Hey there, food lovers! 🌶️ Are you ready to try a recipe that’s both incredibly tasty and satisfying? These Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers are the perfect comfort food that’s easy to prepare and will impress your family or guests. Packed with savory ground beef, tangy cream cheese, and a zesty taco seasoning mix, these stuffed peppers are a must-try for any dinner night. Plus, they taste even better the next day! Let’s get started on making this delicious meal.
Introduction
Stuffed peppers have been a popular dish for generations, and it’s no wonder why. From their vibrant colors to their hearty fillings, they offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. In this version of Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers, we’re going to elevate the traditional stuffed pepper by adding a rich, creamy cheese layer with bold Mexican flavors.
I personally love making this recipe for weekend dinners, as it’s simple yet satisfying. These peppers are great for leftovers too—just pop them in the fridge, and they’ll be even more flavorful the next day!
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers recipe, you’ll need the following:
- 3-4 halved bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 block cream cheese
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup salsa
You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based meat substitute to suit your dietary preferences. Don’t worry, the flavors will remain bold and delicious!
How to Make Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Season the beef: Once browned, add the garlic powder, taco seasoning, and salsa. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Add the cream cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the block of cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts and combines with the beef mixture.
- Prepare the peppers: Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
- Stuff the peppers: Spoon the beef and cheese mixture into each halved pepper.
- Bake the peppers: Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. If you want softer peppers, you can bake them for an additional 5 minutes before adding the filling.
Optional: You can pre-bake the peppers for about 5 minutes before stuffing them to make them extra tender.
Helpful Tips
- Pre-baking the peppers: If you prefer softer peppers, bake them for 5-10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Adjust the spice level: You can easily control the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning and salsa.
- Cheese alternatives: While cream cheese gives the filling a rich and smooth texture, you can substitute with ricotta or mascarpone if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Cooking Tips
For an even more flavorful result, try these tips:
- Add more veggies: You can sauté onions, mushrooms, or spinach to the ground beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use a food processor: If you want a smoother filling, blend the ground beef and cheese mixture in a food processor before stuffing the peppers.
Serving Suggestions
These Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and beverages. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the peppers.
- A cold, refreshing beverage like iced tea or a margarita can be the perfect pairing on a hot day.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, or a drizzle of sour cream for added flavor and presentation.
Nutritional Information
This dish is packed with nutrients while offering a comforting meal. Here’s a breakdown:
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Vitamin A: 120% DV
- Vitamin C: 150% DV
- Calcium: 15% DV
- Iron: 20% DV
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 820mg
- Potassium: 610mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 7g
- Vitamin A: 120% DV
- Vitamin C: 150% DV
- Calcium: 15% DV
- Iron: 20% DV
Storage and Leftovers
If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and enjoy them later:
- Refrigerate: Store the stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm them up in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Leftovers are perfect for meal prep, and they taste just as delicious, if not more, the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can substitute cream cheese with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella. Just note that it will change the texture and taste slightly.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or black beans for a vegetarian version of this dish.
Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Absolutely. Just assemble the stuffed peppers and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Related Recipes
Looking for more tasty ideas? Check out these related recipes:
These dishes are also simple and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Conclusion
Now that you’ve mastered the art of Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers, it’s time to enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or prepping for the week ahead, these stuffed peppers are sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to share your creations with us and let us know if you made any unique twists to the recipe!
Happy cooking!
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Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers – Easy Dinner Recipe
Description
Hey there, food lovers! 🌶️ Are you ready to try a recipe that’s both incredibly tasty and satisfying? These Cream Cheese Stuffed Peppers are the perfect comfort food that’s easy to prepare and will impress your family or guests. Packed with savory ground beef, tangy cream cheese, and a zesty taco seasoning mix, these stuffed peppers are a must-try for any dinner night. Plus, they taste even better the next day! Let’s get started on making this delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 3–4 halved bell peppers
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 block cream cheese
- 1 package taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup salsa
You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even a plant-based meat substitute to suit your dietary preferences. Don’t worry, the flavors will remain bold and delicious!
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brown the ground beef: In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Season the beef: Once browned, add the garlic powder, taco seasoning, and salsa. Stir until everything is well mixed.
- Add the cream cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the block of cream cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts and combines with the beef mixture.
- Prepare the peppers: Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
- Stuff the peppers: Spoon the beef and cheese mixture into each halved pepper.
- Bake the peppers: Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 25 minutes. If you want softer peppers, you can bake them for an additional 5 minutes before adding the filling.
Optional: You can pre-bake the peppers for about 5 minutes before stuffing them to make them extra tender.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Pre-baking the peppers: If you prefer softer peppers, bake them for 5-10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Adjust the spice level: You can easily control the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning and salsa.
- Cheese alternatives: While cream cheese gives the filling a rich and smooth texture, you can substitute with ricotta or mascarpone if you prefer a different flavor profile.
