Ground Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers

Name: Ground Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers (any color); 1 pound ground turkey; 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen); 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack); Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Warm & Tasty

I absolutely love making Ground Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers for a quick weeknight meal. These vibrant, colorful peppers are not only visually stunning but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Stuffed with seasoned ground turkey, black beans, and cheese, they’re a satisfying dish that the whole family enjoys. I find that baking the peppers brings out their natural sweetness, making every bite a delightful burst of flavor. Plus, they're perfect for meal prep, allowing me to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.

Created by

Perrie Lawson

Last updated on 2026-02-24T03:36:47.318Z

When I first tried making taco stuffed peppers, I was amazed by how flavorful and satisfying they could be. I discovered that combining spices with ground turkey not only makes it delicious but also keeps it lighter than beef. The addition of black beans boosts the fiber content while adding depth to the dish.

After experimenting with different pepper varieties, I found that using a mix of red and yellow bell peppers brings a lovely sweetness and vibrant color to the table. Baking at the right temperature ensures everything cooks evenly while keeping the peppers tender yet firm.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty ground turkey is a lean protein choice.
Colorful peppers add nutrients and vibrancy to your plate.
Customizable to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Choosing the Right Peppers

When selecting bell peppers for this recipe, aim for large, firm ones that feel heavy for their size. Vibrant colors like red, yellow, and orange not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide different flavor profiles. For a slightly spicy kick, consider using poblano peppers. They work well with the turkey and add a mild heat that complements the dish beautifully.

Ensure that the peppers sit upright in the baking dish to prevent tipping during cooking and to preserve the filling. If a pepper is wobbly, simply slice a small portion off the bottom to create a flat surface. This adjustment helps these vibrant vessels stay stable while they're stuffed and baked.

Flavor Building with Spices

The combination of chili powder and cumin is essential as it layers richness and an earthy depth to the ground turkey filling. You can adjust these spices based on your heat preference. If you enjoy a spicier dish, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or swapping the chili powder for a spicier variant like chipotle powder. Just be careful not to overpower the delicate flavor of the peppers.

Don’t overlook the importance of seasoning. Taste the turkey mixture before stuffing the peppers to ensure the balance of flavors meets your expectations. Remember, once filled, it's difficult to adjust the seasoning. A good rule of thumb is to add a little extra salt to your filling, as baking will mellow the flavors slightly.

Serving and Storage Tips

These stuffed peppers are not only a meal but can also double as a vibrant centerpiece on your dinner table. I recommend serving them with a side of avocado slices or a fresh salad to complement the dish’s hearty nature. Additionally, a dollop of sour cream or guacamole enhances the flavors and provides a creamy texture that balances the peppers' crunch.

For meal prep, these stuffed peppers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to freeze them, it's best to freeze them unbaked after stuffing. Wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be baked directly from frozen; just allow an additional baking time of about 10-15 minutes.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to get started:

For the Stuffed Peppers

4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 pound ground turkey
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Make sure you have everything ready before starting the cooking process.

Instructions

Here’s how to make these delicious taco stuffed peppers:

Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them upright in a baking dish.

Cook the Turkey

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.

Add the Ingredients

To the cooked turkey, add the black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Stuff the Peppers

Scoop the turkey mixture into each bell pepper until they are well-filled. Top each pepper with shredded cheese.

Bake Until Tender

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the peppers are tender.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with fresh cilantro. Serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy taco stuffed peppers!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize your stuffed peppers by adding your favorite vegetables or spices. For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground turkey with quinoa or lentils.

Ingredient Variations

Feel free to substitute the ground turkey with lean ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative like lentils or quinoa for a vegetarian version. If using lentils, cook them until tender before mixing with the other ingredients. Each protein adds a unique flavor profile that can shift the overall taste and presentation of the dish.

For a keto option, consider omitting the black beans and corn, then add extra vegetables like diced zucchini or mushrooms. They will add bulk without too many carbs while preserving the dish’s texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your stuffed peppers seem too watery after baking, it may be due to the moisture released from the peppers or other veggies like corn. To combat this, make sure to drain any excess liquid from the black beans and corn before mixing them into the filling. We also recommend not overpacking the peppers to give the steam room inside to escape.

In contrast, if the filling feels too dry, consider adding a tablespoon of chicken broth or a drizzle of olive oil during cooking. This extra moisture will keep the turkey mixture juicy and flavorful, which is especially crucial as leftovers tend to dry out.

Perfecting Cooking Time

Cooking time can vary depending on the size of your peppers and your oven's accuracy. To check if they are perfectly tender, pierce them with a fork; they should be soft but still hold their shape. If the peppers aren’t tender after the initial 30 minutes, cover them and continue baking, checking every 5 minutes until done.

Broiling for the last minute can help achieve that perfect golden color on the cheese topping. Just be cautious, as it can burn easily—stay close and keep an eye on it to ensure the cheese bubbles beautifully without getting charred.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of meat?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or beef would also work well in this recipe.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the stuffed peppers?

Yes! Assemble the stuffed peppers, then freeze them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

A simple green salad or avocado slices complement these stuffed peppers nicely.