Ingredients:

  • 6 large Anaheim chili peppers (approx. 1 lb)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Sharp Cheddar cheese

Instructions:

  1. Slice the tops off the Anaheim peppers and scoop out seeds and membranes with a spoon. Note: This removes the most bitter parts
  2. Pat the inside of each pepper dry with a paper towel.
  3. Brush the outside of the peppers with olive oil and place them open side up in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  4. Heat a skillet over medium high heat and add the ground beef.
  5. Break the beef apart with a spatula and cook until it is mahogany brown and cooked through.
  6. Stir in the diced onion and sauté until translucent, then add the minced garlic for 60 seconds.
  7. Mix in the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until the meat smells toasted and aromatic.
  8. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the cooked rice and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese.
  9. Spoon the beef mixture into each of the Stuffed Anaheim Peppers, pressing down lightly.
  10. Top each pepper with the remaining 1 cup of cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes until the peppers are tender and cheese is bubbling.