Name: Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 4 bell peppers, sliced in half lengthwise, seeds removed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 shallot, diced; 1 pound Shady Brook Farms 93% ground turkey; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; ½ cup water; 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour; Shredded sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated; Guacamole for serving; Taco sauce or salsa for drizzling; Fresh cilantro for serving; Cotija cheese for serving

Jump to Recipe

There is something truly delightful about Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers that makes them a standout weeknight dinner. Vibrant bell peppers cradle a savory, spiced ground turkey filling that’s rich with smoky paprika, cumin, and just the right kick of chili powder. This dish perfectly balances the freshness of roasted peppers with the hearty comfort of taco-seasoned meat, making it a colorful, nutritious, and crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or an impressive dish to share, Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers bring both flavor and fun to the table.

Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but pack a lot of punch. Each one plays a vital role in building the bright, bold flavors and satisfying textures that make Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers so irresistible.

Bell peppers (5 total): Fresh and crisp, the star vessels for the taco filling, bringing vibrant color and a subtle sweetness.
Olive oil: Used both for roasting and sautéing, it gives the dish a lovely, rich flavor and helps everything cook perfectly.
Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder: Seasonings that subtly enhance every bite of the turkey and peppers without overpowering them.
Shallot and diced bell pepper: These add a delicate sweetness and an extra layer of texture to the filling.
Ground turkey (93% lean): The healthy, lean protein base that absorbs all the spices beautifully.
Ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder: The classic taco trio that delivers warmth, smokiness, and spice.
Water and all-purpose flour: A simple combo to create a light sauce that brings the filling together.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional): For a melty, cheesy touch that makes each bite extra indulgent.
Guacamole, taco sauce or salsa, fresh cilantro, cotija cheese: Perfect garnishes that add brightness, creaminess, and authentic Mexican flair.

How to Make Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Peppers

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise, removing the seeds to create perfect little bowls for the filling. Brush both sides of the pepper halves with olive oil, then sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning enhances their natural sweetness and adds a bit of savory depth. Arrange the peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 15 to 20 minutes until tender but not mushy, which ensures they hold their shape when stuffed.

Step 2: Cook the Base Veggies

While the peppers roast, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced bell pepper and shallot along with a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally until they soften and become fragrant. This creates a flavorful foundation and adds a subtle sweetness that complements the turkey perfectly.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season it generously with ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This blend injects traditional taco flavors that make the dish sing. Cook the turkey until nicely browned and cooked through, making sure to crumble it finely for even flavor distribution.

Step 4: Create the Taco Sauce

In a separate small container, combine the water and the all-purpose flour and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the cooked turkey and stir continuously. Allow it to simmer for another 5 to 6 minutes, thickening the filling into a saucy, irresistible mixture that’s ready to stuff into your roasted peppers.

Step 5: Stuff and Bake the Peppers

Remove the roasted peppers from the oven and carefully fill each half with the turkey taco mixture. If you love cheese, sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar over the top now. Return the stuffed peppers to the oven for about 15 minutes to meld the flavors and melt the cheese, if using.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches

Once the peppers are baked to perfection, top them generously with dollops of creamy guacamole, a drizzle of your favorite taco sauce or salsa, fresh cilantro leaves, and a sprinkling of crumbly cotija cheese. These final touches add vibrant flavor contrasts that elevate these Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers from simply delicious to utterly unforgettable.

How to Serve Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers

Garnishes

Garnishes can make a big difference in both appearance and flavor. Fresh cilantro adds a lively, herbaceous pop, while cotija cheese lends a salty, creamy finish. A generous scoop of guacamole brings creaminess that balances the spices beautifully. Drizzling taco sauce or salsa over the top adds a tangy, zesty kick that ties the whole dish together.

Side Dishes

Serve these stuffed peppers alongside simple, complementary sides like Mexican rice, a crisp green salad with lime dressing, or some black beans. These options keep the meal balanced and filling without overshadowing the rich flavors of the turkey taco filling. For lighter fare, consider a fresh corn salad or crunchy jicama slaw to add texture and brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to switch things up, try chopping up the leftovers into a salad bowl lined with extra leafy greens for a deconstructed turkey taco salad. Alternatively, serve the filling inside warmed tortillas for quick taco night fun. You could also hollow out mini bell peppers for appetizer-sized bites that make perfect party snacks filled with the same delicious turkey mixture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers keep really well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the peppers from drying out. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making leftovers even more enjoyable.

Freezing

To freeze, let the stuffed peppers cool completely, then arrange them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep up to 3 months when frozen properly. Freezing is a fantastic option for meal prepping or saving portions for busy days when you crave a homemade, comforting meal without extra effort.

Reheating

Reheat your Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers gently in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them on medium power in short bursts, but the oven helps preserve the texture of the pepper and keeps the filling from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground beef works wonderfully if you prefer a richer meat flavor. Just adjust the seasoning and cooking time as needed.

Are these peppers spicy?

The spice level is mild to medium, thanks to chili powder and smoked paprika. You can always add more chili for extra heat or tone it down if you prefer mild flavors.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, swap the ground turkey for cooked lentils, black beans, or a meatless crumble to keep the texture and protein content while making it vegetarian-friendly.

Do I have to roast the peppers first?

Roasting softens the peppers and deepens their flavor, which makes a huge difference. However, if you’re in a rush, you can stuff them raw and bake longer, though the texture will be firmer.

What cheese works best with Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers?

Sharp cheddar is classic and melts beautifully, but cotija for topping adds a crumbly, salty contrast that is fantastic sprinkled on after baking.

Final Thoughts

Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers are truly a gem — easy to make, bursting with layers of flavor, and beautifully vibrant on the plate. They’re the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving again and again, perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with something both hearty and healthy. Don’t hesitate to dive into this recipe and make your own delicious version of Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers; it just might become your new favorite quick fix for a satisfying meal.

Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 stuffed pepper halves (serves 4) 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers are a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional tacos, featuring lean ground turkey seasoned with classic taco spices, stuffed into roasted bell pepper halves. This recipe is perfect for a low-carb, protein-packed meal that’s easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite toppings like cheese, guacamole, and salsa.

Instructions

Preheat and prepare peppers: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush the inside and outside of the bell pepper halves with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and garlic powder. Arrange them cut side up on a baking sheet and roast for 15 to 20 minutes until slightly softened.
Sauté vegetables: While the peppers roast, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Add the diced bell pepper and shallot along with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften, approximately 5 minutes.
Cook turkey with spices: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season the meat with ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir continuously to crumble the turkey and cook until the meat is browned and cooked through.
Create taco sauce: In a shaker bottle, combine the water and all-purpose flour. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds to fully blend. Pour this mixture into the turkey taco skillet, stirring well to combine. Simmer the mixture for 5 to 6 minutes until it thickens into a saucy consistency.
Fill peppers: Remove the roasted peppers from the oven. Spoon the turkey taco mixture evenly into each pepper half.
Optional bake with cheese: If desired, sprinkle the stuffed peppers with shredded sharp cheddar cheese and drizzle with taco sauce. Return them to the oven and bake an additional 15 minutes to melt the cheese and blend flavors.
Garnish and serve: Remove the peppers from the oven and top with guacamole, fresh cilantro leaves, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. Serve immediately, accompanied by extra taco sauce or salsa if desired.

Notes

Use Shady Brook Farms 93% lean ground turkey or any lean ground turkey for the best flavor and texture.
Adjust spice levels by modifying chili powder and smoked paprika amounts to suit your taste.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Roasting the peppers ahead of time softens them and prevents them from being too crunchy after stuffing.
You can prepare turkey filling in advance and reheat before stuffing for meal prep convenience.
Add black beans or corn to the turkey filling for extra fiber and texture if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting and Sautéing
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired