Cheesy Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers
Vibrant bell peppers filled with a flavorful blend of lean ground turkey, corn, black beans, and melted cheese for a balanced, colorful meal. This mexican-inspired kid friendly ready in about 45 minutes pairs medium bell peppers, ground turkey, corn kernels for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 medium bell peppers
- 1/2 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/2 cup black beans
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off 4 medium bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and place cut-side up in a baking dish.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add 1/2 lb ground turkey; cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking into small pieces, until browned.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 cup corn kernels, 1/2 cup rinsed black beans, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup salsa, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp cumin, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder; cook for 2 minutes until cheese melts and mixture is heated through.
- Step 4: Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into the bell peppers, top each with 1 tbsp additional cheddar cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is golden.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cheesy Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium bell peppers from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cheesy Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cheesy Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers?
Mexican kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many kid friendly recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
