If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and comforting textures, look no further than this Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of zesty taco seasoning and wholesome ingredients, all nestled inside sweet bell peppers. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding friends at a casual gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as simple as it is satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe a success. Each component brings something special to your dish — from the crisp sweetness of bell peppers to the hearty texture of lean turkey and the vibrant kick from taco seasoning.
- 4 large bell peppers: These colorful vessels hold all the delicious filling and provide a natural, edible bowl.
- 1 lb lean ground turkey: A lean protein that keeps the filling hearty without being greasy.
- 1 medium onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic: Delivers a fragrant aroma and a savory punch.
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning: The seasoning blend packs in classic taco spices that tie every bite together.
- 1 cup corn: Sweet kernels add texture contrast and pop of color.
- 1 cup canned black beans: Provides creaminess, fiber, and an earthy taste to balance the spice.
- 2 cups tomato salsa: Keeps the mixture juicy and infuses the filling with fresh acidity.
- 1 cup cooked brown rice: Helps bulk out the filling and adds a nutty undertone.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar): Melts beautifully on top, creating a gooey, golden finish.
How to Make Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then lightly spray a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise, carefully removing seeds and ribs so they’re ready to cradle the filling. Brush the peppers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness. Pop them in the oven for 15 minutes to soften just a bit, making them tender but still sturdy enough to hold all that delicious stuffing.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey and Sauté Aromatics
While the peppers roast, warm a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground turkey, cooking until it’s nicely browned in about 3 minutes — this gives it a wonderful texture and rich flavor. Next, stir in the minced garlic, diced onion, and the zest-packed taco seasoning. Let the onions soften, stirring occasionally to meld all those tasty flavors together.
Step 3: Combine Veggies, Beans, Rice, and Salsa
This is where the filling gets really festive. Toss in the corn, black beans, cooked brown rice, and the fresh tomato salsa. Stir everything well and allow it to simmer for a few minutes so all the ingredients have a chance to marry perfectly. The salsa adds moisture and tang, while the beans and corn contribute heartiness and texture to every bite.
Step 4: Stuff and Bake to Perfection
Carefully fill each roasted pepper half with the turkey mixture, packing it in generously. Top each one with a hearty sprinkle of shredded cheese — this will melt into a bubbly, irresistible crust. Return the peppers to the oven for another 15 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely and the filling to heat through. Once golden and oozy, your Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes takes your Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe from great to spectacular. Fresh cilantro leaves, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice are all excellent choices. These add brightness and contrast that balance the savory richness of the dish, elevating every forkful.
Side Dishes
Keep side dishes simple and complementary. A crisp green salad or some tortilla chips with guacamole make perfect companions. For a heartier meal, consider serving with Mexican rice or a light black bean salad to round out the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
You can also get playful with how you serve. Try placing your stuffed peppers on a colorful platter garnished with thinly sliced radishes and jalapeños for a fiesta vibe. Serving in individual bowls with a drizzle of avocado crema adds an elegant touch that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. When you’re ready to enjoy, the flavors will have even more time to meld, making your next meal taste just as incredible.
Freezing
If you want to save your stuffed peppers for a longer period, they freeze beautifully. Wrap each pepper half individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, perfect for meal prepping or quick weeknight dinners.
Reheating
Reheating is a breeze. Thaw frozen peppers overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. For refrigerated leftovers, a quick zap in the microwave or warm-up in the oven will do the trick—just be sure the cheese is melted and the filling is piping hot before digging in.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef is a great substitute if you prefer a richer flavor. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after browning to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Are these peppers gluten-free?
Yes, this Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free taco seasoning and check your salsa ingredients for any hidden gluten.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Certainly! Replace the ground turkey with extra beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. The combination of beans, corn, rice, and salsa will keep it hearty and flavorful.
What type of cheese works best?
A Mexican cheese blend or sharp cheddar both melt well and add wonderful flavor. Feel free to experiment with Monterrey Jack or even pepper jack for a little extra kick!
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level depends largely on your taco seasoning and salsa choices. To keep it mild, use mild seasoning and salsa; to turn up the heat, opt for spicy varieties or add diced jalapeños to the filling.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe is truly one of those go-to dishes that’s reliable, delicious, and totally fun to make. It’s a beautiful blend of textures and flavors in every bite, perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. So grab those bell peppers and get ready to enjoy a taco twist you can hold in your hand!
Print
Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and healthy meal combining lean ground turkey, flavorful taco seasoning, hearty vegetables, and cheese stuffed inside baked bell peppers. A perfect blend of Mexican-inspired flavors with a nutritious twist makes this dish a family-friendly option for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Produce
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 medium onion
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 cup corn
Protein and Canned Goods
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 cup canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
Grains and Dairy
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar)
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 cups tomato salsa
- Olive oil for cooking and brushing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor during baking.
- Prepare Bell Peppers: Halve the bell peppers lengthwise, carefully removing seeds and ribs. Lightly brush them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to soften slightly.
- Cook Turkey Mixture: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat a small amount of olive oil. Add the lean ground turkey and cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning, chopped onions, and minced garlic; cook until onions become soft and fragrant.
- Add Vegetables and Simmer: Stir in the corn, black beans, tomato salsa, and cooked brown rice. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to blend flavors and heat through.
- Stuff Peppers and Bake: Carefully fill each baked pepper half with the turkey and vegetable mixture. Top generously with shredded cheese. Place back into the baking dish and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the turkey with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Adjust the level of taco seasoning to suit your spice preference.
- Use fresh salsa or homemade salsa for enhanced flavor.
- Serve with a side of guacamole or sour cream for added creaminess.
