Mississippi Delta Hot Tamale Stuffed Peppers on the Arteflame

Introduction

Bring the bold flavors of Mississippi Delta hot tamales to your grill with these delicious stuffed peppers. Packed with seasoned ground beef, cornmeal, and bold spices, these peppers grill to perfection on the Arteflame, bringing out the smoky deep flavors of the South. The flat cooktop ensures an even sear while locking in all the juices for an incredibly flavorful bite.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins.
3. Light the paper napkins and allow the fire to build.
4. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the flat cooktop reaches an optimal grilling temperature.

Step 2: Prepare the stuffed pepper filling

1. Place a tablespoon of butter onto the flat cooktop.
2. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté until fragrant.
3. Move them to a cooler zone on the cooktop.
4. Add the ground beef to the hot cooktop center and sear until browned.
5. Mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
6. Stir in the cornmeal and beef broth, cooking until mixture thickens.

Step 3: Grill the stuffed peppers

1. Brush bell pepper halves with melted butter.
2. Fill each pepper half with the prepared beef mixture.
3. Place stuffed peppers on the flat cooktop griddle, moving them to an optimal heat zone.
4. Cover peppers loosely with foil to allow even cooking.
5. Grill for about 20 minutes, rotating occasionally.
6. If using cheese, sprinkle on top 5 minutes before removing from the grill.

Step 4: Finish and serve

1. Remove the peppers from the grill when the internal temperature of the filling is about 15°F below the desired final temp, as it will continue cooking.
2. Let them rest for a few minutes.
3. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Tips

• Use red or yellow bell peppers for a sweeter flavor.
• Adjust the spice levels according to taste.
• Use fresh firewood for a rich smoky flavor.
• Stuff peppers to the top but don’t overfill to prevent spilling while grilling.
• For extra crispiness, place stuffed peppers closer to the hotter center of the cooktop for a quick finish.

Variations

• Spicy Chorizo Peppers: Replace ground beef with chorizo for a spicy Mexican twist.
• Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers: Substitute black beans and mushrooms for the meat.
• Cheesy Bacon Peppers: Add crispy bacon bits and more cheddar for a comfort food version.
• BBQ Pulled Pork Stuffed Peppers: Use shredded pulled pork with barbecue sauce for a smoky BBQ-flavored variation.
• Tex-Mex Stuffed Peppers: Add diced jalapeños and corn for a spicy Tex-Mex flair.

Best Pairings

• Grilled cornbread with honey butter
• Charred street corn with cotija cheese
• Smoked sweet potato mash
• Grilled avocado salad
• Spicy bourbon cocktail

Conclusion

These Mississippi Delta hot tamale stuffed peppers bring a smoky, bold taste straight to your grill. Whether you're making them traditional or exploring one of the delicious variations, the Arteflame grill ensures perfect grilling every time.