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Looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels both cozy and colorful? These Cheesy Fiesta-Style Stuffed Peppers are the perfect solution. Each pepper delivers a burst of flavor, from savory ground meat (or your favorite plant-based alternative) to zesty spices and gooey cheese. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and sure to bring a little zest to your family table or weeknight meal plan!
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops removed and seeds discarded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 pound ground turkey (or beef, chicken, or a plant-based alternative)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
To get started, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the peppers by slicing off the tops and removing any seeds. Set the peppers upright in a baking dish, making sure they stand securely so the filling doesn’t spill out.
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Next, stir in your ground turkey (or chosen protein) and sprinkle it with chili powder, cumin, and salt. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked.
Reduce the heat to low and add your cooked rice, black beans, and tomato sauce to the skillet. Stir in the shredded cheese until everything is combined into a thick, creamy mixture. Spoon the filling into the hollowed peppers until they’re just about overflowing. Top each pepper with a little extra cheese, then cover the baking dish with foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, remove the foil, and let them cook uncovered for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
When they’re done, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let the peppers rest for a couple of minutes to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for a little extra color and flavor.
These Cheesy Fiesta-Style Stuffed Peppers are terrific for just about anyone: busy families seeking a nutritious dinner, hosts who want to impress, or meal preppers looking for easy weekday lunches. With plenty of protein, fiber, and vegetables in each hearty pepper, they’re a well-rounded option. You can swap in quinoa for rice, use turkey sausage instead of ground turkey, or add extra veggies like corn or zucchini to suit your tastes. However you choose to make them, these peppers offer a satisfyingly cheesy, festive meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
