Description
A light, portion-controlled snack perfect for two, featuring lean ground turkey and fresh vegetables stuffed into mini bell peppers for a guilt-free game day treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10–12 mini bell peppers (red, yellow, orange)
- 1/2 lb (225g) lean ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup (50g) shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/4 cup (40g) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup (40g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice off the top 1/4 inch of each mini pepper. Remove seeds and white membranes using a small spoon or melon baller. Trim a sliver off the bottom if needed to make peppers sit flat. Place cut-side up on the baking sheet.
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add taco seasoning and 1 tablespoon of water to the turkey. Cook for 2 minutes until liquid evaporates and mixture is fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked turkey, rinsed black beans, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Spoon the turkey mixture into each pepper, packing it firmly but not overflowing. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until peppers are tender but hold their shape and cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.
Notes
Pat black beans dry after rinsing to prevent soggy filling. Do not overstuff peppers to avoid splitting. For a spicy version, swap sweet peppers for jalapeños. Can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 peppers per person
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 15
Keywords: game day snacks, healthy appetizers, stuffed peppers, turkey tacos, gluten-free snacks, easy recipes, party food