Dinner

Taco-Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Name: Taco-Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded; Olive oil, for brushing; 1/2 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 16 ounces lean ground turkey; 2 teaspoons taco seasoning; 1/4 cup water; 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained; 2/3 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

ByMariam Harutyunyan September 15, 2026September 15, 2026

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Introduction

Taco-stuffed peppers are a delicious and nutritious twist on classic tacos. These colorful bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground turkey, black beans, and corn, then topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

The image shows stuffed bell peppers arranged in a white tray on a white marbled surface. Each pepper is halved lengthwise and filled with a colorful mixture of cooked ground meat or cauliflower, black beans, and bright yellow corn kernels. The filling is richly covered with melted golden cheddar cheese, giving a glossy, gooey texture on top. The peppers are both red and yellow, with their smooth, shiny skin acting as a vibrant base holding the filling. Small green herb sprinkles are scattered over the filling, adding a touch of freshness and contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 bell peppers (halved lengthwise and seeded)
1/2 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for brushing)

1 small yellow onion (diced)
3 garlic cloves (minced)

16 ounces lean ground turkey
2 teaspoons taco seasoning

1/4 cup water
1 cup black beans (rinsed and drained)
2/3 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)

Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Arrange the bell pepper halves on a baking sheet and lightly brush them with olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes until slightly tender.
Step 3: While the peppers bake, heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until soft.

Step 4: Add the minced garlic and ground turkey to the skillet. Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through.
Step 5: Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Mix in the black beans and corn kernels, then let the filling simmer for 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Remove the peppers from the oven and spoon the turkey mixture evenly into each pepper half. Top each with shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 7: Return the stuffed peppers to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with cooked quinoa or lentils.

Use shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor.
Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
To save time, prepare the filling a day ahead and stuff the peppers just before baking.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave until heated through.

How to Serve

A large white oval plate holds eight stuffed bell pepper halves, four red and four yellow, arranged closely together. Each pepper half is filled with a colorful mixture of yellow melted cheese, black beans, light brown ground meat, and yellow corn kernels, topped with green chopped herbs. The peppers appear soft and slightly roasted, with the cheese melted over the filling. Around the plate on a white marbled surface are small bowls of shredded cheddar cheese, fresh green cilantro leaves, and chopped herbs, along with a glass bottle of olive oil with a cork top. Two vintage silver forks rest on the left side of the plate, and a white cloth napkin with a decorative edge is placed on the right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of bell peppers?

Yes, any color of bell pepper works well. Red, yellow, orange, or green peppers all provide a slightly different sweetness and texture, so feel free to mix and match.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the filling and pre-bake the peppers in advance. Assemble and bake the stuffed peppers when you’re ready to serve for convenient and quick meal prep.