Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Ground turkey stuffed peppers are one of my favorite healthier, Mexican stuffed peppers. I wouldn’t necessarily say Kitchen Swagger puts an emphasis on the word “healthy,” but I am passionate about whole foods and real ingredients. After all, I believe everything is OK in moderation.

These hot tamales are actually one of Patty’s go-to Mexican inspired recipes. She lured me into finally coming up with my own twist after a few delicious stuffed bell peppers of her own. The sad part is, we always somehow forget to make them.

Ground turkey stuffed peppers are the hidden gem of our arsenal of Mexican staples. Everyone makes loaded nachos, tacos, and burritos of course—but we always seem surprised when we remember the tried and true stuffed pepper.

How to Make Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers should be simple (but LOADED with meat and flavor). I use lean ground turkey, brown rice (mainly for texture), chopped onion, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, spices, and a blend of Mexican cheeses. All prepared in a single cast iron skillet (plus one bowl, but who’s counting?).

Fully cook the ground turkey with the spices in the skillet before baking. I like to saute the onions and tomatoes so they’re nice and tender before baking as well. Baking the peppers will, of course, ensure everything is hot, but its main purpose is to soften/cook the peppers and melt the final topping of cheese.

What to Put in Stuffed Peppers?

The options are endless and there aren’t any RULES.

• Sauteed corn or black beans
• Quinoa
• Brown rice
• Fresh lime juice
• Salsa
• Chopped jalapeno (if you’re like me and NEEEED more spiciness if your life)
• Cojita or any Mexican cheese blend
• Cilantro
• Sour cream
• guacamole
• Green or yellow onion
• Chopped tomatoes
• Your favorite spices and seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, or taco seasoning)

You can use ground beef in place of turkey but I usually use lean ground turkey because it’s a healthier alternative to red meat, and the seasonings help add any flavor you might be missing. Serve stuffed peppers with my guacamole and an accompanying fresh Jalapeno margarita and you just might actually turn into me.

You’ll Also Love

• Stuffed poblano peppers
• Skillet fajitas
• Carne asada street tacos
• Skillet chicken enchiladas
• Ultimate guacamole

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