If you’re looking for a quick, wholesome, and flavor-packed dish that checks all the boxes — easy to prepare, minimal ingredients, and crowd-pleasing — 5-Ingredient Taco Stuffed Peppers might just be your next go-to recipe.
Whether you’re a busy professional, a student on a budget, or someone who wants to reduce meat consumption without sacrificing taste, these stuffed bell peppers deliver everything you’d want in a satisfying taco-inspired meal — but in a healthier, plant-based twist.
Why You’ll Love These Taco Stuffed Peppers
Taco cravings are universal — the spices, textures, and comforting warmth are hard to resist. This recipe captures all that goodness, but swaps the tortilla for a nutrient-rich bell pepper and skips meat for a hearty, plant-based filling. The result? A colorful, healthy, and irresistible weeknight dinner that’s:
- Packed with protein and fiber
- Low in carbs and gluten-free
- Customizable and family-friendly
- Ready in under 45 minutes
- Only 5 simple ingredients needed
Let’s break down what makes these peppers so amazing — and how you can whip them up effortlessly.
The 5 Ingredients You Need
You only need five basic vegetarian ingredients to create this meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Bell Peppers (4 large)
Choose vibrant, medium-to-large bell peppers — red, yellow, or orange. They serve as the edible “taco shell” and bring natural sweetness to balance the spice of the taco flavors.
2. Cooked Rice or Quinoa (1 ½ cups)
Rice is the perfect neutral base for absorbing taco spices. Brown rice offers a nuttier taste and more fiber, while white rice gives a lighter texture. Quinoa is a great option if you want more protein and a slightly earthier flavor.
3. Canned Black Beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)
Black beans add a creamy texture, protein, and heartiness. They also complement the taco seasoning beautifully. You can substitute pinto beans or kidney beans if desired.
4. Salsa (1 cup)
Salsa brings in tomato richness, spice, and moisture. Choose your favorite jarred salsa (mild, medium, or hot) based on your heat preference. You can even opt for a roasted tomato or corn salsa for added depth.
5. Shredded Cheese (1 cup)
A generous sprinkle of cheese gives that essential gooey, melty taco comfort. Go for a sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or Mexican cheese blend. For a vegan version, plant-based shredded cheese melts just as well.
Optional Add-ins: While not part of the 5 main ingredients, feel free to enhance the flavor with optional toppings like cilantro, sliced avocado, lime wedges, sour cream (or vegan yogurt), jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
How to Make Taco Stuffed Peppers (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a straightforward method to make these stuffed peppers at home:
Step 1: Prep the Peppers
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice each bell pepper in half vertically and remove seeds and membranes.
- Place the halves in a baking dish, cut side up.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cooked rice or quinoa
- Black beans
- Salsa
- Half of the shredded cheese (reserve the rest for topping)
Stir until well combined and evenly coated.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
- Spoon the filling into each bell pepper half, pressing down gently to pack it in.
- Top each pepper with the remaining shredded cheese.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and peppers are tender but still hold their shape.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve with your favorite taco toppings — chopped cilantro, avocado, lime juice, or hot sauce.
Serving Suggestions
These Taco Stuffed Peppers are a satisfying meal on their own, but you can make it a full spread with:
- Mexican Street Corn Salad (Elote-style, vegetarian)
- Tortilla Chips with Guacamole or Salsa Verde
- A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette
- Vegan sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess
They’re also perfect for meal prep — just store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, and reheat as needed.
Variations to Try
The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is. You can keep it as-is or switch it up based on what you have in the pantry.
Swap the Beans
- Chickpeas or lentils also work great as protein-packed substitutes.
- For a spiced twist, use refried beans mixed with rice for a creamy texture.
Add Roasted Veggies
- Diced sweet potatoes, zucchini, or corn kernels add extra flavor and nutrition.
- Simply roast beforehand and mix them into the filling.
Spice it Up
- Mix in taco seasoning, cumin, smoked paprika, or chili powder to boost depth.
- Add a spoon of chipotle in adobo for smoky heat.
Make It Vegan
- Use plant-based cheese shreds and swap Greek yogurt for vegan sour cream or cashew cream.
Nutritional Benefits
This simple 5-ingredient dish doesn’t just taste great — it’s packed with health perks:
- Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Black Beans: Provide plant-based protein, folate, and iron.
- Quinoa or Brown Rice: A great source of complex carbs and amino acids.
- Salsa: Adds flavor without added fats or sugars (choose low-sodium if needed).
- Cheese: Provides calcium and protein (or opt for dairy-free versions for less saturated fat).
It’s a dish that works for vegetarians, vegans (with simple swaps), and anyone who just wants to eat a little healthier without compromising on taste.
Shopping List Summary
Here’s a quick grocery checklist:
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1½ cups cooked rice or quinoa
- 1 can black beans
- 1 cup jarred salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese (or vegan cheese)
- (Optional: lime, cilantro, avocado, sour cream, jalapeños)
Final Thoughts
5-Ingredient Taco Stuffed Peppers are proof that a delicious, comforting, and nutritious meal doesn’t need to be complicated. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce, you can bring bold taco flavors into a nourishing dish that satisfies both your cravings and your healthy goals.
Whether it’s Meatless Monday, a quick weeknight dinner, or part of your weekly meal prep, these stuffed peppers deliver — every single time.
Try them once, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t make them sooner. 🌱🌮