Description

These Taco-Stuffed Peppers are a flavorful and healthy meal combining lean ground turkey, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning baked inside tender bell pepper halves topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, they offer a delicious twist on traditional tacos with a nutritious vegetable base.

Ingredients

Scale

Peppers

4 bell peppers, halved lengthwise and seeded
Olive oil, for brushing

Filling

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

Topping

1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
Bake peppers: Arrange the bell pepper halves on a baking sheet and lightly brush them with olive oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they start to soften.
Cook turkey: 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 translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and ground turkey, cooking until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through.
Simmer filling: Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water, mixing well. Add the rinsed black beans and corn kernels. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes to combine flavors. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
Stuff peppers: Remove the partially baked peppers from the oven. Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into each pepper half, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Final bake: Return the stuffed peppers to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired before serving.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
For a dairy-free version, omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
If using frozen corn, thaw before adding to the filling.
Taco seasoning can be homemade or store-bought; adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
This recipe can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: taco stuffed peppers, stuffed bell peppers, ground turkey recipe, healthy taco recipe, baked stuffed peppers