Description
This Easy Stuffed Mini Peppers recipe features sweet mini peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey or beef, seasoned with garlic and onion powder, and blended with creamy cheese. Baked until bubbly and slightly charred, these bite-sized appetizers make a delicious and simple dish perfect for entertaining or a quick snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Peppers
- 12 mini sweet peppers
Filling
- 1 lb ground turkey or beef
- 4 oz cream cheese or shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Peppers: Slice the mini sweet peppers in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds while keeping the halves intact. Arrange them cut-side up on the prepared baking tray.
- Cook Meat: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground turkey or beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the filling moist but not greasy.
- Season and Combine: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and cream cheese or shredded cheddar. Mix thoroughly until the cheese melts and combines evenly with the meat.
- Stuff Peppers: Generously fill each pepper half with the meat and cheese mixture, ensuring each is well packed.
- Bake: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the edges of the peppers are slightly charred and the filling is bubbly and hot.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Use either cream cheese for a smoother texture or cheddar cheese for a sharper flavor.
- Adjust spices according to preference; adding smoked paprika or chili flakes can add depth and heat.
- These stuffed peppers can be prepared ahead and baked right before serving.
