Spicy Jalapeno Bacon Beef (Printable)

Fiery jalapenos filled with creamy cheddar and wrapped in bacon and ground beef, perfect for snacking.

# What You'll Need:

→ Jalapenos

01 - 12 large jalapeno peppers

→ Filling

02 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
04 - 1 clove garlic, minced
05 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
06 - ¼ tsp ground cumin
07 - ¼ tsp salt
08 - ¼ tsp black pepper

→ Wrapping

09 - ½ lb ground beef
10 - 12 thin slices bacon
11 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
12 - ½ tsp chili powder

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
02 - Slice the jalapenos lengthwise and carefully remove seeds and membranes, wearing gloves for safety.
03 - In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
04 - Fill each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture, pressing gently to fill.
05 - In a separate bowl, mix ground beef with Worcestershire sauce and chili powder, then divide into 12 equal portions.
06 - Flatten each beef portion and wrap around the stuffed jalapeno halves, fully covering the filling.
07 - Wrap each beef-covered jalapeno with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
08 - Place poppers seam side down on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crisp and beef is cooked through.
09 - Allow poppers to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're crispy on the outside, creamy and spicy on the inside, with just enough beef and bacon to make them feel like a real meal.
  • You can prep them ahead and bake right before guests arrive, making you look like you actually have your life together.
  • They're naturally gluten-free and low-carb, so you're not sacrificing flavor for dietary choices.
02 -
  • Don't skip removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños because that's where most of the heat lives, and leaving them in makes the poppers mouth-searingly spicy unless that's exactly what you want.
  • Thin bacon slices are non-negotiable because thick bacon won't cook through by the time the beef is done and the whole thing feels raw.
03 -
  • Brown the ground beef mixture in a skillet for 2 minutes before wrapping if you want extra richness and a slightly cooked flavor instead of raw beef taste.
  • Use a small ice cream scoop to portion the cheese filling so each popper gets exactly the same amount and they bake evenly.

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