Description
Tex-Mex Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Ingredients
4 large poblano peppers, halved and seeded
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or spicy)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Directions
Prepare the Poblanos: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place poblano halves on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and roast for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Filling: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until softened. Add ground beef, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook until browned, then stir in cooked rice and 1/2 cup salsa. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Stuff the Peppers: Fill each roasted poblano half with the beef and rice mixture. Place them in a baking dish.
Top with Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle cheddar cheese over each stuffed pepper. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Top with the remaining salsa and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 350 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect peppers. First, carefully slice the poblanos in half lengthwise and remove all seeds and membranes. A spoon works well for this. While the peppers roast, start your filling. Ensure your ground meat is fully browned and broken into small crumbles before adding the spices to toast them for 30 seconds, unlocking their flavor. When combining the filling, let it cool slightly before stuffing to prevent the peppers from becoming soggy. Use a spoon to pack the mixture firmly into each pepper half, mounding it slightly. For extra browning, switch your oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes of baking.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed peppers are a complete meal but pair wonderfully with cool, creamy sides to balance the spice. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema, a side of guacamole, or a simple black bean salad. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette is perfect. They also make excellent leftovers for lunch the next day.
How-to Summary
In summary: Halve and seed poblanos, then roast for 10 minutes at 375°F. Cook onion, garlic, and ground meat with spices. Mix in rice and salsa. Stuff the mixture into the roasted peppers, top with cheese, and bake for 15 minutes until melted. Garnish with salsa and cilantro.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the stuffed peppers, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian? Substitute the ground meat with a plant-based crumble or a can of black beans (rinsed and drained).
Are poblano peppers very spicy? Poblanos are generally mild, similar to a bell pepper but with a deeper flavor. Occasionally one can be spicier, but the heat is tempered by roasting and the cheesy filling.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely. Monterey Jack, pepper Jack, or a Mexican blend like Oaxaca cheese are excellent alternatives.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through. The oven will keep the pepper texture better.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: Do not skip roasting the peppers before stuffing; this step softens them and develops flavor. Do not overfill the peppers, as the filling can spill and burn. Ensure your cooked rice is cooled and not sticky, or it will make the filling gummy. Finally, do not cover the baking dish while cooking, as this will steam the peppers and prevent the cheese from browning beautifully.
Conclusion
These Tex-Mex Stuffed Poblano Peppers are a flavorful, satisfying dish that is deceptively simple to make. Combining smoky roasted peppers, a well-seasoned filling, and melted cheese, they are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. By following the step-by-step guide and tips provided, you can easily avoid common errors and customize the recipe to your taste. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers maximum comfort and flavor with minimal fuss.