A lively kitchen filled with the mouthwatering scent of spices and savory beef reminds me of family gatherings where everyone enjoyed a hearty meal together. This delightful memory is perfectly captured in my Cuban-Style Stuffed Peppers, or Ajies Rellenos con Picadillo. These vibrant bell peppers are not just a feast for the eyes; they are a comforting blend of roasted sweetness and a rich, homemade picadillo filling that bursts with flavor.

Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinners or impress guests with an impressive yet simple dish, these stuffed peppers are an ideal choice. Utilizing either freshly prepared or leftover picadillo, they’re not only a savvy way to reduce food waste but also incredibly versatile. You can easily swap in ground turkey for a lighter option or sneak in extra veggies – the possibilities are endless! Ready to bring a taste of Cuba to your table? Let’s dive into this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe!

Why Are Cuban-Style Stuffed Peppers So Great?

Flavorful Explosion: The hearty picadillo filling, mingled with spices and sweetness, offers a deliciously unique taste.
Versatile Ingredients: Easily adapt the recipe with ground turkey or extra veggies like zucchini for a healthier twist.
Time-Saver: Perfect for using up leftovers, transforming them into a brand-new meal that’s both easy and impressive.
Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these at your next gathering, and watch as friends and family rave about your culinary skills!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance for busy weeknights, and simply reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.

Cuban-Style Stuffed Peppers Ingredients

• Here’s everything you need to get started on your delicious Cuban-Style Stuffed Peppers!

For the Picadillo Filling
• Cuban Picadillo – This seasoned mixture of beef, tomatoes, and spices is the star ingredient; feel free to use leftovers for effortless flavor!
• Olive Oil – Ideal for sautéing onions and coating the peppers; can replace with vegetable oil if desired.
• Diced Onion – Adds a natural sweetness; shallots can be substituted for a more delicate taste.
• Diced Green Pepper – Enhances flavor and texture in the filling; other bell pepper colors can be used for variations.
• Garlic – An aromatic flavor booster; fresh minced garlic works best, but powdered is an option too.
• Ground Beef or Ground Turkey – The main protein source; opt for ground turkey for a leaner filling.
• Dry Cooking Wine (Vino Seco) – Adds depth to the filling; you can omit for a non-alcoholic dish or substitute with broth.
• Tomato Sauce – Provides moisture and tanginess; crushed tomatoes can also be used in a pinch.
• Ground Cumin – Infuses the filling with warm, earthy flavors; chili powder is a good alternative.
• Dried Oregano – Contributes herbal notes; consider using fresh oregano for vibrant flavor.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste, starting with a ¼ teaspoon of salt.
• Spanish Olives – Offers briny flavor; can be omitted if preferred.
• Raisins (Optional) – Adds a touch of sweetness; feel free to leave out if you want a strictly savory filling.
• White Rice (Optional) – Provides additional texture and volume; use cooked rice for convenience.

For the Peppers
• Bell Peppers – The colorful vessels for your stuffing; choose red, yellow, or green based on your sweetness preference.
• Additional Olive Oil – For coating the peppers and enhancing overall flavor.

How to Make Cuban-Style Stuffed Peppers

Preheat your oven to 350ºF and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper. This ensures even cooking and easy cleanup, making the cooking process more enjoyable!
Halve and seed the bell peppers, then coat them generously with olive oil. This helps them roast beautifully while enhancing their natural sweetness.
Roast the peppers in the oven for 15 minutes until they are slightly tender and vibrant in color. This step adds extra flavor and texture to the peppers.
Sauté onions and green peppers in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil until softened. Add minced garlic, stirring until fragrant—about 2 minutes should do the trick!
Incorporate ground beef (or turkey) into the skillet, cooking until browned. Pour in dry cooking wine, tomato sauce, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper; simmer until the mixture is saucy and flavorful.
Stir in Spanish olives and raisins, then fold in cooked rice if using. This creates a harmony of flavors and textures in your filling!
Fill the roasted peppers with the picadillo-rice mixture, pressing down gently for an even distribution. Make sure they are stuffed but not overflowing.
Pour a bit of water into the bottom of the baking dish, cover with foil, and roast for 20-25 minutes until the peppers are tender. The steam will help keep them moist and enhance the cooking process.
Serve hot, optionally topped with shredded mozzarella or your favorite sauce to add an extra layer of deliciousness.

Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro for a refreshing finish.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Cuban-Style Stuffed Peppers?

Create a vibrant meal experience that tantalizes the senses and leaves everyone satisfied!

Avocado-Onion Salad: This refreshing salad adds a creamy texture and bright flavors that balance the savory stuffed peppers beautifully. Toss together diced avocado, red onion, and a squeeze of lime for a zesty complement.
Mariquitas (Fried Plantain Chips): These crispy, salty snacks provide a delightful crunch alongside the tender peppers, adding an irresistible contrast in texture. They’re perfect for dipping into your favorite salsa or sauce!
Spanish Rice: A side of seasoned Spanish rice creates a lovely harmony of flavors with the stuffed peppers, ensuring no one leaves the table hungry. The extra carbs are a comforting addition for those luscious bites!
Black Beans: A scoop of black beans seasoned with cumin and garlic will not only add a protein boost but also introduce earthy flavors that harmonize with the picadillo filling. They are a classic pairing for any Cuban dish!
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, smoky grilled corn brings a seasonal freshness that brightens your plate, making for a well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy. Roll it in your favorite spice mix for an added kick!
Mango Salsa: A sweet and spicy mango salsa offers a pop of color and lively flavor, perfectly enhancing the Cuban-Style Stuffed Peppers while adding an element of fun to your dining experience.
Coconut Flan: For dessert, indulge in a creamy coconut flan with its luscious texture and sweet, tropical notes that provide the perfect ending to your Cuban-inspired meal!

These pairing options will enhance your culinary experience and truly impress your family and friends!

Tips for the Best Cuban-Style Stuffed Peppers

Prep Ahead: Make the picadillo filling a day in advance to enhance flavors. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to stuff and bake the peppers.
Roasting Time: Be careful not to under-roast the peppers; they should be slightly tender before filling to ensure they cook evenly.
Filling Technique: Avoid overstuffing; leave a little space at the top of the peppers to prevent spilling during baking.
Seasoning Balance: Taste the filling before stuffing—this ensures the flavors are just right, especially since ground beef can vary in seasoning needs.
Freezing Smart: When freezing, consider par-baking the stuffed peppers and then cooling completely before wrapping tightly and storing to preserve texture in Cuban-Style Stuffed Peppers.
Sauce It Up: If you prefer a saucier filling, feel free to add extra tomato sauce to the picadillo mixture for more moisture and flavor.

Storage Tips for Cuban-Style Stuffed Peppers

Room Temperature: Allow cooked Cuban-Style Stuffed Peppers to cool completely before leaving them out for no more than 2 hours to maintain freshness and avoid bacterial growth.

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for optimal flavor retention, and consume within 3-4 days to enjoy the best taste.

Freezer: Wrap stuffed peppers tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. This helps maintain their deliciousness.

Reheating: To reheat from frozen, preheat your oven to 425°F and bake for 15 minutes or until heated through, ensuring a delightful, warm meal ready to enjoy!

Make Ahead Options

These Cuban-Style Stuffed Peppers are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the picadillo filling and roast the peppers up to 24 hours in advance. Simply sauté the onions, garlic, and ground beef with the spices, and then refrigerate the mixture in an airtight container. You can also store the roasted peppers separately to maintain their texture. When you’re ready to serve, fill the roasted peppers with the chilled filling, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes until heated through. This method ensures that your stuffed peppers remain just as delicious and flavorful while saving valuable time on busy weeknights!

Cuban-Style Stuffed Peppers Variations

You can easily customize these stuffed peppers to suit your tastes and dietary needs, adding your own creative flair.

Ground Turkey: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner, healthier option that still packs flavor.
Vegetable Medley: Add zucchini, corn, or black beans to the picadillo filling for a boost of nutrients and texture.
Quinoa Base: Replace white rice with quinoa to create a gluten-free, protein-packed alternative that’s just as filling.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the filling to elevate the heat level for those who love spiciness.
Cheesy Delight: Mix in shredded cheese directly into the picadillo before filling the peppers for a melty, gooey surprise with each bite.
Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the filling just before stuffing to add a fragrant, fresh twist.
Tomato Variations: Substitute tomato sauce with salsa verde for a unique, zesty flavor that brightens the dish.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or slivered almonds over the top before baking for an unexpected crunch that complements the soft peppers.

Feel free to explore these options and find the delightful combination that makes this dish uniquely yours!

Cuban-Style Stuffed Peppers Recipe FAQs

What type of bell peppers should I use?
Absolutely! The best types of bell peppers to use are red, yellow, or green, depending on your sweetness preference. I recommend going for firm, glossy peppers without dark spots. The more colorful the pepper, the sweeter it tends to be!

How should I store leftover Cuban-Style Stuffed Peppers?
To keep your leftover Cuban-Style Stuffed Peppers fresh, allow them to cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to 3-4 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish multiple times!

Can I freeze Cuban-Style Stuffed Peppers?
Certainly! For freezing, make sure the stuffed peppers are completely cooled. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them from frozen at 425°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through.

What if my filling is too dry?
No worries! If you find your picadillo filling is too dry, simply add a splash of tomato sauce or a little beef broth to moisten it up. This will enhance the flavor and ensure your stuffed peppers remain deliciously juicy.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, indeed! To make Cuban-Style Stuffed Peppers gluten-free, simply skip the usage of any traditional breadcrumbs in the filling. You can also swap out white rice for quinoa, which can serve as a wonderful gluten-free alternative and enhance the texture of your dish.

Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe?
You bet! If you’re serving these to pets or those with allergies, be cautious with ingredients like olives and raisins, which can pose risks. Always check with your guests for any dietary restrictions. Additionally, use ground turkey for a leaner option if you want to reduce fat content.

Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need help!