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Easy Ground Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers Without Rice

ground turkey taco stuffed peppers - featured image

A quick and flavorful stuffed pepper recipe using seasoned ground turkey with taco spices, skipping rice for a lighter, protein-packed meal perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper)
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/2 cup black beans (optional), rinsed
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place peppers cut side up in a baking dish. Trim bottoms slightly if needed to keep upright.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  6. Stir in tomato paste, taco seasoning, and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to blend flavors.
  7. If using, add black beans and stir to combine and warm through.
  8. Spoon the turkey mixture into each bell pepper cavity, packing lightly but not overstuffing.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle shredded cheese over the tops, then bake another 5-7 minutes until cheese melts and peppers are tender.
  10. Garnish with chopped cilantro and squeeze lime wedges over before serving.

Notes

If peppers are not softening enough, cover baking dish loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes to trap steam. Drain diced tomatoes and beans well to avoid soggy filling. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use non-dairy alternatives. You can prep filling a day ahead and stuff peppers just before baking. Broil briefly for bubbly cheese topping if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey, stuffed peppers, taco, low carb, easy dinner, weeknight meal, healthy, gluten-free