Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Stuffed poblano peppers are a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Made with a variety of savory and simple ingredients like ground beef, rice, beans, corn, and cheese, they are quick to bake and come out cheesy and bubbly.

These stuffed peppers are a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables, and they are a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. And if you don’t have poblanos on hand, just use regular bell peppers.

The next time you’re looking for poblano pepper recipes to use up what’s in the garden, or to just make some amazing stuffed peppers, try this great recipe that will have everyone asking for more!

Common Questions about Stuffed Poblano Peppers

How do you prepare poblano peppers for stuffing?

You can stuff poblanos without prepping ahead of time but if you want, you can do a quick prep beforehand. 

To prepare poblano peppers for stuffing by using the oven, you will need to roast them. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the poblano peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the skins are blistered and blackened.

Remove the peppers from the oven and let them cool slightly. Once the peppers are cool enough to handle, use a sharp knife to cut them in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and ribs.

You can also prepare them in the air fryer as listed below.

What can I stuff poblano peppers with?

There are many different things that you can stuff poblano peppers with. Some popular fillings include ground beef, rice, beans, corn, cheese, and vegetables. You can also add your favorite spices and seasonings to the filling.

How do I cook stuffed poblano peppers?

Once you have stuffed the poblano peppers, you can cook them in a variety of ways. You can bake them in the oven, grill them, or pan-fry them. The method you choose is up to you!

Storage

Storing these stuffed peppers is super easy — it makes them perfect for meal prep.

Refrigerator: Stuffed poblano peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, simply place the peppers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. You can also store them in an airtight resealable plastic bag.

Freezing: Freeze stuffed poblano peppers for up to 3 months. To freeze, simply place the peppers in a freezer-safe container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. When you are ready to eat, thaw the peppers overnight in the refrigerator and bake them according to the directions.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Poblanos

​There are just a few tips that will take your peppers to the next level. 

• For a spicier dish, add some hot spices to the filling.
• To make ahead, prepare the filling and stuff the peppers. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil,  or any other neutral oil to prevent the peppers from sticking.

Ingredients

A few simple ingredients from the grocery store are all you need.

• Poblano peppers halved
• Ground beef cooked
• Mexican cheese – shredded
• Taco seasoning
• Cilantro chopped
• Olive oil

Toppings

You can top them with your own favorites — here are a few of ours. 

• Sour cream
• Avocado
• Green onion
• Guacamole
• Cotija cheese

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need

So simple — just a couple of supplies to get these peppers going.

• Air fryer
• Tongs

How to Make Stuffed Poblano Peppers

It couldn’t be easier to make these simple stuffed peppers.

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the taco seasoning and cilantro to the ground beef and stir to combine.
3. Halve the poblano peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds and ribs.
4. Toss the poblano peppers in olive oil.
5. Place the poblano peppers in the air fryer and cook for the recommended time.
6. Check the peppers and cook until they are soft to the touch.
7. Remove the peppers from the air fryer with a pair of tongs and fill them with the ground beef mixture.
8. Top the peppers with shredded cheese.
9. Place the peppers back in the air fryer and cook briefly until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

What to Serve With Stuffed Poblano Peppers

These stuffed peppers can be a complete meal but you can pair the peppers, too.

• Rice – Rice is a great side dish to serve with stuffed poblano peppers — it’s filling and provides a soft contrast in texture to the peppers. Use white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice.
• Beans – Beans are protein-rich and provide a creamy texture.
• Salad – A simple salad is a light and refreshing side dish that can help to balance out the richness of the stuffed peppers.
• Tortillas – Tortillas are a great way to eat stuffed poblano peppers. They can be used to scoop up the filling or to make a wrap.
• Salsa – Salsa is a great way to add some heat and flavor to stuffed poblano peppers.
• Guacamole – Guacamole is a creamy and flavorful side to serve with stuffed poblano peppers.
• Sour cream – Sour cream is a cool and creamy condiment that can be served with stuffed poblano peppers.
• Queso – This melted cheese dip is a perfect creamy complement to stuffed poblano peppers.
• Cilantro–  Cilantro is a fresh herb that can be added to stuffed poblano peppers for a bit of flavor and color. If you don’t like cilantro try Thai basil or parsley.
• Lime wedges –  Lime wedges can be squeezed over stuffed poblano peppers — the lime juice will add a bit of acidity and brightness.

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Poblano Peppers

If you love a hearty meal, there’s no reason not to love these peppers!

• Delicious and hearty – These peppers are a flavorful and filling meal that is sure to satisfy.
• Easy to make – Quick and easy to make, stuffed peppers are a great option for a busy weeknight meal.
• Customizable – Poblano stuffed peppers can be customized to your liking, so you can add your favorite ingredients. Adjust the spice level however you like!
• Healthy and affordable – These peppers are perfect for a family on a budget that wants to eat well.

Variations and Add-ins on this Poblano Peppers Recipe

You can get creative with these simple stuffed peppers.

• Proteins – Use cooked chicken breast or ground chicken, lean ground turkey, shrimp, or tofu. 
• Spices and seasonings – Add some cayenne pepper, chili powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for heat. You can also add other spices and herbs like garlic powder, onion powder, or cumin. Try fresh cilantro for a garnish.
• Beans – Add beans for creamy texture and protein. Pinto beans, black beans, and kidney beans are all good choices.
• Cheesiness – Make it creamy by adding cream cheese or add other cheeses like cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack.

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If you love this easy Stuffed Poblano Peppers recipe, you’re going to love these other air-fried recipes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

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