Savor the Flavor: Irresistible Southwest Chipotle Stuffed Peppers Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a perfectly prepared stuffed pepper. It’s a complete meal, beautifully contained within a tender, sweet bell pepper shell, offering a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. While my heart will always hold a special place for the classic stuffed peppers I grew up eating, the culinary world is vast and full of exciting new twists on beloved dishes. That’s why, when I stumbled upon this incredible recipe for **Southwest Chipotle Stuffed Peppers** on Renee’s Kitchen Adventures, my curiosity was instantly piqued. Could this vibrant, flavor-packed version truly compete with a dish that has been a lifelong favorite?
My assignment for the Secret Recipe Club last month led me straight to Renee’s fantastic blog, and it was there that these magnificent peppers first caught my eye. Of course, I couldn’t resist pairing them with her equally delightful Fried Ice Cream Pie for dessert. Let me tell you, both recipes were an absolute triumph! The Fried Ice Cream Pie quickly became a sensation among my readers, and for that, Renee, I extend my heartfelt thanks. But today, we’re diving deep into the savory world of these Southwest Chipotle Stuffed Peppers – a dish that has undeniably earned its place in my repertoire of cherished recipes.
Why These Southwest Chipotle Stuffed Peppers Will Become Your New Go-To
These Southwest Chipotle Stuffed Peppers are more than just “tasty” – they are a revelation of flavor! What sets them apart is the perfect balance of a smoky, slightly spicy “kick” from the chipotle, harmoniously blended with the comforting earthiness of beans and rice. It’s a truly filling meal that leaves everyone at the table satisfied and eager for more. The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into a dish that feels both exotic and deeply comforting. Each pepper half is a vibrant vessel brimming with a hearty, well-seasoned mixture, promising a delightful culinary journey with every forkful.
They are quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant enough to impress guests. The preparation is straightforward, and the baking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth that belies the minimal effort involved. Imagine tender bell peppers, sweet and vibrant, loaded with a savory blend of lean ground beef, hearty beans, and flavorful rice, all infused with a distinctive Southwestern flair. Then, it’s crowned with a generous layer of gooey, spicy pepper jack cheese, and finished with a scattering of fresh, bright cilantro. It’s a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the palate.
A Medley of Vibrant Flavors and Textures
One of the striking features of this dish is its visual appeal. I chose a variety of bell peppers – one red, one yellow, and one orange – creating a stunning presentation on the plate. These vibrant colors not only make the meal more appetizing but also indicate a diverse array of nutrients. Three medium to large bell peppers, once halved and deseeded, yield six generous portions, making it an ideal recipe for families or for meal prepping a few days in advance.
The Stars of the Show: Key Ingredients
- Sweet Bell Peppers: The foundation of our dish! Red, yellow, and orange peppers offer varying degrees of sweetness and visual appeal. They become wonderfully tender after baking, providing the perfect edible bowl for the savory filling.
- Lean Ground Beef: Provides a rich, satisfying protein base. Using lean ground beef keeps the dish flavorful without being overly greasy.
- Uncle Ben’s® Ready Whole Grain Santa Fe Medley Rice: This is a brilliant shortcut! This seasoned rice blend already contains beans and spices, injecting instant Southwestern flavor and texture into the filling. It’s a convenient way to elevate the dish with minimal effort. If you can’t find this specific product, a combination of cooked brown rice and black beans, seasoned with a pinch of chili powder and cumin, would be a great homemade alternative.
- Salsa: The main source of that vibrant, tangy, and subtly spicy Southwest flavor. Divided into two parts, it’s mixed into the filling and then generously topped over the peppers before baking, ensuring moisture and taste throughout.
- Ground Cumin: A quintessential spice in Southwestern cuisine, cumin adds warmth, earthiness, and a distinctive aromatic depth that ties all the flavors together.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: This cheese is not just for melting; its subtle heat perfectly complements the chipotle notes in the salsa and adds a creamy, decadent layer. The bubbly, golden-brown crust it forms under the broiler is simply irresistible.
- Fresh Cilantro: The ultimate garnish! Fresh cilantro provides a burst of herbaceous freshness, cutting through the richness of the filling and cheese, and adding an authentic Mexican-inspired finish.
Simple Steps to a Spectacular Meal
Preparing these Southwest Chipotle Stuffed Peppers is a straightforward process, making them perfect for even busy weeknights. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a wholesome and incredibly flavorful meal ready to enjoy.
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Southwest Chipotle Stuffed Peppers
Southwestern flavored stuffed sweet bell peppers will be a tasty new addition to your weekly menu plan!
Ingredients
- 3 medium to large sized sweet bell peppers (sliced in half horizontally, with stems and seeds removed)
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 egg (slightly beaten)
- 1 8.5oz package of Uncle Ben’s® Ready Whole Grain Sante Fe Medley Rice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 cup salsa (divided)
- 6 slices Pepper-jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Lightly spray a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with cooking spray. (Pro Tip: If your peppers aren’t very wide, using a slightly smaller 10″ x 8″ dish can help them crowd together for a snug fit, preventing them from falling over.) Arrange the pepper halves side by side in the prepared dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, the slightly beaten egg, the entire package of Uncle Ben’s® Ready Whole Grain Santa Fe Medley Rice, ground cumin, and 1/3 cup of the salsa. Use your hands or a spoon to mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. This ensures the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Carefully divide the meat mixture evenly among the 6 pepper halves, mounding it slightly in each. Top each stuffed pepper half with the remaining salsa. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, which helps cook the peppers and meat evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 90 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender when pierced with a fork and the ground beef is completely cooked through. Remove the foil and carefully place one slice of pepper jack cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
- Increase the oven temperature to broil. Broil for 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on the peppers, until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Remove from oven and garnish generously with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 343kcal |
Carbohydrates: 12g |
Protein: 31g |
Fat: 19g |
Saturated Fat: 9g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g |
Cholesterol: 123mg |
Sodium: 554mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 3g
Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings
These Southwest Chipotle Stuffed Peppers are a meal in themselves, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes to complete your dining experience. I love serving them with a simple side of sweet corn, which offers a lovely contrast to the savory, slightly spicy peppers. Here are a few more ideas to enhance your meal:
- Fresh Green Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich flavors of the peppers.
- Creamy Avocado Slices or Guacamole: The creamy texture and mild flavor of avocado help to cool the palate and add a touch of healthy fat.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can provide a cooling, tangy element that complements the spice of the chipotle.
- Extra Salsa: For those who love extra flavor, offer a side of your favorite salsa for dipping or drizzling.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before eating brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty finish.
Creative Customizations and Variations
One of the joys of cooking is the ability to adapt recipes to your taste and dietary needs. These Southwest Chipotle Stuffed Peppers are wonderfully versatile:
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and double up on the beans (black beans, pinto beans, or a mix) and rice. You could also use a plant-based ground “meat” alternative for a similar texture. Adding some sautéed mushrooms or zucchini to the filling would also work beautifully.
- Adjust the Spice: If you love more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce to the filling, or even a finely diced jalapeño. For less heat, choose a mild salsa.
- Cheese Alternatives: While pepper jack cheese is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, a sharp cheddar, or even a Mexican cheese blend.
- Grain Options: If the specific Uncle Ben’s rice medley isn’t available, you can easily use cooked brown rice, quinoa, or even a mix of both. Just be sure to season them well with cumin, chili powder, and perhaps a dash of onion and garlic powder to mimic the Santa Fe medley’s flavor.
- Different Proteins: Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent lean alternatives to ground beef. Just ensure they are fully cooked.
Nutritional Benefits of This Hearty Meal
Beyond being incredibly delicious, these stuffed peppers offer a robust nutritional profile. Each serving provides a substantial amount of protein from the lean ground beef, essential for muscle repair and satiety. The bell peppers themselves are packed with vitamins, especially Vitamin C, and antioxidants. The whole grain rice and beans contribute dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness. While pepper jack cheese adds a touch of indulgence, the overall balance of macronutrients makes this a well-rounded and energizing meal. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate vegetables into your diet in a satisfying and flavorful manner.
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A huge thank you to Renee for sharing such an inspiring recipe! Find the Original Recipe Source here.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Dinner Idea!
So, the next time you’re searching for a dinner idea that is both quick to prepare and boasts a pretty presentation, look no further than these Southwest Chipotle Stuffed Peppers. They deliver on flavor, satisfaction, and visual appeal, making them a fantastic choice for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary adventures, this recipe is accessible, adaptable, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Don’t hesitate to give them a try – your taste buds will thank you!