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Jalapeño Poppers with Beef – Creamy, Cheesy & The Ultimate Party Appetizer

If you love bold flavors and irresistible appetizers, these Jalapeño Poppers with Beef are guaranteed to be a hit. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly balanced with a gentle kick of heat, they’re everything a great party snack should be. Fresh jalapeños are filled with a rich cream cheese mixture, mixed with savory beef for depth, then baked until melty and golden. This recipe is ideal for game days, parties, or anytime you want a crowd-pleasing finger food. The jalapeños soften just enough to mellow their heat, while the cheesy filling turns ultra-creamy and satisfying. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, these poppers disappear fast—so you may want to make a double batch.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 24 jalapeño poppers
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Carefully selected to create bold flavor without overpowering heat.
  • Fresh jalapeños halved lengthwise and seeded
  • Ground beef cooked and finely crumbled
  • Cream cheese softened
  • Cheddar cheese shredded
  • Garlic clove minced
  • Green onions finely sliced
  • Salt
  • Ground black pepper
  • Note: Any ingredient originally containing pork is fully replaced with beef.

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or baking mat
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the jalapeños
  1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Slice jalapeños in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes for milder heat.
  3. Arrange jalapeño halves cut-side up on a lined baking sheet.
Step 2: Cook the beef
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until fully browned.
  2. Drain excess fat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the filling
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, green onions, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Fold in the cooked beef until evenly mixed and creamy.
Step 4: Fill the jalapeños
  1. Spoon the filling generously into each jalapeño half, slightly mounding the top.
Step 5: Bake
  1. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the jalapeños are tender and the filling is hot and bubbly.
Step 6: Cool and serve
  1. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
  2. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze unbaked poppers for up to 1 month.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven until warmed through to keep them creamy.
🥄 Variations
Chicken Jalapeño Poppers: Replace beef with finely chopped cooked chicken.
Extra Cheesy: Add more cheddar or mix in mozzarella.
Milder Version: Use fewer jalapeños and remove all membranes.
Spicy Kick: Leave some seeds for extra heat.
Mini Party Bites: Slice jalapeños into smaller sections.
❓ 10 FAQs
Are these very spicy?
No, removing seeds keeps them mild.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Can kids eat these?
The mild version is kid-friendly.
Why soften cream cheese first?
It ensures a smooth, creamy filling.
Can I air-fry them?
Yes, cook until filling is bubbly and edges are lightly golden.
Do jalapeños get softer after baking?
Yes, they become tender and flavorful.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, though freshly shredded melts better.
How do I avoid watery poppers?
Drain beef well and don’t overbake.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—great for parties.
What do these pair well with?
They’re perfect on their own or with other party snacks.
🏁 Conclusion
These Jalapeño Poppers with Beef deliver everything you want in a party appetizer—creamy filling, savory flavor, and just the right amount of heat. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress, they’re a reliable favorite for gatherings, game days, and snack nights. One bite, and they’ll earn a permanent place on your appetizer list.