Baked Bell Pepper Tacos

Baked Bell Pepper Tacos

These baked bell pepper tacos are a colorful and delicious twist on classic tacos. They’re perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun party appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers (any color combination you like)
• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or lentils for a vegetarian option)
• ½ onion, chopped
• 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (1.25-oz) packet taco seasoning
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup chopped romaine lettuce
• ½ cup chopped tomatoes
• Cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
• Lime wedges, for garnish (optional)
• Your favorite taco toppings (sour cream, salsa, avocado, etc.)

Cooking Guide:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the bell peppers. Cut them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the pepper halves, cut side down, on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until slightly softened.
2. While the peppers are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the diced tomatoes and taco seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove the pre-baked bell peppers from the oven and spoon the taco mixture evenly into each pepper half. Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
5. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Top with chopped romaine lettuce, chopped tomatoes, chopped cilantro (optional), and a squeeze of lime wedge (optional). Serve with your favorite taco toppings.

Tips:

• For a spicier taco, add a diced jalapeno pepper to the ground meat while cooking.
• You can use any type of ground meat you like, or even lentils for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• For a fun presentation, arrange the baked bell pepper halves on a platter and serve them with a variety of toppings in the center, allowing everyone to build their own tacos.