Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: cooked lentils

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while lentils are a budget-friendly protein.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: monterey jack

Low-fat cheese reduces calories, while Monterey Jack is often less expensive.

black beans

🥗Healthier: kidney beans

💰Cheaper: canned pinto beans

Kidney beans are nutritious, and pinto beans are often cheaper.

rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: bulgur

Quinoa offers more protein, while bulgur is a cost-effective grain.

Cut the small white onion in half, peel, and cube it.

Rough chop 3 large garlic cloves.

Add about a tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil to the bottom of a pot.

Add 1.5 cups of jasmine rice and the cubed onion to the pot, then add more oil and stir to coat the rice.

Let the rice brown for a few minutes until mostly golden brown.

Add the garlic to the pot and cook until fragrant.

Add water, chicken bouillon powder, 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste, cumin, and black pepper to the pot.

Add a pinch of cilantro, mix, cover, and let cook for about 20 minutes.

In a large frying pan, heat oil over medium heat and add ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks.

Season the turkey with Slappy Mama seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, oregano, thyme, chipotle seasoning, and black pepper.

Add canned corn and no salt added canned black beans to the turkey mixture.

Add the Mexican rice and salsa to the pan, then stir and add about half a cup of water and a tablespoon of tomato paste.

Let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes.

Prepare the bell peppers by cutting them in half, removing the seeds, and rubbing oil on the outside.

Cut the bottom of the peppers slightly to help them lay flat in the baking dish.

Spread a little oil in the bottom of the baking dish.

Stuff the bell peppers with the filling, topping with Colby Jack cheese.

Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes uncovered, or 30 minutes covered with foil for softer peppers, then remove foil to brown the cheese.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: