By: Franchesca Livraghi | @breakthrukitchen

There’s just something about stuffed food that feels so satisfying. These stuffed bell peppers are simple to make and come together with ingredients I usually already have at home. I roast the peppers first so they get soft and tender, then fill them with ground turkey seasoned like a picadillo, Loisa Sofrito, Loisa Rice & Red Beans, and plenty of Sazón. They’re topped with melty cheese, diced avocado, and a little pickled onion. 

I grew up eating stuffed peppers, tomatoes, and shells my dad used to make, and I’ve always loved how the perfect bite comes from the layers. This one has all of that so it hits in every way and still feels like something you can feel good about eating.

A great way to eat more veggies

Stuffing a veggie like this is such a fun way to switch things up and still keep it balanced. You get a whole roasted bell pepper in every serving, and it feels easy and actually enjoyable. In one bite you get a little bit of everything: seasoned turkey, rice, beans, and all the toppings, and that’s exactly what makes it so good. It’s an easy way to get more veggies in without even thinking about it.

Always roast the peppers first

Always roast the peppers first so they soften up and bring out their natural sweetness before filling them. Skipping this step leaves them a little too raw, and they won’t have that tender bite that makes stuffed peppers so good. I like using red, orange, or yellow bell peppers because they’re naturally sweeter and have way more flavor than green ones. You can also try cubanelles or poblanos if you want to switch it up.

And if your peppers don’t sit flat in the dish, just slice a thin piece off the bottom to help them stand upright while they bake. Just make sure whatever pepper you use is big enough to hold the filling and sturdy enough to roast without falling apart.

Turn ground turkey into picadillo

To get that picadillo-style flavor, I cook the ground turkey with onion, garlic, Loisa Sofrito, and tomato paste, then season it with Loisa Organic Adobo, Organic Sazón, Organic Oregano, and Organic Cumin. The plain ground meat turns into something full of flavor, and tossing in some chopped olives and raisins makes it even tastier. And if turkey isn't your thing, this works just as well with ground beef, pork, or chicken.

Which cheese to use for stuffed bell peppers

You can use whatever melty cheese you love, but getting that cheese pull is a must. It’s part of what makes stuffed peppers feel extra comforting and satisfying. I like using provolone because it melts super well and has a great flavor that works well with the rice and beans and turkey picadillo filling. You also can’t go wrong with mozzarella, monterey jack, cheddar, or pepper jack. The key is opting for cheese slices instead of shredded cheese because they melt more evenly and give you that perfect layer on top.

The perfect meal prep recipe

Stuffed peppers are honestly one of the easiest things to meal prep. You can make everything at the beginning of the week, assemble them, and just leave them in the fridge until you're ready to eat. Pop them in the oven or microwave and the cheese melts all over again like you just made them. The peppers stay tender, the filling holds up, and it all still tastes amazing the next day. It’s the kind of weekday meal that feels easy and doesn’t get boring.