Cheesy Mexican-Style Stuffed Capsicum (Bell Pepper) Bake – A Bold, Comfort-Filled Oven Dinner

Juicy, tender capsicum (bell pepper) stuffed to the brim with seasoned beef, fluffy rice, sweet corn, and melted mozzarella — this Mexican-style stuffed capsicum bake is the ultimate comfort meal with bold flavours and vibrant colour. Baked in a rich tomato sauce and finished with bubbling cheese, this dish delivers a satisfying balance of spice, savoury depth, and fresh herb brightness. It’s a hearty oven-baked recipe that feels impressive yet is wonderfully simple to make at home.

Stuffed capsicum has been enjoyed across many cultures — from Mediterranean gemista to Mexican-inspired stuffed peppers — each version reflecting local spices and ingredients. This version leans into Mexican-style flavours with cumin, coriander, oregano, and cayenne for gentle heat and warming depth. The filling is both hearty and balanced: seasoned beef for richness, rice for structure, corn for sweetness, and spring onion for freshness. Baking everything in a lightly sweetened tomato sauce keeps the peppers moist while infusing the dish with flavour. It’s also naturally gluten-free, rich in protein, and high in vitamins A and C thanks to the capsicum. For best results, choose firm, glossy capsicum with flat bottoms so they sit upright. These freeze beautifully, making them ideal for meal prep or make-ahead dinners. 

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Key Ingredients & Their Roles

• Capsicum (Bell Pepper) → Acts as a natural edible bowl, adding sweetness, colour, and a soft bite after baking.

• Minced (Ground) Beef → Forms the hearty protein base for the filling, providing rich savoury flavour.

• Rice → Absorbs moisture and seasoning, giving the filling body and satisfying texture.

• Mexican Spice Blend → Cumin, coriander, oregano, and cayenne create warmth, aroma, and depth of flavour.

• Tomato Paste & Diced Tomatoes → Add richness, acidity, and moisture to the filling and sauce.

• Mozzarella Cheese → Melts beautifully to add creaminess and a stretchy, golden topping.

• Corn Kernels → Add sweetness and textural contrast.

• Spring Onion & Parsley → Fresh elements that brighten and balance the richness.

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Cheesy Mexican-Style Stuffed Capsicum (Bell Pepper) Bake Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes |Cook Time: 55–60 minutes |Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes |Cuisine Type: Mexican-Inspired / Oven Bake |Calories (Estimate): 480–520 kcal per serving |Serving Size: Serves 6 (1 stuffed capsicum each)

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📝 Ingredients

Stuffed Capsicum

• 6 capsicum (bell peppers)

• 400 g (14 oz) minced (ground) beef

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 Tbsp minced garlic

• ¼ cup tomato paste

• 1¼ cups (315 ml / 10.6 fl oz) chicken stock or broth

• ½ cup uncooked rice (medium or long grain)

• 1 cup corn kernels

• 1 cup spring onion, finely sliced

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Mexican Spice Mix

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper

• 1 Tbsp dried oregano

• 2 tsp cumin

• 2 tsp coriander

• 1½ tsp onion powder

• ¾ tsp salt

Tomato Sauce

• 1 can (400 g / 14 oz) diced tomatoes

• ¼ cup chicken stock

• 1 Tbsp brown sugar

• ¼ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp onion powder

• ⅛ tsp salt

• ⅛ tsp black pepper

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped

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👨‍🍳 Instructions (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat the Oven

   • Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Prepare the Capsicum

   • Use a small sharp knife to cut around the top of each capsicum.

   • Remove the tops and remove all seeds inside.

   • If the bottoms aren’t flat, trim a thin slice so they stand upright.

   • Place capsicum in a deep baking dish. 

     
     
     

3. Start the Filling

   • Heat olive oil in a large pot over high heat.

   • Add chopped onion and garlic, cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Cook the Beef

   • Add minced beef and cook while breaking it apart until it changes from pink to brown. 

     
     
     

5. Season the Filling

   • Add all Mexican spices and tomato paste.

   • Stir and cook for 1 minute.

6. Add Rice & Liquids

   • Add uncooked rice, corn, and chicken stock. 

     
     
     

   • Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.

7. Simmer the Filling

   • Cover with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 13–15 minutes until rice is tender.

   • Stir in spring onion. Turn heat off. 

     
     
     

8. Fill the Capsicum

   • Spoon half the beef mixture into each capsicum. 
     

   • Sprinkle with half the cheese. 

     
     
     

   • Add remaining beef mixture on top. 

     
     
     

   • Place capsicum tops back on. 

     
     
     

9. Prepare the Tomato Sauce

   • Mix all sauce ingredients together.

   • Pour sauce into the baking dish around the capsicum. 

     
     
     

10. Bake Covered

    • Cover dish tightly with foil.

    • Bake for 45 minutes.

11. Final Cheese Bake

    • Remove foil and capsicum tops. 

      
      
      

    • Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

    • Bake uncovered for 5–10 minutes until melted and golden. 

      
      
      

12. Garnish & Serve

• Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving. 
  
  

  
  

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 Tips & Ingredient Substitutions

• Vegan Option: Swap beef for plant-based mince or lentils and use vegan cheese.

• Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.

• Extra Cheesy: Add a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for extra flavour.

• Time-Saving Tip: Use microwave rice pouches to skip cooking rice in the filling.

• Spice Boost: Add chopped jalapeños or smoked paprika for deeper heat.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Can I make stuffed capsicum ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the capsicum completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Q2. Can I freeze stuffed capsicum?
Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.

Q3. What can I use instead of beef?
You can use ground chicken, turkey, pork, or lentils.

Q4. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Q5. Why is my capsicum watery after baking?
Capsicum naturally release moisture. Baking them covered first prevents drying while keeping the filling juicy.

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Wrap-Up 

This Mexican-style stuffed capsicum bake is the kind of meal that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and still fits beautifully into a comforting home-cooked routine. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or prepping it for the week, it’s a dish that delivers both flavour and satisfaction every single time.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your version — share it in the comments and tell me how you customised yours! What’s your favourite stuffing ingredient for capsicum?

✨ You may also love: Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas (perfect for your next Mexican-inspired meal!).

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Keywords (키워드)

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