Description
Stuffed Poblano Peppers take me back to Austin evenings when the market’s smoky, green chiles begged to be roasted, split, and packed with something bold and cheesy. Softly roasted shells are stuffed with a cumin-chili seasoned mix of beef, rice, beans and fire-roasted tomatoes, then crowned with melty cheese and bright finishes like cilantro and lime.
Ingredients
6 large poblano peppers, roasted, peeled, and slit lengthwise
1–1.25 lb ground beef or turkey
1 onion, diced
2–3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup cooked black beans
1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
1.5–2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime)
1–1.5 cups shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack (plus extra for topping)
2 tbsp oil
2 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges and crema or sour cream (for serving)
Instructions
1. Roast poblano peppers under a broiler or on a grill until blistered on all sides; steam in a covered bowl 10 minutes, peel, slit lengthwise, remove seeds, and keep stems if desired.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium; sauté diced onion until translucent, then add garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned; drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper; add fire-roasted tomatoes, black beans, corn, and cooked rice; simmer until mixture is cohesive and not watery.
5. Fold 1 cup shredded cheese into the filling for creaminess; taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Stuff each poblano generously with filling, place in a lightly oiled baking dish, and top with remaining shredded cheese.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18–22 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly; broil 1–2 minutes for browned spots if desired.
8. Rest 5 minutes, then garnish with chopped cilantro, a drizzle of crema or sour cream, and lime wedges; serve warm.
Notes
Roast to blister, not collapse, so peppers remain sturdy.
Reduce filling until thick to avoid watery peppers.
Mix some cheese into filling and reserve some for topping to bind and create a bubbly lid.
Bake on middle rack and broil briefly to drive off surface moisture if peppers look wet.
Store roasted peppers and filling separately for best make-ahead results.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake / Roast
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg