Stuffed Poblano Peppers are a staple in Mexican cuisine, known for their rich flavors and satisfying textures. This recipe combines roasted peppers with a savory beef and cheese filling, offering a comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion. Let's dive into this deliciously simple yet impressive dish.
The star of this dish is the poblano peppers, which bring a mild heat and deep flavor. We use a mix of Monterey Jack cheese and queso fresco for a creamy, stretchy filling that complements the spices. The ground beef provides a hearty base, seasoned with cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper for a robust taste. Onion and garlic add aromatic depth, while tomato sauce ties everything together with a touch of acidity.
These stuffed peppers pair beautifully with a side of Spanish rice or refried beans. A fresh salad with avocado and lime dressing complements the rich flavors perfectly. For a festive touch, garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While that's warming up, roast the poblano peppers over an open flame or under a broiler until they're charred and blackened. This step adds a smoky flavor that really elevates the dish. Once roasted, pop them in a plastic bag to steam for about 10 minutes. This makes peeling them a breeze.
After steaming, gently peel off the skins. Be careful here — you want to keep the peppers intact. Make a slit down the side of each pepper and remove the seeds. Next, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, tossing in the onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft.
Mix the cooked beef with the Monterey Jack and queso fresco. Now, carefully stuff each pepper with this savory mixture. Roll the stuffed peppers in flour to give them a light coating, which helps the egg batter stick.
Separate your eggs, whisking the whites until they form stiff peaks. This might take a bit of elbow grease, but it'll give the peppers a nice fluffy coating. Gently fold in the yolks, then dip each pepper in the egg mixture until fully covered.
Heat the vegetable oil in a pan and fry the peppers until they're golden on all sides. This should take about 5 minutes per pepper. Once they're beautifully golden, transfer them to a baking dish, cover with the tomato sauce, and bake for 15 minutes. Serve them hot, and enjoy!