Super Bowl Party Food Nacho Stuffed Peppers

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

When it comes to game day, I love making dishes that are both fun and satisfying, and these nacho stuffed peppers are a perfect fit! Each bite is loaded with zesty flavors, making them a hit at any Super Bowl gathering. I enjoy how effortless they are to prepare while still feeling indulgent. The combination of spicy peppers, creamy cheese, and crunchy toppings takes party food to a whole new level, and I can’t wait to share this delightful recipe with you!

Vanessa Doyle

Created by

Vanessa Doyle

Last updated on 2026-01-10T12:19:09.580Z

I created these nacho stuffed peppers after trying countless nacho recipes and wanting something a bit different yet equally delicious. The fresh bell peppers serve as the perfect vessel for the hearty nacho filling, blending health with indulgence. What makes this recipe special is the use of both ground meat and beans, giving it a rich and satisfying texture that’s hard to resist.

Another tip I discovered is to roast the pepper halves before stuffing them. This enhances their sweetness and softens them, creating a delightful contrast with the crunchy toppings. You’ll find that this method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping every bite deliciously fresh. Enjoy making them for your next party!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Colorful and eye-catching presentation
  • Perfectly balanced flavors of spice and creaminess
  • Easy to customize with your favorite toppings

The Role of Each Ingredient

The foundation of these nacho stuffed peppers is the bell peppers themselves. I recommend selecting colorful varieties like red, yellow, or orange for an appealing presentation. Each type offers a slightly different sweetness, which enhances the overall flavor. When choosing your peppers, look for firm, glossy skin, as this indicates freshness. Removing the seeds and membranes ensures that the peppers remain structurally sound and allows the filling to shine without being overpowered by bitterness.

Ground beef or turkey provides a hearty base to the filling, delivering protein and rich flavor. For a healthier option, lean ground turkey works wonderfully, while plant-based crumbles can serve as a substitute for a vegetarian version. Make sure to cook the meat thoroughly until it’s brown, which usually takes about 7-10 minutes. This not only improves flavor, but also eliminates the risk of any raw meat taste in the dish.

Customizing Your Stuffed Peppers

One of the best parts about these nacho stuffed peppers is how easily they can be tailored to your preferences. If you’re not a fan of black beans, feel free to swap them out for pinto beans or even cooked quinoa for a different texture. You can also play with the cheese; try pepper jack for a kick or use a dairy-free alternative if you're vegan. Simply adjust the amount based on your personal taste, but keep in mind that cheese adds creaminess that balances the spices.

For toppings, aside from classic sour cream and jalapeños, diced tomatoes or avocado can elevate your dish further. If you're preparing for a crowd, set up a toppings bar so guests can personalize their peppers. I also enjoy a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper on top before baking, adding another layer of flavor that complements the filling beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Nacho Stuffed Peppers

  • 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions

For Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Chopped cilantro

Instructions

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prep the peppers.

Prepare the Peppers

Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them cut side up on a baking sheet.

Cook the Filling

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once cooked, drain any excess fat. Stir in the black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and salsa.

Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Stuff the Peppers

Spoon the filling into each pepper half and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

Bake

Cover the baking sheet with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, garnish with green onions, and serve with sour cream and other toppings as desired.

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Pro Tips

  • For extra flavor, add diced tomatoes or olives to the filling. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack for some added heat.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These nacho stuffed peppers can easily be made ahead of time. Prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day or two in advance, then store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before popping them in the oven to ensure even cooking. This is especially handy when you're entertaining, giving you more time to enjoy the game with friends.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheating is simple; place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You may want to cover them with foil during reheating to keep them moist, especially if the cheese has hardened.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when making stuffed peppers is the risk of the peppers becoming soggy. To avoid this, pre-bake the halved peppers for about 10 minutes before stuffing them. This step allows excess moisture to escape and helps the peppers hold their shape after stuffing and baking.

Another potential problem is undercooked filling. Make sure that the beef is browned and fully cooked before adding it to the peppers. Using a meat thermometer can help ensure that ground beef reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), which guarantees that it is safe to eat while maintaining optimal flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare these peppers ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffed peppers a day in advance and store them in the fridge until you are ready to bake.

→ Are these vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with a mix of beans, lentils, or quinoa for a delicious vegetarian version.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

Yes, you can freeze stuffed peppers before baking them. Just wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Super Bowl Party Food Nacho Stuffed Peppers

When it comes to game day, I love making dishes that are both fun and satisfying, and these nacho stuffed peppers are a perfect fit! Each bite is loaded with zesty flavors, making them a hit at any Super Bowl gathering. I enjoy how effortless they are to prepare while still feeling indulgent. The combination of spicy peppers, creamy cheese, and crunchy toppings takes party food to a whole new level, and I can’t wait to share this delightful recipe with you!

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Vanessa Doyle

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Nacho Stuffed Peppers

  1. 4 large bell peppers (any color)
  2. 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
  3. 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  4. 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  5. 1 packet taco seasoning
  6. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  7. 1/2 cup salsa
  8. 1/4 cup chopped green onions

For Toppings

  1. Sour cream
  2. Sliced jalapeños
  3. Chopped cilantro

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prep the peppers.

Step 02

Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them cut side up on a baking sheet.

Step 03

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once cooked, drain any excess fat. Stir in the black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and salsa. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 04

Spoon the filling into each pepper half and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.

Step 05

Cover the baking sheet with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly.

Step 06

Remove from the oven, garnish with green onions, and serve with sour cream and other toppings as desired.

Extra Tips

  1. For extra flavor, add diced tomatoes or olives to the filling. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack for some added heat.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 7g
  • Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 20g