Ajotomate Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers, any color 4 large bell peppers, any color
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 cup (200g) cooked rice 1 cup (200g) cooked rice
• 1 cup (170g) black beans, rinsed and drained 1 cup (170g) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (such as Cheddar or Monterey Jack) 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (such as Cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1 cup (240ml) ajotomate sauce 1 cup (240ml) ajotomate sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
• Carbohydrates: 26g (Sugar: 3g)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2.
   Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers in a baking dish.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. 4.
   Add the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. 5.
   Stir in the cooked rice, black beans, and ajotomate sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes, until well combined.
6. 6.
   Spoon the filling into the bell peppers, packing it tightly. Top each pepper with shredded cheese.
7. 7.
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let the peppers cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ajotomate sauce — If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers used in the sauce. Adjust the spiciness according to your taste preferences.
• Bell peppers — Choose firm and vibrant bell peppers for the best results. Different colors of bell peppers can be used to add visual appeal to the dish.
• Ground beef — Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
• Cheese — Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor. Pepper Jack or Queso Fresco can add a spicy or tangy twist to the dish.
• Fresh cilantro — If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with fresh parsley for a milder herb flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked quinoa or a mixture of sautéed vegetables.
• Add a squeeze of lime juice over the stuffed peppers before serving to enhance the flavors.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add some diced jalapeños to the filling mixture.
• Serve the stuffed peppers with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for added creaminess.
• Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated and enjoyed as a delicious cold lunch the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Ajotomate Stuffed Peppers as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad and warm tortillas. The peppers can be enjoyed on their own or topped with additional ajotomate sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed peppers on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. The vibrant colors of the peppers and the melted cheese will create an enticing visual display. Serve with a side of ajotomate sauce for dipping or drizzling over the peppers.