Description
A quick, low-carb after-school snack featuring mini sweet peppers stuffed with seasoned ground meat, black beans, and sharp cheddar cheese. Kid-approved and ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24–30 mini sweet peppers (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85% lean) or ground turkey
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2–3 stalks green onions, sliced
- Salsa (optional, for serving)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and dry mini peppers. Cut off stem ends and remove seeds and membranes. Arrange hollow-side up on the baking sheet.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon, until no pink remains (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add drained black beans and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir to coat and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Pack the meat and bean mixture firmly into each pepper (about 1-2 tablespoons per pepper).
- Divide shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the stuffed peppers.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly and peppers are tender-crisp.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with green onions and serve with lime wedges and salsa.
Notes
Ensure beans are thoroughly drained and rinsed to prevent soggy filling. Use sharp cheddar for better flavor and melting. Do not overstuff peppers to prevent bursting. These do not freeze well; store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 peppers per servin
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 14
Keywords: low carb, keto snack, mini peppers, taco stuffed peppers, kid friendly, quick dinner, gluten free, high protein