Description
A kid-friendly, healthy game day snack featuring mini bell peppers stuffed with a lean turkey taco filling. These vibrant, protein-packed appetizers are easy to make ahead and perfect for involving children in the kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12–15 mini bell peppers (approx. 1 lb / 450g)
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 tbsp homemade taco seasoning (or 1 packet low-sodium store-bought)
- 1/2 yellow onion (finely diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels (thawed)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (divided)
- 1/4 cup salsa (mild or medium)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash mini peppers, pat dry, and gently remove seeds and membranes using a small spoon or melon baller. Place hollowed peppers on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess liquid if necessary.
- Stir in taco seasoning, corn, and salsa. Remove from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese and chopped cilantro. Let the mixture cool for 5 minutes.
- Spoon the cooled turkey mixture into each pepper, packing gently. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp and cheese is bubbly and golden. Let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ensure the turkey filling cools for at least 5 minutes before stuffing to prevent the peppers from becoming soggy. If serving kids, use mild salsa and omit jalapeños. These can be assembled up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed mini peppe
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 10
Keywords: healthy game day snacks, turkey taco stuffed peppers, kid-friendly recipes, make-ahead appetizers, gluten-free snacks, lean protein recipes