Cuban Stuffed Bell Peppers Baked in the Oven: Tradition and Flavor in Every Bite

An iconic recipe from Cuban home cooking that combines vibrant colors, delicious aromas, and irresistible flavors. These stuffed bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned meats and topped with melted cheese, making them a perfect dish for family gatherings or special occasions.

🫑 Ingredients:

For the bell peppers and filling:

  • 6 large bell peppers
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 3 large garlic cloves, crushed
  • ½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • ½ onion, finely chopped
  • 4 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 sprig fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 3½ tablespoons dry cooking wine
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Salt to taste
  • 6 tablespoons grated cheese
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

 

 

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the bell peppers

Carefully wash the bell peppers and cut off the tops to create lids. Remove the seeds and inner membranes gently to avoid breaking them. Rub each pepper with a little olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt inside and out.

2. Sauté the vegetables and seasonings

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and chopped red bell pepper. Cook for a few minutes, then stir in the garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

3. Cook the meats

Add the tomato paste, sugar, and fresh parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Then add the ground beef and ground pork, stirring constantly to break up the meat.

4. Thicken the filling

Sprinkle the cornstarch over the mixture and stir thoroughly. Slightly increase the heat and pour in the dry cooking wine. Cook until the alcohol evaporates and the flavors become more concentrated.

5. Reduce the sauce

Cover the skillet and cook over medium heat for several minutes until the meat changes color completely and the filling becomes thick and nearly dry. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

6. Stuff the bell peppers

Using a spoon, fill each bell pepper with the meat mixture without reaching the very top. Finish with grated cheese and place the tops back on. Secure them with toothpicks to keep them closed.

7. Bake and serve

Arrange the stuffed peppers on a greased baking tray, leaving space between them. Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes until tender and lightly golden. Remove the toothpicks before serving.

Relatos interesantes sobre famosas cafeterías cubanas (Parte 1): Casa Potín
Learn more about one of Cuba’s most iconic gastronomic centers through this engaging audiovisual journey filled with history, nostalgia, and culture.
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ℹ️ Recipe Information

  • Servings: 6 portions
  • Estimated Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Meats
  • Cuisine: Cuban

✅ Helpful Tips

  • Choose firm, fresh bell peppers so they hold their shape better while baking.
  • Mozzarella cheese provides a creamy texture, while Parmesan gives a richer flavor.
  • You can serve them with white rice and crispy fried plantain tostones.

📌 Suggested Tags

cuban stuffed bell peppers, cuban recipes, creole cuisine, stuffed peppers, traditional cuban food, baked recipes

📣 Share This Delicious Recipe!

If you made these Cuban stuffed bell peppers, let us know how they turned out and what you served them with. Share this recipe with family and friends who love authentic Cuban cuisine and continue exploring more traditional flavors from Cuba.

For the Spanish version, visit: Ajíes Rellenos Cubanos al Horno: Un Clásico Criollo Lleno de Sabor.