Picadillo Stuffed Anaheim Peppers with Jalapeno Ranch Cream

“Picadillo Stuffed Anaheim Peppers with Jalapeno Ranch Cream offer a bold fusion of flavors and textures, blending tender Anaheim peppers filled with a hearty picadillo mixture of diced potato, savory ground beef, garlic, and aromatic spices like chile powder and paprika. Topped generously with a layer of melted provolone mozzarella, these stuffed peppers are baked to meld flavors, though maintaining a slight crunch.

Finished with a zesty Jalapeno Ranch Cilantro Cream, this dish promises a tantalizing bite with room for further refinement to achieve the perfect balance of textures and flavors.”

How to make Picadillo Stuffed Anaheim Peppers with Jalapeno Ranch Cream

Ingredients;

Anaheim Peppers

diced potato

ground beef

garlic

onion

chile powder

paprika

salt and pepper

shredded provolone mozzarella

Jalapeno Ranch Cilantro Cream

Instructions:

Stuffed them with picadillo made from diced potato & ground beef, garlic, onion, chile powder, paprika, salt and pepper.

Cooked the beef and potatos and then stuffed them.

Added a thick layer of shredded provolone mozzarella mix.

Baked at 375 for 25 minutes (but they still came out crunchy)

Topped with a Jalapeno Ranch Cilantro Cream dip.

Was decent, but room for improvement. Main thing being that the peppers were still semi-crunchy..

Notes:

Pepper Preparation: Ensure the Anaheim peppers are thoroughly washed and dried before slicing them lengthwise to create a cavity for stuffing. Removing the seeds and membranes helps reduce spiciness and bitterness.

Picadillo Mixture: Cook the diced potatoes and ground beef until they are fully cooked and tender before stuffing them into the peppers. Season generously with garlic, onion, chile powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor.

Cheese Layer: Adding a thick layer of shredded provolone mozzarella on top of the stuffed peppers before baking provides a gooey, cheesy texture. Consider mixing the cheese with breadcrumbs or a bit of Parmesan for added texture.

Baking Tips: To ensure the peppers are fully cooked and tender, increase the baking time if they are still crunchy after 25 minutes at 375°F. Covering the dish with foil for the first part of baking can help steam the peppers and ensure they cook through.

Jalapeno Ranch Cilantro Cream: Prepare the Jalapeno Ranch Cilantro Cream dip ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld. Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of jalapeno used and balance the flavors with fresh cilantro and ranch dressing.

Texture and Doneness: To avoid semi-crunchy peppers, consider par-cooking the peppers by blanching them in boiling water for a few minutes before stuffing. This can help soften them slightly, ensuring they cook evenly during baking.

Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack, or add additional toppings like diced tomatoes or chopped green onions for added flavor and color.

Presentation: Serve the stuffed peppers hot out of the oven with a generous drizzle of Jalapeno Ranch Cilantro Cream on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves or a sprinkle of paprika for a vibrant presentation.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is picadillo and how is it prepared?

Picadillo is a traditional Latin American dish that typically includes ground meat, often beef, combined with various ingredients such as diced potatoes, onions, garlic, and a mix of spices for flavor.

In this recipe, it’s used as the filling for the stuffed Anaheim peppers.

How do I ensure the stuffed peppers are not too crunchy?

To avoid semi-crunchy peppers, you can try pre-cooking the peppers slightly before stuffing them.

You can blanch or steam the Anaheim peppers for a few minutes to soften them slightly before stuffing.

This will help ensure that the peppers are tender after baking.

Can I use a different type of cheese for stuffing the peppers?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using shredded provolone mozzarella mix, you can experiment with other types of cheese based on your preferences.

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack could be delicious options.

How do I make the Jalapeno Ranch Cilantro Cream dip?

The Jalapeno Ranch Cilantro Cream dip can be made by combining ingredients like ranch dressing, finely chopped jalapenos (for heat), and freshly chopped cilantro (for freshness).

You can adjust the quantities of these ingredients to achieve your desired flavor balance.

What are some potential improvements for the recipe?

If you want to improve the recipe, consider pre-cooking the Anaheim peppers to ensure they’re tender after baking.

You can also experiment with different seasonings for the picadillo filling to enhance the flavor profile.

Additionally, adjusting the baking time and temperature might help achieve the desired texture for the peppers.

Can I use other types of peppers instead of Anaheim peppers?

Absolutely! If you can’t find Anaheim peppers or prefer a different level of heat, you can use other types of peppers such as bell peppers, poblano peppers, or even jalapenos.

Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pepper’s size and thickness.

What’s the purpose of the diced potato in the picadillo?

Diced potatoes in the picadillo filling can add texture, flavor, and heartiness to the dish.

They absorb the flavors of the seasonings and meat and contribute to the overall filling.

How can I ensure the stuffed peppers are not crunchy after baking?

To prevent semi-crunchy peppers, consider partially cooking the peppers before stuffing them.

You can blanch or microwave them briefly until slightly tender.

Also, extending the baking time or covering the dish with foil can help soften the peppers during baking.

Can I make adjustments to the Jalapeno Ranch Cilantro Cream dip?

Absolutely! The Jalapeno Ranch Cilantro Cream dip is versatile.

You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapenos, and you can tweak the creaminess by adjusting the amounts of ranch dressing and other ingredients.

Feel free to experiment to achieve the taste and texture you desire.