Get ready to delight your taste buds with stuffed poblano peppers! This dish is a Southwestern treat. It has mild, roasted poblano peppers filled with a tasty mix of ground beef or sausage, rice, beans, veggies, and cheese. It’s a simple recipe great for weeknights or when you have guests over.
Key Takeaways
- Poblano peppers are mild in heat, scoring 1,000-1,500 units on the Scoville scale
- The recipe yields 8 stuffed poblano peppers with a prep time of 10 minutes and a cook time of 30 minutes
- Ingredients include ground beef or chorizo, rice, beans, corn, tomatoes, and a variety of cheese options
- Each stuffed poblano pepper contains approximately 153 calories, 12g of carbohydrates, 16g of protein, and 5g of fat
- The dish can be customized with different fillings and pepper varieties for a personalized touch
What are Stuffed Poblano Peppers?
Stuffed poblano peppers are a tasty dish from the Southwestern United States. They use mild, roasted poblano peppers. These are halved, seeded, and filled with a mix of ground meat, rice, beans, veggies, and cheese.
The result is a dish full of bold flavors but not too spicy. It’s great for many people because it’s not too hot.
Mild Poblano Peppers Stuffed with Savory Filling
The poblano pepper is the star of stuffed poblano peppers. These peppers are milder than jalapeños, adding a gentle heat. When roasted and stuffed, they make a dish that’s both delicious and balanced.
This dish is perfect for those who love Southwestern flavors but don’t like too much spice.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Poblano Peppers | 4 peppers |
| Cream Cheese | 8 ounces |
| White Cheddar Cheese | 4 ounces |
| Chili Powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground Cumin | 1/2 tablespoon |
The mix of mild peppers, savory fillings, and melted cheese makes this dish comforting yet exciting. Stuffed poblano peppers are a favorite for those who love Mexican flavors in a tasty, easy meal.
Health Benefits of Poblano Peppers
Poblano peppers are a nutritious vegetable with many health benefits. They are low in calories and fat, with just 13 calories per cooked pepper. They are also a good source of fiber, iron, and vitamin A, making them a healthy choice for any diet.
Low in Calories and Fat
Poblano peppers are low in calories and fat. With only 13 calories per cooked pepper, they are great for those watching their weight. They are also a good choice for adding more low-calorie veggies to your meals.
Rich in Fiber, Iron, and Vitamin A
- Poblano peppers are a good source of fiber, providing 2.5 grams per cup. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help promote feelings of fullness.
- These peppers also contain 6% of the Daily Value for potassium, as well as 3% of the Daily Value for vitamin A, riboflavin, and iron.
- The combination of these important nutrients makes poblano peppers a nutritious and versatile ingredient to include in your diet.
Poblano peppers are a smart choice for adding flavor and nutrition to your meals. They are low in calories and fat but rich in fiber, iron, and vitamin A. These mild peppers offer a range of valuable nutrients.
Heat Level of Poblano Peppers
Poblano peppers are known for their mild heat. They score between 1,000-2,000 units on the Scoville heat scale. This makes them perfect for those who like a little spice but not too much.
Jalapeño peppers are hotter, ranging from 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville units. Bell peppers, on the other hand, are very mild, scoring 0. Poblanos are great because they suit many tastes.
Milder than Jalapeños
Poblanos are milder than jalapeños. Jalapeños can be quite spicy, but poblanos are not as intense. This makes poblanos a good choice for adding a bit of heat without overwhelming the dish.
Scoville Heat Scale Explained
The Scoville heat scale measures how spicy chili peppers are. It was created by Wilbur Scoville in 1912. It ranges from 0 (mild) to over 1 million (very hot). Poblanos fall into the mild category, making them versatile for many recipes.
Preparing Poblano Peppers for Stuffing
Getting the poblano peppers ready is key to making tasty stuffed poblano peppers. First, roast or bake the peppers. This makes them soft and easy to fill. You can roast them at 450°F until they blister, or boil them for a few minutes before halving and seeding.
It’s important to prepare the peppers right to get a tender texture. Poblano peppers are mild, with a hint of spice. They are perfect for stuffing because of their size and thick walls.
To add a smoky taste, bake the peppers for 10 minutes before stuffing. This step softens them and boosts their flavor. But, be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. After roasting, you can start stuffing them.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat oven to 450°F |
| 2 | Place poblano peppers on a baking sheet |
| 3 | Roast for 10 minutes to soften and add smoky flavor |
| 4 | Remove peppers from oven and allow to cool |
| 5 | Halve the peppers and remove seeds and membranes |
By following these steps, you’ll get peppers that are soft and ready for stuffing. This is the secret to a great stuffed poblano pepper dish.
Stuffed Poblano Peppers Ingredients
Preparing stuffed poblano peppers is all about the ingredients. The right mix of protein, fillings, and cheese makes this dish special. It’s a true Southwestern delight.
Ground Beef or Sausage Options
Ground beef is a top choice for stuffed poblano peppers. Its rich flavor goes well with the mild peppers. For a spicy twist, try using Italian sausage or chorizo.
Rice and Enchilada Sauce Shortcuts
Using pre-cooked rice saves time. You can also use leftover rice. Canned enchilada sauce is a quick way to add flavor without extra work.
Cheese Choices for Topping
For the cheese topping, Mexican blend or mozzarella are great. They melt beautifully, adding a creamy touch to the dish.
The mix of ground beef, rice, enchilada sauce, and cheese makes stuffed poblano peppers a hit. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making delicious stuffed poblano peppers is easy and fun. Start by roasting the poblano pepper halves. This step softens them and adds a nice char. Next, mix ground beef or sausage with rice, beans, and veggies for a tasty filling.
Stuff the peppers with the filling, top with enchilada sauce and cheese. Bake until the peppers are soft and the cheese is melted. Here’s how to make perfect stuffed poblano peppers.
Roasting the Poblano Peppers
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the poblano peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. Place the pepper halves on a baking sheet, skin-side up.
Roast the peppers for 15-20 minutes. They should have charred skins and be soft. This step adds a smoky flavor.
Cooking the Filling
While the peppers roast, prepare the filling. Cook ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Add diced onions, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté until the onions are clear, about 5 minutes.
Then, mix in cooked rice, black beans, diced tomatoes, and your favorite spices. Cook for 5-10 minutes, until heated through and flavors blend.
Assembling and Baking
Flip the roasted peppers over and fill each half with the prepared filling. Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce over them and sprinkle with cheese.
Bake in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. The cheese should be melted and bubbly. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, sour cream, or other toppings. Enjoy your homemade stuffed poblano peppers!
Variations and Substitutions
The traditional stuffed poblano pepper recipe is a hit, but there are many tasty variations and substitutes. These options let you try new flavors and meet different dietary needs. You can change up the ingredients to make your stuffed poblano peppers your own.
Using Bell Peppers Instead
Want a milder taste? Try using bell peppers instead of poblanos. Use large bell peppers like red, yellow, or orange. Then, follow the same steps to stuff and bake them. This makes a dish that’s flavorful but not too spicy.
Chili-Stuffed Poblanos
For a chili twist, mix leftover chili into the stuffing. The chili’s strong flavors pair well with the mild poblanos. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for using up leftover chili.
Adding Beans or Seasonings
Want to tweak the flavors? Add beans like black or pinto to the filling. You can also try different seasonings like cumin, chili powder, or oregano. These changes can make the dish your own, letting you explore new tastes.
By trying these variations and substitutes, you can make stuffed poblano peppers just the way you like them. Every bite will be a joy to eat.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Stuffed poblano peppers are great for saving time. You can roast the peppers up to two days early. The filling can be made a day or two before. You can even assemble the peppers and refrigerate them before baking.
Refrigerating Leftovers
Leftover stuffed poblano peppers can be stored in the fridge for 3-5 days. To reheat, place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. This keeps the peppers’ flavor and texture perfect.
Reheating Instructions
Here’s how to reheat stuffed poblano peppers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Put the leftover peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the peppers are hot and the filling is warm.
- Serve the peppers hot right away.
These tips make it easy to enjoy stuffed poblano peppers whenever you want. You won’t have to start from scratch every time.
Cutting and Cleaning Poblano Peppers
Preparing poblano peppers for your stuffed pepper dish is key. These peppers have a mild, earthy taste. They’re common in Mexican dishes like Rajas Poblanas and Roasted Poblano Cream Sauce. Here’s how to get them ready for stuffing:
Handling Poblano Peppers Safely
Wear gloves to avoid skin irritation from the peppers’ oils. This keeps your hands safe and makes cleaning easier.
To Peel or Not to Peel?
Whether to peel the peppers is up to you. Roasting and steaming can remove the skins. But, leaving them on is okay too. It depends on your taste and look preferences.
Start by cutting the peppers lengthwise. Use a spoon to remove seeds and white membranes. This makes the peppers taste milder and sweeter.
Now, your peppers are ready for stuffing. Fill them with your favorite ingredients and bake. Proper preparation brings out the best in these peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed poblano peppers go great with fresh salads. These salads cool down the rich filling. Try a Caesar salad, peach mango caprese, or a spinach salad with hot bacon dressing.
Salad Pairings
- Caesar salad
- Peach mango caprese
- Spinach salad with hot bacon dressing
For a perfect match, serve Mexican street corn salad, or esquites, with the peppers. The corn salad’s sweet and tangy flavors are a nice contrast to the peppers.
Mexican Street Corn Salad
This salad is a great side for stuffed poblano peppers. It has sweet corn, tangy lime, and a bit of spice. This mix balances the peppers’ savory taste.
Choose a green salad or the Mexican street corn salad. Either way, it will bring out the peppers’ unique tastes and textures.
Conclusion
Stuffed poblano peppers are a tasty, easy dish with a Mexican twist. They use roasted poblano peppers for their mild heat and rich flavors. You can make a great meal for any night or special occasion with just a few steps.
Choose from ground beef, turkey, or chicken for the filling. Each option pairs well with the peppers’ smoky taste and the creamy cheese. This mix of flavors makes the dish a hit at any Mexican-themed dinner.
This recipe is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. It’s perfect for those who love bold, Southwestern flavors. Share your experience and rate the recipe to help others enjoy it too.
FAQ
What are stuffed poblano peppers?
Stuffed poblano peppers are a tasty Mexican dish. They use mild, roasted poblano peppers. These are halved, seeded, and filled with a mix of ground meat, rice, beans, veggies, and cheese.
What are the health benefits of poblano peppers?
Poblano peppers are good for you. They are low in calories and fat. They also have fiber, iron, and vitamin A.
How spicy are poblano peppers?
Poblano peppers are not very spicy. They have a mild heat, scoring between 1,000-1,500 units on the Scoville scale. This is much milder than jalapeños.
How do you prepare poblano peppers for stuffing?
First, roast or bake the peppers. This softens them, making them easier to stuff.
What ingredients are used to stuff the poblano peppers?
To stuff the peppers, you need ground beef or sausage, cooked rice, beans, corn, diced tomatoes, green chiles, and shredded cheese.
How do you make stuffed poblano peppers?
Making stuffed poblano peppers involves a few steps. First, roast the pepper halves. Then, cook the meat, rice, beans, and veggies together. Stuff the peppers with this mix, top with enchilada sauce and cheese, and bake until tender and melted.
Can you make variations or substitutions to the stuffed poblano pepper recipe?
Yes, you can make changes. Try using bell peppers instead of poblanos. Add leftover chili to the filling. Or, customize the seasonings to your taste.
Can you make stuffed poblano peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep ahead. Roast the peppers up to two days before. Make the filling a day or two in advance. Assemble the peppers and refrigerate before baking.
How do you properly cut and clean poblano peppers for stuffing?
To prepare the peppers, cut them lengthwise. Then, scrape out the seeds and white membranes. Wearing gloves helps prevent skin irritation from the pepper oils.
What are some good side dishes to serve with stuffed poblano peppers?
Stuffed poblano peppers go well with fresh salads. Try Caesar salad, peach mango caprese, or spinach salad. Mexican street corn salad also complements them well.