If you are hunting for a delicious, colorful, and healthy dinner idea that will impress everyone around the table, look no further than this Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe. It’s packed with vibrant bell peppers bursting with a savory, spicy filling made from lean ground turkey, cooked quinoa, black beans, and perfectly seasoned roasted tomatoes. The melty pepper jack cheese on top adds a beautiful gooey finish that nobody can resist. This recipe is a fantastic way to elevate simple ingredients into a mouthwatering home-cooked meal everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows several white bowls and one white plate arranged on a white marbled surface, each filled with different ingredients. There are shredded cheese, chopped green peppers, minced garlic, cooked quinoa, a small bowl of chili powder, black beans, diced onions, crumbled cheese, fresh diced avocado, diced tomatoes, yellow cooking oil in a small white bowl, chopped green onions, and salt in a black container. In the middle, there is a white parchment paper with raw ground meat on it. On a white plate to the right, there are bright orange, yellow, and red bell peppers, each cut in half with seeds removed, slightly piled on top of each other. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe plays a crucial role, providing the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. From the crisp bell peppers to the tender ground turkey and hearty beans, each element builds a colorful and satisfying dish.

4 large bell peppers, halved and seeded: Choose bright colors like red, yellow, or orange for extra vibrancy and sweetness.
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: Adds healthy fats and helps brown the turkey beautifully.
1 pound ground turkey: A lean protein base that soaks up the spices and stays tender when cooked.
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the filling.
1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped: Adds a mild kick without overpowering the dish.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that rich, aromatic punch in every bite.
¾ teaspoon sea salt: Elevates all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
1½ cups cooked quinoa: Provides a pleasant nutty texture and makes the filling extra wholesome.
1 (14-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained: Adds smoky sweetness and moisture to the mix.
2 tablespoons Taco Seasoning: Either homemade or store-bought, it infuses the filling with vibrant Southwest flair.
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained: Adds creaminess, fiber, and richness to the stuffing.
1¾ cups shredded pepper jack cheese: Offers a perfect melty, spicy layer that ties the dish together beautifully.
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional): A fresh herbaceous note to brighten the final dish.
1 avocado, diced (optional): Creamy texture and mild flavor for a cool contrast.
¼ cup crumbled cotija (optional): Adds a salty, crumbly finish for extra flavor complexity.
2 green onions, chopped (optional): A light crunch and mild onion sharpness as garnish.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Peppers

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F with the rack positioned in the center. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil — this ensures your peppers won’t stick and they bake evenly. Then take your bell peppers, halved and seeded, and place them cut-side up in the prepared dish. This is your colorful canvas for the delicious filling.

Step 2: Cook the Flavorful Filling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the ground turkey, chopped onion, jalapeño, garlic, and a pinch of sea salt. As the turkey cooks, break it up with a wooden spoon so it browns evenly and develops that irresistible savory crust. After about 6 minutes, when the turkey looks perfectly browned, remove the skillet from heat. Now mix in your cooked quinoa, drained fire-roasted tomatoes, taco seasoning, black beans, and a cup of shredded pepper jack cheese. The combination is what makes this Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe uniquely delicious.

Step 3: Stuff and Bake Your Peppers

Spoon the savory filling generously into each pepper half, packing it nicely so that every bite is full. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place it in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. After that, take off the foil and sprinkle the remaining pepper jack cheese over the top of the peppers. Return them to the oven uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is bubbling and golden, and the peppers have softened to tender perfection.

Step 4: Serve with Toppings

Finally, serve your Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe with optional fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, crumbled cotija, and sliced green onions. Each add-on adds layers of freshness, creaminess, or delightful texture that make this dish sing at your table.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular dish filled with eight stuffed bell pepper halves arranged closely in two rows. The bell peppers are bright yellow and red, each cut lengthwise with the stems still attached. Inside each pepper is a layer of cooked quinoa mixed with black beans and small red pieces, topped with melted light yellow cheese, white crumbly cheese, and chopped green onions scattered over the top. Small cubes of bright green avocado are sprinkled on some peppers. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a spoon resting inside the dish near the top right. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple yet flavorful garnishes elevate this dish to something truly special. Bright green cilantro adds a fresh herbal lift, creamy avocado chunks offer cooling softness, crumbled cotija cheese brings a salty punch, and green onions provide a crisp contrast. Feel free to mix and match according to your mood.

Side Dishes

This Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp mixed greens salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or even some lightly seasoned Mexican rice to soak up any extra juices. Guacamole and chips also make excellent companions to round out the meal with contrasting textures.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive dinner party, arrange the stuffed peppers on a large platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves and scatter garnishes artfully around. For meal prep or casual family dinners, serve them right in the baking dish for easy sharing. You could also place each stuffed pepper in a soup bowl with a drizzle of salsa verde or sour cream on top for extra flavor and flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover stuffed peppers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They maintain their vibrant flavor and texture well, making them ideal to enjoy for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe, allow the peppers to cool completely. Then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months without sacrificing taste or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm covered in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, covered, stirring halfway, to keep everything moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef will work just fine, though turkey keeps the dish light and healthy while absorbing the seasoning beautifully.

What can I substitute for quinoa?

If quinoa is not your favorite, try cooked brown rice, couscous, or even cooked bulgur wheat. They provide similar texture and make the filling hearty.

Is this recipe spicy because of the jalapeño?

The jalapeño adds a mild heat. If you prefer less spice, simply reduce the amount or omit the seeds, which carry most of the heat.

Can I prepare the stuffed peppers ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the peppers with filling and store them covered in the fridge for a day before baking. This makes dinner prep quick and easy!

How do I make homemade taco seasoning?

Mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. It’s a simple blend that you can customize to your spice preference and is perfect for this recipe.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe enough — it’s a true gem for family meals, packed with flavor, nutrition, and vibrant colors that brighten any dinner table. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your household, perfect for cozy weeknights or entertaining friends. So grab those bell peppers and get cooking; your taste buds are in for a fantastic treat!

Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need