Name: Best Mexican Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 pound ground turkey; 0.5 cup chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon taco seasoning; 0.5 teaspoon cumin 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown); 0.5 cup black beans, rinsed and drained; 0.5 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned); 0.75 cup salsa 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving

Looking for a hearty weeknight meal that brings the bold flavors of Mexico right to your table? These Mexican Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers are the perfect mix of healthy and satisfying. With juicy bell peppers overflowing with seasoned turkey, beans, and melty cheese, this dish checks every box for a wholesome and flavorful dinner.

Stuffed peppers are a timeless favorite, but this version adds a zesty kick with taco spices, black beans, corn, and a touch of salsa for a Tex-Mex twist. They’re naturally gluten-free, customizable to your spice level, and great for meal prep or leftovers.

What Kind of Peppers Should I Use?

Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers work beautifully for this recipe because they have a natural sweetness that balances the savory turkey filling. Green peppers are a bit more bitter, but if you enjoy that contrast, go for it! Just make sure they’re large enough to hold a generous scoop of the stuffing.

Ingredients for the Mexican Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

4 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
3/4 cup salsa
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving

Best Mexican Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers (1)

How To Make the Mexican Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish, cut side up. Add a splash of water to the bottom of the dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15 minutes to soften slightly.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey Filling

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink. Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, salsa, cooked rice, black beans, and corn. Let everything warm through and simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

Remove the peppers from the oven. Spoon the turkey mixture into each pepper half, packing it in tightly. Top each with shredded cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Melt the Cheese

Return the stuffed peppers to the oven and bake uncovered for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from oven and garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Serve warm with your favorite side or enjoy them on their own.

Serving and Storing Mexican Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

These stuffed peppers are filling enough to serve as a complete meal, but they also pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, chips and guacamole, or Mexican rice. For a fun twist, slice and serve them as a party appetizer.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or pop them back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe spicier?

You can add diced jalapeños to the filling or use a spicier salsa. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce works too.

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground beef, ground chicken, or even plant-based crumbles can be swapped in without changing the method.

Are these freezer-friendly?

Yes! Let them cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The filling is already dairy-free!

What type of rice works best?

Both white and brown rice work well, or you could use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Want More Mexican Dinner Ideas?

If you love these Mexican Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers, check out these other flavorful dishes:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try spicy salsa? Add extra beans or cheese? Swap in cauliflower rice?

I love seeing your spins on these dishes. And if you’re looking for daily inspiration, check out my Pinterest profile where I post new recipes every day.

Best Mexican Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 halves (serves 4)

Print Recipe

Description

These Mexican Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers are a healthy and flavorful twist on a classic. Juicy bell peppers are filled with seasoned turkey, beans, corn, and rice, then topped with melty cheese for a wholesome, satisfying dinner that’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Halve and clean bell peppers, place in a baking dish, add water to bottom, cover with foil, and bake for 15 minutes.

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil. Sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.

3. Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, salsa, rice, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Remove peppers from oven and fill each half with turkey mixture. Top with cheese.

5. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.

6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime. Serve warm.