Turkey & Black Bean Stuffed Bell Peppers

Colorful bell peppers are filled with seasoned ground turkey, black beans, quinoa, and tomatoes for a hearty and flavorful meal. Packed with protein and iron-rich ingredients, these stuffed peppers also provide vitamin C from the bell peppers to help your body absorb plant-based iron more effectively. It’s a wholesome dinner that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange)
• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup shredded cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
• Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange them cut-side up in a baking dish.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
4. Add the garlic and ground turkey. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking the turkey apart as it cooks, until no longer pink.
5. Stir in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
6. Add the black beans, cooked quinoa, and diced tomatoes. Stir everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
7. Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into each bell pepper half.
8. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the peppers, and bake uncovered for another 8–10 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
10. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley and serve with lime wedges.

Iron Tip

Black beans and quinoa provide plant-based iron, while ground turkey contributes additional iron and protein. Bell peppers are naturally rich in vitamin C, which helps your body absorb the non-heme iron from the beans and quinoa more effectively.

Why This Recipe Works

These colorful stuffed peppers combine lean protein, hearty black beans, quinoa, and vegetables in one satisfying meal. The savory turkey filling pairs beautifully with the naturally sweet bell peppers, while the melted cheese adds a delicious finishing touch. They’re also easy to portion, making them great for family dinners or meal prep.