Shhh…don’t tell the tortillas! These Mexican stuffed peppers are the new weeknight MVP. Packed with protein & veggies, they’re bursting with Tex-Mex goodness. Easy recipe, big flavor! Read on to conquer dinner!
Tired of the same old stuffed pepper routine? Ditch the bland bell pepper blues and get ready to fiesta your taste buds with this Mexican-inspired recipe.
But this recipe is not just about taste, it’s about convenience too. Because we are keeping it simple with easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep. Sounds like a winner, am I right?
Oh, and if you grow a vegetable garden like me, this is a great way to use your homegrown bell peppers too.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is your ticket to weeknight dinner glory.
So grab your peppers, crank up the heat, and get ready to experience a Mexican flavor fiesta that’ll leave you wanting more. Wait until you try this Mexican stuffed peppers recipe!
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About Stuffed Peppers
Stuffed peppers are hollowed bell peppers transformed into edible vessels. They’re filled with a savory mix of spices, rice, protein (like meat or beans), and veggies, then baked until tender and bubbly. Think edible flavor explosion! ️
Have you ever made them before? It’s been a while since I’ve made stuffed peppers. But when I do, I usually make it with a meatball filling, mozzarella, and fresh marinara sauce. Is that the way you make them too?
I wanted to change up the usual and went off-script with this Mexican version using ground turkey instead of beef. This recipe for Mexican stuffed peppers is light, super easy to make, and my family gives it a two thumbs up.
My Mexican stuffed peppers recipe has lots of delicious flavors with ground turkey, onions, beans, and diced tomatoes. But the best part?
It is made with ingredients that I typically keep on hand. So in a pinch, I can make a healthy, flavorful, and delicious meal. And if you have leftover chili to use, that’s even better cause it will remove the filling step! I love a dish that can use leftovers from the night before, don’t you?
What I also love about this recipe is how easy you can modify based on your food preferences. Want to use beef instead of turkey? Go for it. Need a vegetarian option? Go with more beans and subtract out the meat. Love more spice? Add it. You could even make a keto Mexican stuffed pepper recipe if you wanted.
It’s one of those recipes that you can easily tweak with whatever you like.
How to Make Mexican Stuffed Peppers
Whenever I make this dish, I typically use chili leftovers, but you can easily whip up a batch just to make this dish. I grow bell peppers in my raised garden beds in the potager garden and love to use this recipe when I harvest them.
Ingredients for Mexican Stuffed Pepper Recipe
While you can easily keep these ingredients on hand in the pantry, refrigerator or freezer, don’t be shy about using fresh ingredients from the garden.
I have used garden tomatoes that I froze after harvesting and the flavors were so tasty!
So although this Mexican stuffed peppers recipe uses ingredients on hand, feel free to grab the fresh stuff from the garden or local farmer’s market.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Red onion
- Ground turkey (you can use chicken, beef, or skip it if you want)
- Diced tomatoes (I like using Kuner’s which is already seasoned)
- Black or chili beans (I prefer black, but use what you want. I like using Kuner’s – sometimes I get it seasoned, sometimes not – depends on availability)
- Red pepper flakes
- Garlic, minced
- Cumin (add more if you want to kick up the flavor)
- Chili powder (add more if you want to kick up the flavor)
- Bell peppers
- Shredded cheddar, Colby Jack or similar
- Cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Sour Cream
Directions to Make This Recipe for Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe
- Preheat oven to 400.
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in a skillet. Saute onions until translucent – about 7 minutes.
- Add ground turkey, cumin, chili powder, and red pepper flakes, then saute until almost fully browned.
- When turkey is almost fully cooked, add garlic and cook for about a minute.
- Then add tomatoes and beans, and simmer on low until flavors meld.
- Prepare the peppers – wash, dry, cut out stems, and deseed so there is a hole in the top of the peppers.
- Place peppers in the baking dish.
- Evenly divide the turkey mixture among each pepper.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake covered with foil for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and cook an additional 5 minutes but keep your eye on the cheese to make sure it doesn’t burn.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes, and serve with a dollup of sour cream and cilantro. Enjoy!
Making Stuffed Peppers FAQ
What are Stuffed Peppers Made Of?
Stuffed peppers are a wonderfully versatile dish, and the possibilities for fillings are almost endless! So feel free to get creative with things you have on hand in your pantry.
Base:
- Grains: White or brown rice, quinoa, couscous, bulgur wheat
- Beans and lentils: Black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas, lentils
- Vegetables: Chopped onions, mushrooms, zucchini, corn, spinach, salsa
Protein:
- Meat: Ground beef, sausage, chorizo, chicken, turkey, tofu
- Seafood: Shrimp, crab, salmon, cod
Flavors:
- Herbs and spices: Cumin, chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cilantro, paprika
- Sauces: Tomato sauce, salsa verde, enchilada sauce, pesto
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, queso fresco, mozzarella
Don’t forget the extras!
- Top your peppers with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, toasted nuts, grated cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Play with different pepper colors! Red, yellow, and orange peppers offer varying sweetness and visual appeal.
- Experiment with vegetarian or vegan options by using plant-based proteins like tofu, tempeh, or lentils.
Get creative, mix and match flavors, and personalize the filling to your tastes and use what you have on hand.
What Are Other Variations of Stuffed Pepper Recipes?
Beyond the classic ground beef and rice filling, a world of stuffed pepper variations awaits! Here are some ideas to inspire your culinary adventures:
Vegetarian Mexican Stuffed Peppers
- Lentil Fiesta: Swap meat for protein-packed lentils, seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and fresh herbs. Add chopped bell peppers, corn, and black beans for a vibrant fiesta.
- Quinoa Wonderland: This nutty grain shines with roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and onions. Top with crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of tahini sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
- Black Bean Bonanza: Black beans, corn, salsa, and chopped cilantro create a Tex-Mex fiesta. Add a dollop of guacamole for that perfect creamy finish.
More Stuffed Pepper Recipe ideas
- Shrimp Scampi Surprise: Fill peppers with a garlicky shrimp scampi mixture for a delightful ocean flavor. Top with toasted breadcrumbs and lemon zest for a touch of brightness.
- Salmon Slam: Flaky salmon pairs beautifully with creamy ricotta, lemon dill sauce, and a sprinkle of capers. This elegant dish is sure to impress.
- Crab Rangoon Craze: Capture the taste of your favorite appetizer in pepper form. A creamy mixture of crab, cream cheese, and wonton wrappers creates a fun and flavorful twist.
- Korean Kimchi Kick: Gochujang, kimchi, and ground pork bring the heat in this Korean-inspired filling. Top with sesame seeds and a fried egg for extra oomph.
- Moroccan Magic: Couscous, chickpeas, raisins, and warm Moroccan spices like cinnamon and cumin create a fragrant and flavorful treat. Serve with a dollop of mint yogurt for a refreshing contrast.
- Greek Goddess: Spinach, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and tomatoes channel the flavors of Greece. Use oregano and lemon juice for a bright and tangy touch.
Keep in mind that these are just a starting point! There are lots of different ways to make stuffed peppers! Don’t be afraid to mix and match flavors, experiment with different ingredients, and let your creativity run wild.
Can You Use Other Types of Peppers When Making Stuffed Peppers?
Absolutely! Bell peppers are the standard bearers, but the world of stuffed peppers extends far beyond those familiar red, yellow, and green pods. You won’t be able to fit as much in other varieties of peppers, so adjust what you use as the filling accordingly.
Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with these exciting pepper (and non-pepper!) alternatives:
For a Spicy Kick
- Poblanos: These large, mild-to-medium heat peppers boast earthy depth and thick walls, perfect for cradling hearty fillings.
- Jalapeños: For fire-lovers, jalapeños add vibrant heat and smoky undertones. Adjust the spice by keeping or removing seeds according to your preference.
Unique Flavors
- Banana peppers: These sweet, slightly curved beauties offer a playful twist. Their thin walls cook quickly and pair well with lighter fillings like shrimp or chicken salad.
- Mini sweet peppers: A rainbow of bite-sized delights, ideal for individual portions or appetizers. Their sweetness complements savory sausage or creamy ricotta equally well.
Tips for Using Alternative Peppers
- Size matters: Choose peppers that hold your desired filling without becoming unwieldy.
- Cooking times: Thicker-walled varieties like poblanos may require longer cooking than thin-skinned options.
- Flavor adjustments: Let the pepper’s natural sweetness or heat guide your seasoning symphony.
With a little creativity, you can transform any type of pepper (or even eggplant or avocado!) into a delicious and eye-catching stuffed masterpiece. So go forth, experiment, and discover your new favorite pepper-based creation!
Do You Cook Stuffed Peppers Before Stuffing?
Many recipes for stuffed peppers do not call for cooking the peppers before filling them. And I don’t precook mine either. If you like the bite to the pepper, I recommend not pre-cooking them.
However, if you prefer peppers that are more tender, then pop them in the oven for about 30 minutes before baking them again filled.
Do You Eat the Bell Pepper in Stuffed Peppers?
Um…yes! You should eat the bell pepper in stuffed peppers because they are delicious and have lots of nutrition.
How you eat them can vary though. Some enjoy cutting up stuffed peppers and eat it all in one. While others prefer to eat the stuffing first and bell peppers last.
Which team are you on?
What Sides are Good With Stuffed Peppers?
To me, the best side for any stuffed peppers recipe is a light and tasty salad, but there are so many other things you can make that pair well with the dish.
In the summer when ingredients are freshest, I love to make it with this simple side salad with cucumber, tomato, and onion recipe or this refreshing cucumber salad with dill.
Here are some more ideas of what to serve with stuffed pepper recipes.
- Potatoes
- Zucchini Fries
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Salad
- Roasted Vegetables
- Chacuterie Board or Platter
- Carrots
- Bread
And if you’ve got a bunch of adults coming for dinner and want to kick it up a notch, make a batch of my favorite peach sangria recipe. It pairs well with this recipe for Mexican stuffed peppers.
Mexican Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive OIl
- 1 Onion, Chopped
- 1 lb Ground Turkey
- 2 15 oz Diced Tomatoes
- 2 15 oz Black Beans, Drained
- 1 bag Corn frozen
- 1 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- 2 Tbsp Cumin
- 1.5 Tbsp Chili Powder
- 6 Bell Peppers
- 8 oz Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1 Bunch Cilantro, Chopped
- 1 Dollop Sour Cream Optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400.
- Heat extra virgin olive oil in skillet. Saute onions until translucent – about 7 minutes.
- Add ground turkey, cumin, chili powder, and red pepper flakes, then saute until almost fully browned.
- When turkey is almost fully cooked, add garlic and cook for about a minute.
- Then add tomatoes, corn, and beans, simmer on low until flavors meld.
- Prepare the peppers – wash, dry, cut out stems and deseed so there is a hole in the top of the peppers.
- Place peppers in baking dish.
- Evenly divide the turkey mixture among each pepper.
- Top with shredded cheese.
- Bake covered with foil for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and cook an additional 5 minutes but keep your eye on the cheese to make sure it doesn’t burn.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes, serve with a dollup of sour cream and cilantro. Enjoy!
Nutrition
More About Making Mexican Stuffed Peppers
Have you ever made Mexican stuffed peppers? How do you like to make stuffed peppers? I would love to know more in the comments below.
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