Description
Delicious baked stuffed poblano peppers filled with a savory mix of ground turkey or beef, rice, black beans, corn, and spices. Topped with melted cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, these Mexican-inspired stuffed peppers are perfect as a hearty main dish, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Peppers
- 4 poblano peppers
Filling
- 1/2 lb ground turkey or ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Toppings & Garnish
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly oil a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Peppers: Cut each poblano pepper in half lengthwise and remove all seeds and membranes carefully. Brush the pepper halves with olive oil and place them cut side up in the prepared baking dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, heat a small amount of olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Meat: Add the ground turkey or beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season the meat with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to combine.
- Add Vegetables & Grains: Stir in the cooked rice, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Cook together until the mixture is heated through, about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stuff Peppers: Spoon the filling evenly into each poblano half, pressing lightly to fill.
- Add Cheese & Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over each stuffed poblano. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve warm with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and increase the quantity of beans or add cooked quinoa.
- Roasting the poblano peppers under the broiler before stuffing can add a delicious smoky flavor.
- Serve with additional toppings such as salsa, sour cream, or avocado slices for extra creaminess and flavor.
