Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños Stuffed With Ground Beef And Oaxaca Cheese

How to make Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños Stuffed With Ground Beef And Oaxaca Cheese

Ingredients:

15–16 fresh jalapenos

1 lb ground beef

1 pkg (1 oz) Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix

2/3 cup water

4 tablespoons cream cheese, (softened)

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

1/2 lb bacon (the amount you need will depend on the size of your peppers. You will need approximately 1 slice of bacon per pepper)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375ºF.

Line a baking sheet with foil and set aside.

Cut the jalapeños in half lengthwise.

Remove the seeds and the ribs and discard.

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet.

Drain any grease if necessary.

Add the taco seasoning and 2/3 cup water and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, until thickened, 3 to 4 minutes.

Place the cream cheese in a large bowl, then add the cooked taco meat.

Stir until combined.

Stir in the shredded cheese.

Fill each of the halved jalapeños with the taco meat, dividing evenly.

Cut the bacon in half.

Wrap one of the half slices of bacon around each of the jalapeños.

Secure with a toothpick and place on the baking sheet.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked through.

Crisp up under the broiler for a minute or two, if desired.

Serve warm. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

SERVING SIZE: 1 stuffed jalapeno

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I adjust the spiciness of the jalapeños?

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by removing the seeds and ribs from the jalapeños.

These parts contain most of the heat.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Oaxaca cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Oaxaca cheese with other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella, based on your preference.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed jalapeños ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Wrap them with bacon just before baking.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by replacing the ground beef with a meatless ground alternative or cooked quinoa, and using vegetarian-friendly taco seasoning.

Omit the bacon or use vegetarian bacon alternatives.

How can I make this recipe less spicy?

To reduce the spiciness, you can remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeños, as they contain most of the heat.

Additionally, using mild taco seasoning and choosing milder varieties of jalapeños can help.

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other meats like ground turkey, chicken, or even pork, based on your preference.

Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Oaxaca cheese?

Absolutely! If you can’t find Oaxaca cheese, you can substitute it with other melting cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of different cheeses.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make this recipe healthier, you can use lean ground beef or opt for leaner meats like ground turkey or chicken.

You can also choose reduced-fat cream cheese and shredded cheese to reduce the overall fat content.

Additionally, consider using turkey bacon or trimming excess fat from regular bacon.