Tamale Peppers

Bring a taste of fusion comfort to your table with this irresistible Tamale Peppers recipe! Juicy bell peppers are hollowed out and stuffed with a rich, savory filling of spiced ground beef or chicken, hearty black beans, and a layer of tender masa harina dough, giving a nod to traditional tamales without the wrapping hassle. Finished with a bubbling blanket of melted cheese and garnished with fresh cilantro, these baked peppers are an easy, gluten-free dinner perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With a bake time of just 30 minutes and bold flavors from smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin, this dish serves up a satisfying Tex-Mex twist. Pair with a side of rice or a crisp salad, and enjoy a meal that's both familiar and refreshingly creative!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 whole bell peppers
• 1 cup masa harina
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 pound ground beef or ground chicken
• 0.5 cup onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 0.5 cup cooked black beans or refried beans
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers in a baking dish and set aside.

Step 3

In a mixing bowl, combine the masa harina with chicken broth until a smooth dough forms. Set aside.

Step 4

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until soft, about 3-4 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 5

Add the ground beef or ground chicken to the skillet, cooking and breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 6

Mix in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 7

Add the cooked black beans or refried beans to the skillet and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 8

Stuff each bell pepper with a layer of masa dough, pressing it down slightly. Add a layer of the meat mixture, filling it to the top.

Step 9

Sprinkle shredded cheese over each stuffed pepper.

Step 10

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 11

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 12

Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired, before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1764.1 grams (1764.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2282

Total Fat 157.40g	202%
Saturated Fat 65.00g	325%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.20g
Cholesterol 483mg	161%
Sodium 4531mg	197%
Total Carbohydrate 95.80g	35%
Dietary Fiber 23.90g	85%
Total Sugars 21.10g
Protein 127.50g	255%

Vitamin D 24IU	120%
Calcium 1057mg	81%
Iron 18mg	102%
Potassium 3307mg	70%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 61.3%

Protein: 22.1%

Carbs: 16.6%