Description
These Mexican Stuffed Peppers are a flavorful, wholesome dish featuring ground turkey mixed with a homemade taco seasoning blend, oats, and cheese, all baked inside colorful bell peppers. Perfect for a family dinner, they combine vibrant Mexican flavors with a healthy twist and are topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Taco Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Stuffed Peppers
- ½ cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (can use vegetable or canola oil)
- 5 teaspoons Taco Seasoning (from above recipe or store-bought)
- ¾ cup picante sauce or salsa, divided
- 1 pound ground turkey breast (can use dark meat turkey as well)
- ¼ cup plain old fashioned oatmeal or quick cooking oats
- 1 large egg
- 3 sweet bell peppers (red, yellow or orange preferred)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, cheddar jack, or Mexican blend)
- Extra picante sauce or salsa (optional, for serving)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for serving)
- Extra cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Make the Taco Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk together until well blended. Store any leftovers in an airtight jar for future use.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until tender and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add minced garlic, stirring frequently, and cook for an additional minute to avoid burning.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Stir in 5 teaspoons of the prepared taco seasoning to the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for one more minute until the spices become fragrant, then remove from heat.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: Transfer the onion mixture to a large bowl to cool slightly. Add oats, egg, ground turkey, and ½ cup of shredded cheese. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Prepare Peppers: Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise. Remove seeds and membranes to create pepper boats. Place them cut side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Stuff Peppers: Divide the turkey filling evenly among the bell pepper halves, pressing gently to fill each pepper.
- Bake First Phase: Place the stuffed peppers in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the turkey filling is nearly cooked through and the peppers have softened.
- Add Sauce and Cheese Topping: Remove the peppers from the oven. Spoon the remaining ½ cup of picante sauce or salsa over each pepper and sprinkle on the remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake Final Phase: Return the peppers to the oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with extra picante sauce or salsa, additional cheese, and fresh cilantro as desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use any color of bell peppers, but red, yellow, or orange provide a sweeter flavor that complements the spices well.
- Ground turkey breast is lean and healthier, but dark meat turkey can be used for a juicier filling.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add jalapeños to the filling.
- Oats act as a binder in place of breadcrumbs, making this recipe gluten-friendly if using gluten-free oats.
- Leftover taco seasoning keeps well stored in an airtight container for months.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey with cooked lentils or black beans.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican