Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers
The ultimate comfort food, Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers are a colorful, satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Filled with savory turkey and topped with fresh ingredients, these peppers will satisfy your cravings and make dinner a breeze. Enjoy this easy weeknight dinner and impress your family tonight!
Equipment
- Skillet
- Oven
- Grater
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 4 pieces bell peppers sliced in half lengthwise, seeds removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pieces bell pepper diced
- 1 pieces shallot diced
- 1 pound ground turkey Shady Brook Farms 93%
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese optional if you wish, freshly grated
- 1 cup guacamole for serving
- 1 cup salsa for drizzling
- 1 cup fresh cilantro for serving
- 1 cup cotija cheese for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Preheating is crucial for achieving that perfect roast. You want those bell peppers to roast evenly and get tender.
- While the oven warms up, grab a baking sheet and place your halved bell peppers cut-side up. Brush each half generously with olive oil, ensuring they’re well coated. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning is key to enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Roast the peppers in the oven for about 15 to 20 minutes until they begin to soften. You’ll know they’re ready when they start to become tender and slightly charred at the edges, which adds a lovely flavor.
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Once hot, toss in the diced bell pepper and shallot. Add a pinch of salt to help draw out their moisture and flavors. Cook these for about 5 minutes, stirring often until they’re softened and fragrant.
- Next, add in the ground turkey. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Season it with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine the spices evenly, ensuring each bit of turkey is well-seasoned.
- Cook the turkey mixture until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. You'll notice the meat becoming crumbly and taking on a nice golden color. At this stage, you can enjoy the wonderful aromas wafting through your kitchen!
- In a small bowl, combine water and the flour to create a slurry. Pour this mixture into the turkey filling, stirring well to combine. Cook for an additional 5 to 6 minutes until the mixture becomes saucy and thickens slightly. This step is key to ensuring your filling is moist and flavorful.
- Remove the roasted peppers from the oven. They should be tender and slightly caramelized. Using a spoon, fill each pepper half generously with the turkey mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
- If you love cheese, now’s the time to sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the filled peppers. It adds a delicious melty goodness.
- Return the stuffed peppers to the oven for another 15 minutes. This extra time allows the cheese to melt beautifully and the flavors to meld together.
- When they’re ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve the Turkey Taco Stuffed Peppers topped with guacamole, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. Drizzle with salsa or taco sauce for that perfect finish!
Notes
- Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Freezing: These stuffed peppers freeze well, making them a great option for meal prep. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw and bake!
- Flavor boost: Add some lime juice to the turkey mixture for a zesty kick. It brightens up the dish beautifully!
- Serving suggestion: Pair these stuffed peppers with a refreshing salad or some tortilla chips for a complete meal.
- Cheese options: If you want to mix things up, try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicier version.
- Customize your toppings: The beauty of these peppers is in the toppings! Get creative with sour cream, avocado, or even pickled jalapeños.