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Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s flavorful, filling, and still on the lighter side? These stuffed peppers with ground turkey are exactly that — a cozy, cheesy dish inspired by taco night but baked with wholesome ingredients. Packed with lean ground turkey, tomatoes, melty cheddar cheese, and a kick of taco seasoning, this recipe is lower in carbs and requires no rice, though you can easily add it if desired.
Whether you’re new to ground turkey stuffed peppers or looking for a version that’s easy to meal prep and healthier than classic beef and rice versions, this one’s a crowd-pleaser every time. It also works well in the oven or even in the air fryer.
🛒 Ingredients for Simple Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
- 6 medium bell peppers: Red, yellow, or green, tops sliced off and seeds removed.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For roasting and sautéing.
- ½ red onion: Finely diced for aromatic flavor.
- 1¼ lbs ground turkey: 93% lean is best for flavor and moisture.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: Drained to avoid excess liquid.
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning: Or use a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika.
- ¼ cup water: Or broth for added flavor.
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Or Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, or mozzarella.
- Salt: To taste.
💡 Want to make turkey stuffed peppers with rice and tomato sauce instead? Scroll down for add-in suggestions.
👩🍳 How to Make Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
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- Step 1: Preheat & Prep the Peppers
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Trim the bottoms of the bell peppers slightly if needed so they stand upright. Place in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Bake for 15–20 minutes until just beginning to soften.
- Step 2: Make the Turkey Filling
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat another drizzle of oil. Add the diced red onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned. Stir in the taco seasoning, drained diced tomatoes, and water. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
- Spoon a layer of the turkey mixture into each partially baked pepper. Add a sprinkle of cheese, then repeat until all peppers are filled, topping each with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
- Step 4: Final Bake
- Place the stuffed peppers back in the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly.
🥑 Topping Ideas for the Best Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
- Sliced avocado or guacamole
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Salsa or hot sauce
- Sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick
- Crumbled cotija cheese or feta
- Diced green onions
🔄 Optional Add-Ins and Variations
- Add rice or beans: Reduce turkey to 1 lb and mix in 1 cup of cooked rice, black beans, or corn.
- Add tomato sauce: Stir ½ cup of tomato sauce into the turkey mixture for a saucier filling.
- More veggies? Toss in sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach when cooking the onions.
- Air Fryer Tip: To make ground turkey stuffed peppers in the air fryer, reduce cooking time slightly — bake at 350°F for 8–10 minutes once filled.
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🥡 Meal Prep, Storage & Reheating
- Make ahead: Assemble the peppers and refrigerate (unbaked) up to 2 days ahead.
- Fridge: Store baked leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave covered until warmed through.
🥗 What to Serve with Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
- A side of Spanish rice or cauliflower rice
- Black bean salad or corn salsa
- Crispy tortilla chips and guac
- A fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette
📌 Final Thoughts
This easy, flavorful dish is one of the best ground turkey stuffed peppers recipes around. Whether you're going for low-carb stuffed peppers with no rice or want to bulk it up with grains and beans, it's endlessly adaptable. Great for busy weeknights, healthy meal prep, or even as a freezer-friendly go-to.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
- Yes, ground beef or chicken both work well as substitutes in this recipe.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble them ahead and bake the day of, or freeze for later.
- → How do I keep the peppers from falling over?
- Slice a thin layer off the bottom to help them sit flat without making a hole.
- → What toppings go well with these?
- Sour cream, avocado, salsa, and chopped cilantro are all great options.
- → How do I reheat leftovers?
- Reheat in the microwave or bake at 350°F until warmed through.