Nacho Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers

Name: Nacho Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers (any color); 1 cup cooked rice; 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh; 1 cup nacho cheese sauce; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)

Highlighted under: Easy Comfort Recipes

I love making Nacho Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers for a quick and satisfying meal. The vibrant colors of bell peppers and the gooey, cheesy filling make this dish both visually appealing and delicious. Each bite is bursting with flavors from the cheese, spices, and fresh veggies. It's a versatile recipe that I can customize depending on what ingredients I have on hand, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, which is a major win in my book!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-22T15:30:28.728Z

When I first experimented with Nacho Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers, I was on a mission to create a healthy yet indulgent dish. The blend of spices I used really enhances the flavor, and I found that adding a touch of lime juice at the end elevates it even more. It’s amazing how some simple ingredients can turn into a delicious meal that my family loves!

One tip I discovered is to pre-bake the bell peppers for about 10 minutes before stuffing them. This softens the peppers and helps them hold the filling better while intensifying their flavor. Trust me, it makes a noticeable difference in the final dish!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bold and creamy nacho cheese flavor in every bite
Flexible recipe to accommodate various tastes and ingredients
Great for meal prep or an easy weeknight dinner

Choosing the Right Peppers

When selecting bell peppers, consider the color and size for both aesthetics and flavor. Green peppers have a slightly bitter taste, while red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter. Choose large, firm peppers with no blemishes or soft spots to ensure they hold up during baking. If you prefer a bit of a kick, you can mix in some spicy peppers like jalapeños to your filling mixture for added heat.

It's also important to prepare your peppers correctly. Use a sharp knife to slice off the tops and remove the seeds without puncturing the sides. If you find the peppers are wobbly in the baking dish, you can slice a small portion off the bottom to stabilize them, ensuring they stand upright during cooking.

Perfecting the Filling

The filling is where you can really customize this dish to your tastes. The combination of cooked rice, black beans, and corn provides a hearty base that absorbs the flavors of the nacho cheese sauce beautifully. You can swap the beans for pinto or kidney beans, or leave them out for a lighter option. The spices, like chili powder and cumin, not only enhance flavor but also balance the richness of the cheese. Adjust these spices to match your preferences, adding more if you enjoy a spicier kick.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider sautéing onions and garlic before mixing them into the filling. This step takes just a few minutes and adds complexity to the dish. If you're looking for additional nutrients, you could also toss in some diced tomatoes or spinach—just be mindful of the moisture they may add; slightly reduce the other liquids if necessary.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

These Nacho Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers make for a vibrant centerpiece at any dinner table. Serve them with a fresh salsa or avocado topping for added brightness. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro can also elevate the dish, bringing a refreshing contrast to the cheesy filling. If you're preparing these for a gathering, consider pairing them with tortilla chips for an even more festive feel.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, to maintain their texture. You can also freeze unbaked stuffed peppers for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, just bake them straight from the freezer, adding about 10-15 extra minutes to the cooking time for best results.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious stuffed bell peppers:

For the Stuffed Peppers

4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 cup cooked rice
1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
1 cup nacho cheese sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)

Feel free to customize the filling to include your favorite ingredients!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your Nacho Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers:

Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish.

Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, black beans, corn, nacho cheese sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated.

Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the filling into each bell pepper, pressing down gently to pack it in. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.

Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding diced tomatoes or jalapeños to the filling. You can also top the stuffed peppers with sour cream or fresh cilantro before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to make substitutions based on what you have in your pantry. For instance, if you don’t have black beans, chickpeas or lentils can work as great alternatives, providing a different texture while still adding protein. If you are short on nacho cheese sauce, a mix of cream cheese and shredded cheddar can yield a similar creamy and cheesy outcome. Additionally, you can opt for quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free version—just ensure it's cooked and fluffed before adding to the filling.

For a lighter option, consider using cauliflower rice in place of traditional rice. This swap not only reduces carbs but also adds extra nutrients, making the dish more veggie-centric. Adjust the seasoning slightly to ensure the flavors remain bold.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue with stuffed peppers is having a filling that’s too moist, which can result in a soggy bottom. To prevent this, make sure your rice is well-drained and avoid adding too many wet ingredients. If you notice your filling is still too wet, consider mixing in some breadcrumbs to help absorb excess moisture before stuffing your peppers.

If your peppers cook unevenly, it could be due to their size or the baking arrangement. It's best to choose peppers of similar sizes and avoid crowding them in the baking dish. If the tops of the peppers are browning too quickly while the insides remain undercooked, tent them with foil to ensure even cooking without burning the tops.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable whether you're cooking for a small family or a crowd. If you want to double the recipe, simply multiply your ingredients accordingly. Make sure to choose a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra peppers, and adjust your baking time by checking for doneness as you go. It's essential to ensure that all peppers are filled and baked evenly, which may take a bit longer if you're using a crowd-sized batch.

For those cooking for one or two, consider using mini sweet peppers. These bite-sized versions are ideal for portion control, making them great appetizers or side dishes without all the leftovers. Check them a bit earlier during baking, as they will cook faster than larger bell peppers.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses for a unique flavor.

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

Yes, you can stuff the peppers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake.

→ What can I serve with stuffed peppers?

They pair well with a simple salad or some tortilla chips for a complete meal.

→ Are these peppers healthy?

They can be! By using whole ingredients like black beans and quinoa, you can make a nutritious meal that is filling and delicious.