Dinner

Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

Name: Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup diced onion; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 lb ground turkey (or ground beef); 1 cup canned tomato sauce; 1 tablespoon taco seasoning; 1 cup black beans; 1 cup frozen corn; 1 cup cooked white rice (or brown rice); 4 large bell peppers (halved, red, orange or yellow); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

ByHugo Harnd February 22, 2026February 22, 2026

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Introduction

Taco stuffed peppers are a flavorful and colorful twist on classic tacos, combining seasoned ground turkey and fresh vegetables inside vibrant bell peppers. This wholesome dish is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

The image shows stuffed bell peppers cut in half and placed inside a white baking dish. Each pepper half has three layers: the bottom layer is the colorful pepper shell, one yellow and the others red, the middle layer is a mix of rice, black beans, corn, and ground meat, showing a textured mix of white, black, yellow, and brown colors, and the top layer is melted light brown cheese slightly covering the filling, melted unevenly with a gooey texture. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with some melted cheese spots visible around the peppers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup diced onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 lb ground turkey (or ground beef)
4 large bell peppers (halved, red, orange, or yellow)
1 cup canned tomato sauce
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1 cup black beans
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup cooked white rice (or brown rice)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch oven-safe baking dish.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add diced onions, minced garlic, and ground turkey to the pan. Cook for 10 minutes or until the turkey is browned and cooked through.
Step 4: While the turkey cooks, prepare the bell peppers by slicing them halfway from top to bottom. Remove seeds and any white inner ribs. Arrange pepper halves cut side up in the baking dish.
Step 5: Remove the cooked turkey from heat. Stir in the tomato sauce, taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and cooked rice until well combined.
Step 6: Spoon about ¾ cup of the turkey mixture into each pepper half, packing the filling gently. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Step 7: Bake uncovered in the oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and the peppers are tender enough to pierce with a fork.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground turkey with cooked lentils or extra beans.
Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicier filling.
Use different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a varied flavor.
Try adding chopped fresh cilantro or green onions as a garnish after baking.

Storage

Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave until heated through, covering loosely to retain moisture.

How to Serve

The image shows a white baking dish filled with stuffed bell peppers, each cut in half and standing upright. Each pepper has three visible layers: the base layer is the red or yellow pepper outer shell, bright and smooth; the middle layer is a mix of cooked rice, black beans, ground meat, and corn, with a textured and chunky look; the top layer has melted cheese that is light golden and slightly bubbly, covering the filling unevenly. The peppers are closely placed inside the dish, with some melted cheese and oil dripped around them on the dish’s white surface, which sits on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground beef works perfectly in this recipe and adds a richer flavor if you prefer it over turkey.

Can these stuffed peppers be frozen?

Absolutely! Freeze stuffed peppers in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.