Name: Quick and Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers; Olive oil spray or 2 teaspoons olive oil; Salt and pepper – to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil; 1 lb lean ground turkey (93/7); 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup); ½ tablespoon minced garlic; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought); 1 cup corn (Mexicorn or roasted corn); 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed; 2 cups tomato salsa (homemade or store-bought); 1 cup cooked brown rice (or quinoa or white rice); 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend or sharp cheddar); 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; Limes, cut into wedges; Sliced avocado; Salsa

Jump to Recipe

There is nothing quite as satisfying as a dish that combines bold flavors, vibrant colors, and easy prep all in one. Quick and Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers deliver exactly that, making them a fabulous weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for casual get-togethers. These stuffed peppers are bursting with a savory mixture of seasoned ground turkey, black beans, corn, and rice, all nestled inside tender bell pepper halves and baked to melty, cheesy perfection. If you’re craving a comfort meal with a Tex-Mex twist that comes together in no time, this recipe will quickly become a trusted favorite in your recipe rotation.

Quick and Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is the secret to making these Quick and Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers shine. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s building layers of texture or boosting the overall taste and color.

Bell peppers: Choose large and firm peppers for stuffing; their natural sweetness and crunch create the perfect vessel.
Olive oil or avocado oil: Used for sautéing and brushing the peppers to add richness and prevent sticking.
Lean ground turkey: A healthy, protein-packed choice that absorbs taco seasoning beautifully.
Onion and garlic: Aromatics that bring depth and a slight kick to the filling.
Taco seasoning: Whether homemade or store-bought, this blend infuses the filling with classic Mexican-inspired spices.
Corn: Adds bursts of sweetness and color contrast that brighten every bite.
Black beans: Provide hearty texture and fiber while balancing flavors.
Tomato salsa: Brings moisture, tang, and a fresh tomato essence that ties the mix together.
Cooked brown rice: Offers a healthy, nutty foundation that fills out the dish lovingly.
Shredded cheese: Melts on top creating that irresistible gooey, golden finish.
Toppings like cilantro, sour cream, avocado, and lime: The perfect final flourish for freshness and creaminess.

How to Make Quick and Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly greasing a baking dish. Slice each bell pepper in half lengthwise and carefully remove the ribs and seeds so the peppers are ready to hold the filling. Pop them on your baking dish, brush or spray with olive oil, season lightly with salt and pepper, and bake for 15 minutes. This precook softens the peppers just enough to be tender but still holds their shape beautifully.

Step 2: Make the Flavorful Filling

While the peppers chill out in the oven, heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown your lean ground turkey for a few minutes. Stir in half of your taco seasoning early to get that base flavor going, then add chopped onions and garlic for an aromatic boost. Sprinkle in the remaining taco seasoning, toss in corn and black beans, and cook for a minute or so to combine the ingredients well. Finally, stir in tomato salsa and cooked brown rice, letting everything simmer gently to marry the tastes perfectly. Let the filling cool slightly before moving on.

Step 3: Fill and Bake the Peppers

Divide the hearty turkey filling evenly among your pre-baked pepper halves, nestling the mixture right in. Top each one generously with shredded cheese—the gooier, the better! Return them to the oven for about 15 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden blanket that promises pure comfort.

Step 4: Top and Serve

Once out of the oven, it’s time to dress these beauties up. Add dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt, sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro, lay on creamy sliced avocado, drizzle some extra salsa, and squeeze fresh lime juice over to brighten every bite. These simple touches elevate the flavors and add that restaurant-worthy appeal to your Quick and Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers.

How to Serve Quick and Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers

Garnishes

Think beyond just cheese! A handful of chopped cilantro offers a fresh herbal punch, while sliced avocado brings creaminess that balances the spices perfectly. Sour cream or tangy Greek yogurt helps mellow out any heat, and a squeeze of lime juice wakes up the whole dish with zesty brightness.

Side Dishes

Quick and Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers are wonderfully filling on their own, but you can complement them with simple sides to round out the meal. A crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette makes a refreshing pairing, while tortilla chips and guacamole add an extra Tex-Mex flourish. Black beans or Mexican rice are great if you want to keep it hearty.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this dish straight from the baking tray is casual and fun, but if you want to impress, plate each pepper half on a colorful ceramic plate with a drizzle of salsa artfully splattered around it. Arrange your garnishes on the side, allowing everyone to customize their own bites. For parties, mini bell peppers stuffed with the same filling create adorable bite-sized appetizers that will disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers of these Quick and Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful and hassle-free meal later.

Freezing

These stuffed peppers freeze wonderfully, making them a perfect prep-ahead option. Allow the peppers to cool completely, then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen peppers in the refrigerator overnight, then bake in a 350-degree oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese melts again. Alternatively, microwave leftovers on medium power for a couple minutes, but the oven method preserves the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Absolutely! Ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based meat substitutes all work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust seasoning and cook times as needed for your chosen protein.

Are there vegetarian options for Quick and Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers?

Yes, you can skip the meat entirely and boost the filling with extra beans, corn, quinoa, or chopped veggies like zucchini and mushrooms for a delightful vegetarian twist that’s just as satisfying.

What can I substitute for the brown rice?

Feel free to use cooked white rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative—each will create a slightly different texture but remain delicious.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake later?

Definitely! You can assemble the filled peppers up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. When ready, bake as directed; just add a few extra minutes if the filling is cold.

How spicy is the filling, and how can I adjust the heat?

The heat level depends on your taco seasoning. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount or use a mild seasoning blend. For a spicy kick, include chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.

Final Thoughts

Quick and Easy Taco Stuffed Peppers are the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug in food form—full of flavor, comforting, and uncomplicated. They come together fast but taste like you spent hours in the kitchen, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Give this recipe a try, and watch how quickly it becomes a highlight in your dinner lineup!