Keto Taco Stuffed Peppers

Featured in: Weekend Warm Bakes

These bell peppers are hollowed and filled with a savory blend of spiced ground beef and tomato, then topped with melted cheddar cheese. Baked until bubbly, this dish offers a flavorful, low-carb option perfect for those following keto or gluten-free diets. Enhanced with classic Tex-Mex seasonings like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, it's a colorful and satisfying meal that comes together quickly and easily in under an hour.

Updated on Sun, 15 Feb 2026 19:27:10 GMT
Keto taco stuffed bell peppers with cheddar melt top, featuring colorful peppers filled with spiced ground beef and melted cheese.  Save to Pinterest
Keto taco stuffed bell peppers with cheddar melt top, featuring colorful peppers filled with spiced ground beef and melted cheese. | citrushearth.com

These Keto Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers offer a vibrant and healthy way to enjoy classic Tex-Mex flavors without the carbs. Featuring crisp bell peppers filled with a perfectly seasoned ground beef mixture and finished with a golden cheddar melt, this recipe is a crowd-pleasing main dish that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle.

Keto taco stuffed bell peppers with cheddar melt top, featuring colorful peppers filled with spiced ground beef and melted cheese.  Save to Pinterest
Keto taco stuffed bell peppers with cheddar melt top, featuring colorful peppers filled with spiced ground beef and melted cheese. | citrushearth.com

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This easy-to-follow meal is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious and flavorful. The combination of cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika creates a deep, smoky profile that complements the sweetness of the roasted bell peppers.

Ingredients

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  • 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops sliced off and seeds removed
  • 500 g (1.1 lb) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 120 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 2 tbsp sliced scallions (optional)
  • Sour cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Step 1
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to fit all bell peppers upright.
Step 2
Prepare the bell peppers: Slice off the tops and remove seeds. If needed, trim the base to help them stand upright. Place in the baking dish.
Step 3
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Step 4
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 5
Stir in diced tomato, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and slightly thickened.
Step 6
Spoon the taco beef mixture evenly into the hollowed bell peppers, packing it in gently.
Step 7
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
Step 8
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 9
Remove from oven. Garnish with chopped cilantro and scallions if desired. Serve hot, with a dollop of sour cream if liked.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra flavor, add a few jalapeño slices to the filling or on top before baking. If your peppers are wobbly in the baking dish, you can use aluminum foil to create rings that hold them steady, or lightly trim the very bottom of the pepper without piercing the inner cavity.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option. For those following a dairy-free diet, simply use a plant-based cheese alternative or omit the cheddar entirely and top with extra avocado.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these stuffed peppers with fresh avocado slices or a crisp side salad for a complete, well-rounded meal. A dollop of sour cream or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can brighten the flavors just before serving.

Savory Tex-Mex ground beef mixture packed into fresh bell peppers, topped with gooey melted cheddar for a keto-friendly dinner.  Save to Pinterest
Savory Tex-Mex ground beef mixture packed into fresh bell peppers, topped with gooey melted cheddar for a keto-friendly dinner. | citrushearth.com

These Keto Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers are a satisfying and nutritious dinner that proves low-carb eating never has to be boring. With 375 calories and only 8g of carbohydrates, they are the perfect addition to your weekly rotation.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute ground beef with other meats?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter alternative without compromising flavor.

How do I prepare the bell peppers for stuffing?

Slice off the tops and remove seeds carefully. Trim the base if needed so they stand upright during baking.

What spices enhance the filling’s flavor?

Ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano create a balanced and aromatic filling.

Is there a dairy-free cheese option?

Plant-based cheese alternatives can be used to suit dairy-free preferences without altering texture significantly.

Can I add extra heat to this dish?

Adding jalapeño slices to the filling or on top before baking boosts the spiciness as desired.

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Keto Taco Stuffed Peppers

Bell peppers filled with spicy beef and melted cheddar for a hearty, low-carb Tex-Mex dinner.

Prep duration
15 minutes
Time to cook
30 minutes
Overall time
45 minutes
Created by Elise Porter


Skill level Easy

Cuisine Type Tex-Mex

Makes 4 Number of servings

Dietary details No Gluten, Reduced-Carb

What Goes In

Bell Peppers

01 4 large bell peppers, any color, tops sliced off and seeds removed

Taco Filling

01 1.1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 medium tomato, diced
05 1 tablespoon tomato paste
06 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 1 teaspoon chili powder
08 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
10 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cheese and Garnish

01 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
02 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, optional
03 2 tablespoons sliced scallions, optional
04 Sour cream for serving, optional

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to accommodate all bell peppers in an upright position.

Step 02

Prepare Bell Peppers: Slice off pepper tops and remove seeds and membranes. Trim bases if necessary to ensure peppers stand upright. Arrange peppers in prepared baking dish.

Step 03

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 04

Brown Ground Beef: Add ground beef to skillet and cook, breaking apart with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 05

Combine Taco Seasoning: Stir in diced tomato, tomato paste, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and slightly thickened.

Step 06

Stuff Peppers: Evenly distribute taco beef mixture into hollowed bell peppers, pressing gently to fill completely.

Step 07

Add Cheese Topping: Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper.

Step 08

Bake Covered: Cover baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 09

Uncover and Finish: Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro and scallions if desired. Serve immediately with sour cream on the side.

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What You’ll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Baking dish
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy details

Double-check ingredients for allergens; talk with your doctor if you’re uncertain.
  • Contains dairy from cheddar cheese and optional sour cream
  • Check cheese and tomato paste labels for hidden gluten and additives if sensitive

Nutrition info (for each serving)

Nutrition data is for reference and isn’t meant as health advice.
  • Calorie count: 375
  • Fat content: 25 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 8 grams
  • Protein amount: 28 grams

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