Colorful Taco Meat Stuffed Mini Pepper Appetizer

You are going to love these bite-sized Stuffed Mini Peppers appetizer that’s full of flavor and perfect for next party or gathering? These mini peppers are stuffed with seasoned taco meat and topped with melty cheese. These are convenient and easy finger foods perfect to serve at parties, game days, or just a fun family dinner.

Taco Meat Stuffed Mini PeppersPhoto byThyme of Season

Mini peppers are great for stuffing. They are sweet, crunchy, and just the right size for a single bite. Their vibrant colors—red, yellow, and orange—add a visual appeal that makes any dish pop. Plus, they are relatively inexpensive making them budget friendly.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Stuffed Peppers:

• 12-15 mini sweet peppers
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup water (as directed on the seasoning packet)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - white and/or yellow, or pepperjack for a little spice

Optional For Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sour cream
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Sliced jalapeños (for those who like a little heat)

How to Prepare

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Peppers: Slice the tops off the mini peppers and slice them in half, lengthwise. Remove the seeds.

3. Cook the Taco Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until it’s browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and water, simmering until the mixture is thick and flavorful. I

4. Stuff the Peppers: Fill each mini pepper with the taco meat mixture. You can be generous here—just ensure that the peppers are well-stuffed.

5. Bake: Place the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Optional Garnish: Once out of the oven, let the stuffed peppers cool slightly. Garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve with sides like sour cream, salsa, or sliced jalapeños if desired.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Tips and Variations

• Extra Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of taco seasoning on top of the cheese before baking.
• Texture Variety: Mix in some finely chopped bell peppers, canned black beans, roasted corn or mushrooms with the taco meat for added texture and flavor.
• Make Ahead: These stuffed peppers can be prepared ahead of time. Just stuff them and refrigerate until you're ready to bake. They can be baked straight from the fridge—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.