Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Stuffed Poblano Peppers are a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a hearty meal. The smoky, mildly spicy poblano peppers are stuffed with a delicious filling that can include cheese, rice, beans, or even meat. This versatile dish can be served as a main course or a side dish, offering a balance of heat and savory goodness. It’s a great option for those who love bold, comforting flavors with a touch of spice.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
poblano peppers rice (cooked) black beans (cooked) cheddar cheese (shredded) ground beef or chicken (optional) onion (chopped) garlic (minced) cumin chili powder salt pepper olive oil sour cream (for serving, optional) cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Carefully cut the tops off the poblano peppers, removing the seeds and membranes. Set them aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened.
- If using ground meat, add it to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cooked rice and black beans, then remove the skillet from the heat.
- Stuff each poblano pepper with the rice and meat mixture, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
- Place the stuffed peppers in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Garnish with cilantro and serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Swap the ground meat for a vegetarian protein like quinoa or tofu.
- Use a different cheese, like Monterey Jack or queso fresco, for a different flavor.
- Add diced tomatoes or corn to the stuffing for more texture and flavor.
- For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños to the filling.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs
Can I use other types of peppers?
Yes, you can use Anaheim peppers or bell peppers, but poblano peppers provide the best balance of mild heat and flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them, then bake when ready to serve.
Is this recipe spicy?
Poblano peppers are mild, but you can increase the spice by adding jalapeños or a hotter chili variety to the filling.
Can I freeze the stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed peppers before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Conclusion
Stuffed Poblano Peppers are a flavorful and customizable dish that brings a satisfying combination of smokiness, spice, and heartiness. Whether you choose to make them with meat, beans, or rice, they are sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is both comforting and full of flavor!
PrintStuffed Poblano Peppers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Stuffed Poblano Peppers are a flavorful and hearty dish made by filling poblano peppers with a savory mixture of rice, beans, cheese, and spices, then baking until tender. A perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
- 4 large poblano peppers
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully slice the poblano peppers in half lengthwise, removing the seeds and membranes. Place them on a baking sheet.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and garlic for about 3 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
- Add the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan and stir to combine.
- Stir in the cooked rice, black beans, and tomato sauce, then cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Remove from heat and mix in the shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, and lime juice.
- Spoon the rice and bean mixture into the poblano pepper halves, packing it in gently.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm, garnished with extra cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or even a chopped jalapeño to the filling.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based cheese or skip the cheese entirely.
- These peppers can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed poblano pepper half
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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