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A delicious plate of High Protein Unstuffed Peppers

High Protein Unstuffed Peppers

A hearty and healthy one-pan meal, these unstuffed peppers pack a protein punch with ground turkey or chicken, quinoa, and black beans, all seasoned perfectly and topped with melted cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 43 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 495
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large bell peppers (any color) diced for even cooking
  • 1 pound ground turkey or chicken use lean for a healthier option
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa can be pre-cooked to save time
  • 1 can black beans drained and rinsed well
  • 1 cup corn (frozen or canned) thaw if frozen, drain if canned
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) drain excess liquid if using canned
  • 1 medium onion diced finely for better flavor distribution
  • 2 cloves garlic mince fresh for best flavor
  • 1 tsp cumin adds earthy, warm notes
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika for a smoky depth of flavor
  • 1 tsp chili powder adjust to your spice preference
  • to taste Salt and pepper season generously throughout cooking
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) use your favorite melting cheese
  • for garnish Fresh cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous finish
  • for cooking Olive oil a drizzle for sautéing

Equipment

  • Large Skillet

Method
 

  1. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
  2. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground turkey or chicken to the skillet, seasoning with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Break the meat up with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in the diced bell peppers, cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes into the skillet. Mix everything until well combined and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the peppers to soften slightly.
  6. Once everything is heated through, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover with a lid for a few minutes to let the cheese melt.
  8. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Notes

This one-pan meal is perfect for a busy weeknight. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or a different protein source.