Why Make This Recipe
Taco Stuffed Peppers are a fantastic dish for a variety of reasons. First, they are a healthy alternative to traditional tacos. By using bell peppers as a base, you replace taco shells with a nutritious ingredient that adds flavor and crunch. This makes the recipe lower in carbs while boosting your vegetable intake.
Additionally, this recipe is very versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs. Whether you prefer ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based options, you can customize the filling to your liking.
This dish is also great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. It is delicious fresh out of the oven, but it also holds up well in the refrigerator, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners.
Lastly, Taco Stuffed Peppers are a fun dish to serve at gatherings. They look colorful and inviting, and everyone can choose their toppings, making it a crowd-pleaser. Overall, this recipe is not just tasty; it’s also practical and healthy, making it a solid choice for any meal.
How to Make Taco Stuffed Peppers
Making Taco Stuffed Peppers is simple and easy to follow. These steps will guide you through the cooking process so you can enjoy your delicious meal in no time.
Ingredients
To prepare Taco Stuffed Peppers, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers
- Olive oil spray or 2 teaspoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups tomato salsa
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, for serving
- Limes, for serving
- Sliced avocado, for serving
- Extra salsa, for serving
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This step is important to ensure your peppers cook evenly.
Prepare the Peppers: Spray a 9×13 baking dish with olive oil spray. Slice the bell peppers in half from top to bottom. Carefully remove the ribs and seeds. Place the cut peppers in the baking dish, cut-side up. Brush the inside of each pepper with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes. This helps soften the peppers slightly and adds flavor.
Cook the Filling: While the peppers bake, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add the ground turkey. Cook the turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon until it is browned completely. Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onions turn translucent, which usually takes around 2-3 minutes.
Combine the Ingredients: After the turkey is cooked, stir in the taco seasoning, corn, and rinsed black beans. Mix everything well and let it cook for about a minute. Then add the salsa and cooked brown rice. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 2 minutes so that the flavors meld together.
Stuff the Peppers: Once the filling is ready, remove the baking dish from the oven. Carefully stuff each pepper half with the turkey filling, making sure to pack it in. After stuffing, sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper.
Final Bake: Return the stuffed peppers to the oven for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Remove the peppers from the oven and serve them with your choice of toppings, such as sour cream, lime wedges, sliced avocado, and extra salsa. Enjoy your delicious meal!
How to Serve Taco Stuffed Peppers
Taco Stuffed Peppers are perfect for any meal, whether it’s lunch, dinner, or even a snack. They are visually appealing and bursting with flavors. Here are some ways to serve them:
As a Main Dish: Serve the stuffed peppers on a plate as a delicious main course. Pair them with a simple side salad or some tortilla chips for added crunch.
Family Style: Place the stuffed peppers on a serving platter in the center of the table. Let everyone add their own toppings, like sour cream, lime juice, and avocado. This makes for a more interactive dining experience.
With Leftovers: If you are making these for a gathering and have leftovers, store them in an airtight container. They can be enjoyed the next day heated in the microwave or oven.
How to Store Taco Stuffed Peppers
Proper storage will help your Taco Stuffed Peppers stay fresh for your next meal. Here’s how to do it:
Refrigeration: Once the peppers have cooled down, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within a few days. They can last up to 4 days.
Freezing: If you want to keep your stuffed peppers for a longer time, consider freezing them. Wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: To enjoy the leftovers, reheat them in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through. If you’re using the microwave, heat on medium power to avoid drying them out.
Tips to Make Taco Stuffed Peppers
Here are some tips to help you make the best Taco Stuffed Peppers:
Choose the Right Peppers: Make sure to pick bell peppers that are firm and fresh. Colorful ones (like red, yellow, or orange) can add more sweetness and brightness to your dish.
Make It Spicy: If you like heat, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling. You can also use spicy salsa for an extra kick.
Use Leftover Protein: You can easily use leftover rotisserie chicken or beef instead of cooking ground turkey. This makes the recipe even quicker to prepare.
Add Extra Veggies: If you want to sneak in more vegetables, you can add chopped zucchini, spinach, or diced tomatoes to the filling for added nutrients.
Variation
There are several ways you can vary this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions:
Vegetarian Option: Instead of meat, use black beans, lentils, or quinoa as a base. This makes the dish vegetarian-friendly.
Cheese Changes: Experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack can all add unique flavors to your stuffed peppers.
Different Grain: Instead of brown rice, feel free to use quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Taco Stuffed Peppers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake them. They can also be frozen before baking; simply extend the baking time if cooking from frozen.
Q2: Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! Besides ground turkey, you can use ground beef, chicken, or pork. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas or lentils work well as a protein substitute.
Q3: How do I know when the stuffed peppers are done?
The stuffed peppers are done when the cheese is melted and bubbly. Additionally, the peppers should be tender when pierced with a fork.
Enjoy making this delightful Taco Stuffed Peppers recipe! It’s not just a meal; it’s a way to add fun and health to your dining experience.
Taco Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a 9x13 baking dish with olive oil spray. Slice the bell peppers in half from top to bottom, and remove the ribs and seeds. Brush the inside of each pepper with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for about 15 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil, and cook the ground turkey, breaking it apart, until browned.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and cook until the onions are translucent (about 2-3 minutes).
- Stir in taco seasoning, corn, and black beans; cook for about a minute. Then add salsa and cooked brown rice. Let it simmer for 2 more minutes.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and stuff each pepper with the turkey filling. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of each pepper.
- Return the stuffed peppers to the oven for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the peppers with your choice of toppings like sour cream, lime wedges, sliced avocado, and extra salsa.