetables in the process. The inspiration stems from the need for meals that satisfy cravings, please picky eaters, and meet various dietary needs like gluten-free and grain-free diets.

Why Bell Peppers Make the Perfect Edible Bowl

Bell peppers are not only visually appealing — especially when you mix red, yellow, orange, and green varieties — but they also serve as natural, edible vessels that bake beautifully in the oven. Unlike bread or tortillas, bell peppers are low in calories, high in fiber, and loaded with antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C.

Using peppers in place of tortillas not only makes the meal lower in carbs but also adds a pleasant crunch and sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory filling. This transformation allows you to enjoy the bold flavors of Tex-Mex with fewer calories and more nutrients.

A Closer Look at the Ingredients and Their Health Benefits

This recipe is a well-balanced meal in every sense. Here’s a deeper dive into the nutritional value and function of the core ingredients:

• Ground Beef: A great source of protein, iron, and B-vitamins. If you opt for leaner versions or grass-fed beef, you can reduce saturated fat while keeping the rich flavor.
• Corn: Adds a touch of sweetness and texture. It’s naturally gluten-free and provides fiber and essential nutrients like folate and magnesium.
• Black Beans: These legumes are a powerhouse of plant-based protein and fiber. They help keep you full longer and support healthy digestion.
• Tomato Paste: Packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases. It also deepens the umami flavor in the filling.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds creamy texture and a spicy kick, giving the dish its signature Tex-Mex vibe. You can substitute with Cheddar or a dairy-free alternative if preferred.
• Taco Seasoning: Whether homemade or store-bought, it typically includes spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder — all of which are known for anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
• Onions and Garlic: Not only flavor enhancers but also immune-boosting ingredients thanks to their sulfur compounds and natural antibacterial properties.

The Versatility and Customizability of This Recipe

One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is how easy it is to customize based on dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or what your family likes.

• Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or extra beans and corn for a fully plant-based version.
• Spicier: Add jalapeños, diced green chiles, or a few dashes of hot sauce for more heat.
• Keto-Friendly: Skip the beans and corn, and load up on beef, cheese, and low-carb veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
• Vegan: Use plant-based ground meat and a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative.

You can also scale the recipe up for meal prep, double the filling to freeze for later, or use mini bell peppers for a party-friendly appetizer version.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This recipe is incredibly meal-prep friendly. Once baked, the stuffed peppers store beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven, and you’ve got a quick, satisfying meal ready in minutes.

They also freeze well — just prepare and bake the peppers, allow them to cool, wrap individually, and store in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them in the oven until heated through.

Having a batch of these stuffed peppers on hand is a lifesaver for busy weekdays, work lunches, or even quick dinners after school or sports practice.

Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing

Let’s face it: getting the whole family to agree on dinner is no small feat. These stuffed peppers strike the perfect balance between comforting and nutritious. Kids love the cheesy, taco-style flavor, while parents appreciate the veggie-heavy composition and customizable ingredients.

Hosting a dinner party or casual get-together? These stuffed peppers can be prepped ahead and baked fresh just before serving. Pair them with guacamole, a side salad, or a scoop of cilantro-lime rice for a festive Tex-Mex spread.

Gluten-Free and Grain-Free Without Sacrificing Flavor

In today’s world, where many people follow specialized diets, it’s essential to have recipes that are inclusive without being bland. This dish naturally fits into gluten-free and grain-free lifestyles, making it perfect for anyone with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or low-carb preferences.

Unlike some gluten-free substitutions that can feel like a compromise, this recipe feels like an upgrade. Swapping bread or rice with peppers not only eliminates processed grains but adds fresh flavor and crunch that enriches the entire dish.

Budget-Friendly and Easy to Shop For

With accessible ingredients like ground beef, canned beans, frozen corn, and common spices, this recipe is easy on your grocery budget. Bell peppers are often available at good prices, especially when bought in bulk or during seasonal sales.

The recipe is designed to use pantry staples and freezer-friendly items. If you shop at a store like Kroger or Fred Meyer (as the original recipe creator did), you’ll likely find high-quality options — including organic produce and affordable ground meat.

You don’t need to shop at a specialty market or buy exotic ingredients. Everything you need can be found at your local grocery store, making this dish achievable for any home cook.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Bell Peppers Every Time

• Pick the Right Peppers: Choose bell peppers that are large, firm, and have a flat base so they stand upright in the baking dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Filling: Remember that the filling will continue to cook in the oven. Avoid making it too dry on the stovetop.
• Add Cheese in Layers: For that melty, bubbly finish, divide the cheese and use half in the filling and half on top for baking.
• Make It a Casserole: Don’t want to stuff individual peppers? Chop the peppers and mix them with the filling in a casserole dish for a quicker version.

A Delicious Way to Eat More Veggies

Let’s be honest — sometimes it’s hard to get in your daily servings of vegetables. This recipe cleverly disguises them in a delicious Tex-Mex shell. Between the peppers, onions, corn, and beans, you’re getting a wide range of plant-based nutrition without even thinking about it.

Eating more vegetables doesn’t have to feel like a chore. When paired with cheese, spices, and a hearty protein, they become something you look forward to. It’s a flavorful, filling way to boost your veggie intake — and it feels indulgent, not restrictive.

Conclusion

Tex-Mex Stuffed Bell Peppers are more than just a clever twist on taco night — they’re a satisfying, nutrient-dense, and incredibly adaptable dish that belongs in every home cook’s rotation. With the perfect balance of spicy beef, hearty beans, sweet corn, and gooey cheese all baked into vibrant bell peppers, this dish checks every box: gluten-free, family-friendly, affordable, and easy to prepare.

Whether you’re cooking for a picky eater, prepping meals for the week, or simply craving something comforting and healthy, these stuffed peppers deliver big on flavor and nutrition. Try them once, and they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen — a meal that feels like a treat but nourishes like a salad.

Let your oven do the magic while you enjoy a stress-free, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.