These oven baked 4-ingredient beef stuffed jalapenos are the kind of simple, hearty appetizer that disappears fast at a cookout, game day spread, or family gathering. They remind me of the sort of practical recipe Midwestern home cooks love best: a handful of easy ingredients, plenty of flavor, and something you can set out warm from the oven without fussing all afternoon. The rich beef, creamy cheese, and spicy jalapeno make a mighty fine bite, and the short ingredient list means you can pull them together even on a busy day.
Serve these with cool, creamy sides to balance the heat, like ranch dip, sour cream, or a simple bowl of guacamole. They also fit right in beside barbecue ribs, burgers, baked beans, corn on the cob, potato salad, and a pitcher of iced tea or cold lemonade. If you are setting out an appetizer table, these pair especially well with tortilla chips, little smokies, and a vegetable tray.
Oven Baked 4-Ingredient Beef Stuffed Jalapenos
Servings: 8
Ingredients
8 fresh jalapenos, halved lengthwise and seeded
1 pound ground beef
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet or shallow pan with foil for easy cleanup.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Stir the softened cream cheese into the hot beef until melted and well combined, then mix in half of the shredded cheddar.
4. Spoon the beef mixture into each jalapeno half and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the tops.
5. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the jalapenos are tender-crisp and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
Make Them Milder: If your family does not care for too much heat, scrape out all the seeds and white membrane from the jalapenos very thoroughly, or choose larger jalapenos that tend to be a little gentler in flavor.
Add a Little Smoke: A pinch of smoked paprika or a few tablespoons of cooked bacon stirred into the beef filling adds a nice backyard cookout flavor, even though the peppers are baked in the oven.
Use a Different Cheese: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby work nicely in place of cheddar if that is what you have in the refrigerator. Cream cheese keeps the filling rich and helps hold everything together.
Wear Gloves and Work Ahead: Jalapeno oils can linger on your hands, so kitchen gloves are a mighty good idea while seeding and stuffing. You can also assemble these a few hours ahead, cover the pan, and bake them just before company comes.