If you’re craving a meal that’s comforting, satisfying, and packed full of vibrant flavors, look no further than this Juicy Crockpot Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tender bell peppers filled with a hearty mixture of ground turkey, quinoa, black beans, and spicy seasonings, all slow-cooked to juicy perfection. Each bite bursts with flavor and color, making it a wholesome dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent. This recipe turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable dinner that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, just straightforward, essential ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element brings something unique: the sweetness and crunch of bell peppers, the protein-packed ground turkey, and the creamy melt of pepper jack cheese create a dish that’s layered in taste, texture, and color.
- 9-10 bell peppers (tops removed and cored): These act as edible bowls that hold all the delicious filling, adding natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 lb ground chicken: A lean protein base that keeps the stuffing light yet hearty.
- 14 oz black beans (rinsed and drained): Adds a creamy texture and boosts fiber and protein for a filling bite.
- 14 oz diced tomatoes: Bring a juicy tang and moisture that keep the filling from drying out.
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed): Offers a nutty flavor and fluffy texture, plus it helps bind the mixture.
- 2.5 tsp chili powder: Lends warm, mild heat and Mexican-inspired depth.
- 1.5 tsp cumin: Adds earthiness that complements the turkey perfectly.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Boosts savory notes for a well-rounded flavor.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Enhances the overall aroma and taste subtly without overwhelming.
- 3/4 tsp salt: Just enough to pull all flavors together harmoniously.
- 1 1/2 cups pepper jack cheese: For a creamy, melty topping with a little kick—Cabot cheese works great here.
- Avocado (diced): Adds a fresh, buttery contrast when served alongside.
- Cilantro: Brings a bright, herbal freshness as garnish.
- Salsa: Offers a zesty accompaniment that pairs perfectly with the stuffed peppers.
- Sour cream: A cool, creamy balance to the spices in the dish.
- Lime juice: A splash added just before serving to brighten every bite.
How to Make Juicy Crockpot Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers
Start by removing the tops of your colorful bell peppers and carefully coring them to create a hollow space for the filling. Washing and prepping the peppers well ensures they cook evenly and hold their shape during the slow-cooking process. The peppers are your canvas, so choosing firm, vibrant ones makes the final dish look stunning.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, cooked quinoa, rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix everything gently until evenly incorporated. This savory blend is the heart of your stuffed peppers—rich in protein, fiber, and bold spices that bring warmth and comfort.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
Stuff each prepared pepper generously with the filling mixture, packing it in just right so it’s full but not overflowing. The stuffing will cook and meld inside the pepper, soaking up its natural sweetness while staying moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Load the Crockpot
Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in your crockpot, making sure they fit snugly so they don’t tip over during cooking. Set your crockpot to low and let the magic happen over about 3 hours. This slow cooking infuses all the ingredients, creating a juicy texture and bringing harmony to the spices and fresh pepper taste.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish Cooking
About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle pepper jack cheese on top of each pepper. Cover the crockpot again and let the cheese melt into a bubbly, spicy topping that crowns your juicy Crockpot Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe beautifully.
How to Serve Juicy Crockpot Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect finish touches make the dish unforgettable. Fresh diced avocado offers creamy coolness, while a sprinkle of cilantro brings herbaceous brightness. A dollop of sour cream adds richness that balances the spice, and a squeeze of lime juice just before eating lifts all the flavors with its zesty tang. Don’t forget a side of your favorite salsa for an added kick.
Side Dishes
Keep your sides simple to highlight the star of the show. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some roasted corn make excellent companions. If you want more comfort, a small serving of Mexican rice or tortilla chips rounds out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern twist, serve the filling scooped out alongside the pepper shells to let guests customize bites. You can also top the dish with a sunny-side-up egg for brunch or add a drizzle of creamy cilantro-lime dressing to elevate the presentation and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making the peppers even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a later occasion, these stuffed peppers freeze well. Wrap each pepper individually or store them in a single layer in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat stuffed peppers in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Cover with foil if using the oven to prevent drying out, then uncover in the last few minutes to refresh the melted cheese topping.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef work well and will change the flavor profile slightly but stay equally delicious and juicy.
Do I need to pre-cook the quinoa before mixing it with the other ingredients?
It’s best to rinse and cook quinoa before adding it to the filling to ensure it’s fluffy and fully cooked by the time the peppers are done.
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a crockpot?
Yes! Bake stuffed peppers covered with foil at 350°F for about 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 15 minutes with cheese on top until bubbly and golden.
How spicy is this Juicy Crockpot Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe?
The chili powder and pepper jack cheese provide a mild to medium heat, but you can easily adjust spice levels by altering these ingredients to your taste.
Can I use other types of cheese instead of pepper jack?
Definitely! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are fantastic alternatives that melt beautifully and add their own flair.
Final Thoughts
This Juicy Crockpot Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe is a heartfelt, cozy meal that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. The hands-off cooking means you can enjoy the process as much as the result, making dinner effortless yet special. Give it a try and discover how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Juicy Crockpot Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers are a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey, black beans, quinoa, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection for juicy, melt-in-your-mouth results. Topped with melted pepper jack cheese and served with fresh avocado, cilantro, salsa, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime, these stuffed peppers deliver a comforting and nutritious dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to delight the whole family.
Ingredients
Stuffed Peppers
- 9–10 bell peppers, tops removed and cored for stuffing
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 14 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
- 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well to remove bitterness
- 2.5 tsp chili powder
- 1.5 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.75 tsp salt
- 1.5 cups pepper jack cheese (preferably Cabot for better melt)
Toppings and Garnishes
- Avocado, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- Cilantro, chopped
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: Remove the tops and cores from 9-10 bell peppers, setting aside the tops if desired. Rinse the peppers and set them aside to be stuffed later.
- Cook the Filling: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb of ground turkey with rinsed and drained black beans (14 oz), diced tomatoes (14 oz), and 1 cup of rinsed quinoa. Add 2.5 tsp chili powder, 1.5 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp onion powder, and 0.75 tsp salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices and ingredients.
- Stuff the Peppers: Fill each prepared bell pepper with the turkey mixture, packing it in gently but firmly.
- Layer in Crockpot: Place the stuffed peppers upright in the slow cooker. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for approximately 3 hours, until the quinoa and turkey are cooked through and the peppers are tender.
- Add Cheese: About 15 minutes before the end of cooking time, sprinkle 1.5 cups of pepper jack cheese evenly over the stuffed peppers. Cover and allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve: Carefully remove the stuffed peppers from the slow cooker. Garnish with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, salsa, and a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Rinse quinoa well to remove its natural bitterness before cooking.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- If you want firmer peppers, reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
- Adding extra vegetables such as corn or diced zucchini to the filling can boost nutrition and texture.
