The Mexican-style rice that forms the foundation for this meal reminds me of childhood trips to one of my family’s favorite Mexican restaurants. Back then, I never thought about how much the rice and beans added to a meal—I was all about the carne asada—but now I appreciate them as critical additions. This is the second time I have made this Stuffed Peppers Over Mexican-style rice, and I think I have perfected it.
The simplicity of this Beef-Stuffed Peppers Over Mexican-style rice meal, combined with its simple yet satisfying flavours, makes it a joy to prepare and eat. Given the drool on my chin, it is a joy to daydream about as well!

Stuffed Peppers Over Mexican Style Rice
Craving for a quick Mexican meal? Here's an easy recipe you can whip up at the comfort of your home, stuffed peppers over Mexican style rice.
Ingredients
Stuffed Peppers Ingredients
5 poblano pepper - or pasillas peppers
2 yellow onion - sliced
1 pound ground beef (minced beef)
1 teaspoon chili powder (chilli powder in British English)
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cup cheddar cheese - three cheese blend
1 can refried beans
1 cup sour cream - for garnish
Mexican Style Rice Ingredients
1 28 oz passata or crushed tomatoes (tomato puree with seeds removed) - 1 can
1 medium yellow onion - peeled and roughly chopped
2 cups chicken stock (chicken broth or chicken bouillon)
1 ½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
⅓ cup vegetable oil
2 cups white rice
2 serrano chilis - seeded and minced
6 garlic - minced or pressed
¼ cup cilantro (coriander) - finely chopped
2 lime juice - 1 for juice plus additional wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
- In a large saucepan, add some olive oil, cook the ground beef, and add the cumin and chili powder (for the stuffed peppers).
- In a medium-size bowl, combine refried beans, ½ teaspoon of salt, cheese, green onion, and ground beef. Mix thoroughly and set aside. Make sure to keep excess ground beef juices in the saucepan.
- Place tomatoes and onion in the blender or food processor and puree. Add two cups of this mixture to the saucepan, along with the chicken stock, 1 ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cumin, and bring to a boil over medium heat. There will be extra tomato puree, which can be reserved for another use.
- Then, heat the vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When hot, add the rice and sauté, frequently stirring until rice is a nice golden color (roughly 8 minutes).
- Turn the heat under rice to medium and add chilies. Cook for 2 minutes, then add the cloves of garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the rice. Then, stir well to combine. Cover Dutch oven, leaving a small gap, and cook on low until liquid has evaporated and rice is done (15 minutes).
- Cut off the tops of the poblanos and seed them. Fill each pepper with the refried bean stuffing mixture, making sure to pack peppers tightly with a thumb or the back of a spoon.
- Place poblanos on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove rice from heat and stir gently. Allow to sit for 10 minutes, then add cilantro and lime juice and fluff with a fork.
- Place a bed of rice on a plate, then top with a stuffed pepper. Serve with sour cream and lime wedges for garnish.
Nutrition
Calories: 1272.6kcalCarbohydrates: 108.9gProtein: 45.9gFat: 72.6gSaturated Fat: 26.6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 12.9gMonounsaturated Fat: 23.4gTrans Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 160.4mgSodium: 2088.5mgPotassium: 1107.6mgFiber: 9.1gSugar: 13.5gVitamin A: 1656.4IUVitamin C: 139.3mgCalcium: 488.2mgIron: 5.2mg
How did this recipe turn out for you?We’re eager to hear your thoughts!