• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

  • New? Start Here
  • Contact

Sweet Peas and Saffron

meal prep recipes for busy people

  • All Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Sides
      • Salad
      • Soups & Stews
      • Drinks
    • Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Instant Pot
      • Slow Cooker
      • Grill
      • One Pot Meals
    • Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Low Carb
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Nut Free
    • Protein
      • Beans
      • Beef
      • Chicken
      • Lentils
      • Seafood
      • Pork
    • Recipe Index
  • Air Fryer
  • Instant Pot
  • Shop
    • Shop Meal Plans
    • Shop Favorites
  • Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

    Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Home Method Instant Pot
4.67
/5
55 minutes

Instant Pot Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Gluten Free Gluten Free Nut Free Nut Free Freezer Friendly Freezer Meal Prep Meal Prep
Jump to Recipe
By: Denise Bustard26 Comments
Posted: 4/7/21 Updated: 4/9/21

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Instant Pot ground turkey stuffed peppers have 5 ingredients and are simple to prepare. They also work well for meal prep! So quick to cook up in the Instant Pot when you're ready.

The Instant Pot is my go-to appliance when I need to get dinner on the table quickly. From Instant Pot spaghetti and meat sauce to Instant Pot turkey chili, there are so many delicious options out there! These Instant Pot stuffed peppers are another easy dinner, and bonus- you can prep them ahead.

Overhead view of Instant Pot Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Jump to... show
1 Reasons you'll ♡ this recipe
2 Recipe video
3 Ingredient notes
4 Step by step directions
5 FAQ
6 Variations
7 Storage & meal prep
8 More Instant Pot dinners
9 Instant Pot Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Filled with delicious TexMex flavor, these stuffed peppers require just 5 simple ingredients, and can be prepped ahead. Load them up with your favorite chili toppings: avocado, salsa, tortilla strips, fresh tomatoes and more. I think you're going to love these!

Reasons you'll ♡ this recipe

  • they have just five ingredients
  • you can make swaps to make them vegan or low carb
  • you can make them ahead and freeze them!

Recipe video

Watch the video below to see how I make Instant Pot stuffed peppers! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel.

Don't forget to pin this post to save it for later!

Ingredient notes

ingredients required to make stuffed peppers
  • ground turkey- you can swap this for lean ground beef; and no- we don't need to cook it first
  • taco seasoning- an easy way to add flavor to these stuffed peppers, you can make your own homemade seasoning for the best flavor!
  • cooked rice- I used basmati rice for this recipe, but you can use your favorite rice- including brown rice! Quinoa would also be good here.
  • cheese- I've used shredded mozzarella; monterey jack, aged cheddar, or jalapeno cheddar would all add new flavors to these peppers
  • bell peppers- look for straight, wide peppers and avoid skinny ones. The filling fills at least 6 peppers (depends on the size of your peppers)

Step by step directions

  • stuffed pepper with the lid taken off
    cut the tops out, pull the membrane & seeds out
  • poking a hole in a bell pepper with a toothpick
    poke holes in the bottom of the pepeprs

1. Prepare peppers- Using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut around the tops of each pepper. Pull the lid off, pull out any strips of membrane (the white stuff), and dump out the seeds.

2. Poke drainage holes- Using a toothpick, poke several holes in the bottom of the pepper. I suggest working the toothpick around a bit to make the holes a bit bigger. This helps extra liquids that come from the ground turkey and bell peppers drain out while they cook.

  • stuffed pepper filling in bowl with spatula
    mix filling together
  • stuffed pepper (uncooked) on grey surface
    press into the peppers

3. Mix filling- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the ground turkey, cooked and cooled rice, taco seasoning, salt, and 1 ¼ cups of shredded cheese.

4. Fill peppers- Use a spoon to press the mixture into the peppers. You will need to press it gently with the spoon.

  • stuffed peppers in instant pot with cheese on top- uncooked
    arrange on a trivet
  • instant pot with 12 minutes on timer
    cook for 12 min + QPR

5. Prepare Instant Pot- In the stainless steel insert of your Instant Pot, add 1 cup of water. Place the trivet on top, then arrange the peppers on the trivet (depending on the size of your Instant Pot you may or may not be able to fit all your peppers. 6 quart fits 4; 8 quart fits 6). Sprinkle with reserved cheese.

6. Pressure cook- Place the lid on your Instant Pot and make sure the steam release handle is in the 'sealing' position. Pressure cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. When the cooking cycle completes, perform a quick pressure release: carefully move the steam release handle into the 'venting' position.

When doing a quick pressure release- Be careful you keep your face, hands and arms away from the valve, and make sure your Instant Pot is not under a cabinet.

FAQ

Do you need to cook the meat first for stuffed peppers?

No! For this recipe, the ground turkey cooks for the first time inside the peppers. This way, it's tender and not tough.

Unfortunately, you still do need to cook the rice first.

How do you keep the stuffed peppers from falling over in the Instant Pot?

I advise arranging them in the Instant Pot so they rest on each other, holding each other up. If you are cooking one at a time, lean it against the side of the pot; if the bottom is very uneven, you can trim it to sit more flat.

Can you freeze stuffed peppers?

Yes you can! You can freeze them before cooking (after stuffing), or you can freeze them after cooking them through. See step by step directions below.

stuffed peppers in the instant pot

Variations

  • vegan- swap the turkey for a 2 cups of black beans, and use vegan cheese.
  • low carb- Omit the rice, and reduce the taco seasoning by 1 tablespoon; you may only be able to fill 3-4 peppers. I wouldn't swap the rice for cauliflower rice, as it will overcook and become quite mushy
  • greek- swap taco seasoning for ½ teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, ½ cup shredded cheese, 1 cup chopped spinach (top with ¾ cup shredded cheese still)
  • quinoa- swap the cooked rice for an equal volume quinoa

Storage & meal prep

Freezer Instant Pot meal

A freezer Instant Pot meal is assembled ahead and frozen (before cooking). You simply need to remember to thaw the meal, then on cook day, just place it into the Instant Pot and get cooking! Great to prepare for elderly family members or expectant mamas.

  1. Arrange your stuffed peppers (not yet cooked) in a 9 x 13 inch pan and freeze until solid (4 hours).
  2. Transfer to a deep meal prep container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  3. Thaw 48 hours before you intend to cook.
  4. Cook as directed in the recipe card; peppers will be slightly softer after freeze/thawing.

Reheat meals

You can also cook these ahead, store in the fridge, and reheat as needed.

  1. Cool completely, then store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  2. Reheat in the microwave until steaming hot, and enjoy!

More Instant Pot dinners

  • Instant Pot Chickpea Curry
  • Instant Pot Vegetarian Chili
  • Instant Pot Vegetable Beef Soup
  • Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs
  • Rustic Instant Pot Tuscan Chicken Stew
  • overhead shot of a pile of corn cobs with knob of butter and pepper on top
    Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
  • instant pot enchilada rice in instant pot after cooking
    Instant Pot Enchilada Rice
  • overhead shot of glass meal prep container filled with moroccan instant pot lentils and rice
    Moroccan Instant Pot Lentils
  • two asian ground turkey lettuce wraps on gray plate
    Instant Pot Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps (From FROZEN!)

Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!

overhead shot of ground turkey stuffed peppers in instant pot

Instant Pot Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

4.67 from 12 votes
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
time to pressurize: 10 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Print Rate
Instant Pot ground turkey stuffed peppers have 5 ingredients and are simple to prepare. With delicious TexMex flavor, they also work well for meal prep!
6 peppers

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice see note 1
  • 6 bell peppers see note 2
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese see note 3

Topping suggestions

  • sour cream or greek yogurt
  • fresh tomatoes or salsa
  • avocado slices
  • fresh green onions or cilantro
  • tortilla chips

Instructions 

  • Prepare peppers- Using a sharp paring knife, carefully cut around the tops of each pepper. Pull the lid off, pull out any strips of membrane (the white stuff), and dump out the seeds.
    stuffed pepper with the lid taken off
  • Poke drainage holes- Using a toothpick, poke several holes in the bottom of the pepper. I suggest working the toothpick around a bit to make the holes a bit bigger. This helps extra liquids that come from the ground turkey and bell peppers drain out while they cook.
    poking a hole in a bell pepper with a toothpick
  • Mix filling- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the ground turkey, cooked and cooled rice, taco seasoning, salt, and 1 ¼ cups of shredded cheese.
    stuffed pepper filling in bowl with spatula
  • Fill peppers- Use a spoon to press the mixture into the peppers. You will need to press it gently with the spoon.
    stuffed pepper (uncooked) on grey surface
  • Prepare Instant Pot- In the stainless steel insert of your Instant Pot, add 1 cup of water. Place the trivet on top, then arrange the peppers on the trivet (depending on the size of your Instant Pot you may or may not be able to fit all your peppers. 6 quart fits 4; 8 quart fits 6). Sprinkle with reserved cheese.
    stuffed peppers in instant pot with cheese on top- uncooked
  • Pressure cook- Place the lid on your Instant Pot and make sure the steam release handle is in the 'sealing' position. Pressure cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. When the cooking cycle completes, perform a quick pressure release: carefully move the steam release handle into the 'venting' position.
    instant pot with 12 minutes on timer
  • Top with fresh tomatoes, green onions, or other suggested toppings.
    stuffed peppers in the instant pot

Tips:

1- I love using basmati, but you could swap for brown rice, a wild rice blend, or even quinoa. Generally rice triples when cooked, so ¾ cup uncooked should be sufficient.
2- look for wide, straight bell peppers; since they can vary greatly in size, you may have enough filling for more or less than 6 peppers
3- get creative by using aged cheddar, monterey jack, or jalapeno cheddar.
Storage
Cool completely, then store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat
Reheat in the microwave until steaming hot, and enjoy!
Freezer Instant Pot Meals
  1. Complete steps 1-4 above.
  2. Arrange your stuffed peppers (not yet cooked) in a 9 x 13 inch pan and freeze until solid (4 hours).
  3. Transfer to a deep meal prep container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  4. Thaw 48 hours before you intend to cook.
  5. Cook as directed in the recipe card; peppers will be slightly softer after freeze/thawing.

Video

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1pepper, Calories: 344kcal, Carbohydrates: 23g, Protein: 29g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Cholesterol: 81mg, Sodium: 378mg, Potassium: 529mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 4240IU, Vitamin C: 152.5mg, Calcium: 287mg, Iron: 1.5mg
Author: Denise Bustard
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican

© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Did You Make This?Don't forget to leave a review below, and tag us on Instagram using @SweetPeasAndSaffron or #sweetpeasandsaffron
Tag Me On Instagram Rate Recipe
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email

Meet Denise Bustard

Denise Bustard is the creator of Sweet Peas and Saffron, a meal prep-focussed food blog. With a PhD in biochemistry, Denise takes a scientific approach to perfecting her recipes. You can find Denise's work featured on Huffington Post, MSN, Self and more.

Read more...

You May Also Like...

  • two asian ground turkey lettuce wraps on gray plate
    Instant Pot Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps (From FROZEN!)
  • instant pot turkey chili in a bowl with toppings and spoon
    Instant Pot Turkey Chili
  • collage image of ground beef in instant pot with text overlay saying how to cook frozen ground beef in the instant pot
    Instant Pot Frozen Ground Beef
  • collage image of multiple foods with text overlay for instant pot holiday recipes
    Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes
overhead shot of air fryer zucchini fries on gray plate with ketchup
Previous Post
Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
overhead shot of 7 easy stir fry sauces on gray background
Next Post
7 Easy Stir Fry Sauce Recipes

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Recipe Rating




  1. Jolene says

    Posted on 6/15/22 at Posted on 6/15/22

    5 stars
    These are the best stuffed peppers I’ve ever had. So easy and they turn out fabulous!

    Reply
    • Denise Bustard says

      Posted on 6/16/22 at Posted on 6/16/22

      Wow, that's so great to hear, Jolene! Thanks so much for reporting back!

      Reply
  2. Alexa says

    Posted on 5/26/20 at Posted on 5/26/20

    If subbing for black beans, do you cook them first or no?

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 6/2/20 at Posted on 6/2/20

      Hi Alexa! Yes, you must start with cooked black beans.

      Reply
  3. Mo says

    Posted on 2/20/20 at Posted on 2/20/20

    5 stars
    I have not made this yet but it looks really tasty. I have just one question, what about the little seeds inside the pepper do they cook down and you dont notice them.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 2/20/20 at Posted on 2/20/20

      Hi Mo! Definitely scoop the seeds out before stuffing the peppers 🙂

      Reply
  4. Marlene says

    Posted on 9/17/19 at Posted on 9/17/19

    5 stars
    Loved this recipe. I have always made tomato based stuffed peppers. These were so good and EASY. I cooked 1 a a time I my instant pot, 5 mins and they were perfect!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/25/19 at Posted on 9/25/19

      So happy to hear this, Marlene! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review!

      Reply
    • Teresa says

      Posted on 2/23/21 at Posted on 2/23/21

      I used ground chicken because that's what I had and only four peppers but didn't change the quantity. So ended up really stuffing the peppers. I ended up opening the instant pot up and adding another couple of minutes because I was nervous about whether the chicken was cooked. Was pretty good! I might add some additional spices next time.

      Reply
  5. Jean G says

    Posted on 9/17/19 at Posted on 9/17/19

    5 stars
    My husband really enjoyed this and he always says he doesn’t like stuffed peppers! I was skeptical about using ground turkey but I think it was better than ground beef since the peppers didn’t seem as greasy.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/25/19 at Posted on 9/25/19

      Hi Jean, I'm so happy to hear that you and your husband enjoyed this! Thanks so much for your review!

      Reply
  6. Rachel G says

    Posted on 9/17/19 at Posted on 9/17/19

    5 stars
    These are so delicious!!! So much tastier than other stuffed pepper recipes I’ve made and super easy!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/25/19 at Posted on 9/25/19

      Wow, I'm so happy to hear this, Rachel! I really appreciate you taking the time to leave a review!

      Reply
  7. sephi says

    Posted on 9/17/19 at Posted on 9/17/19

    5 stars
    tasted great and super easy-perfect for meal prep!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/25/19 at Posted on 9/25/19

      I'm so happy to hear this, Sephi! Thank you for your review!

      Reply
  8. Juliana says

    Posted on 7/8/19 at Posted on 7/8/19

    Hey there, do you put the ground turkey into the peppers raw? Or cook it first? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 7/22/19 at Posted on 7/22/19

      Hi Juliana! Yes, you do!

      Reply
  9. Loren E. Clive says

    Posted on 3/3/19 at Posted on 3/3/19

    4 stars
    So easy! I added onions, garlic, Olive oil, salt and bits of the pepper tops to filling. I still think it could use some more Mexican seasoning or Chili's, maybe oregano? Served with rice to rave reviews! Way easier than baking in oven

    Reply
    • Loren E. Clive says

      Posted on 3/4/19 at Posted on 3/4/19

      Sweet peas and Basil, is it possible to cook them frozen? Would you add more time to pressure cooking?

      Reply
      • Denise says

        Posted on 3/5/19 at Posted on 3/5/19

        Hi Loren, I haven't tried that. You may need to add more time, but I can't say for sure. Would you let me know if you try it?

        Reply
        • Loren E. Clive says

          Posted on 3/6/19 at Posted on 3/6/19

          Just tried. I cooked one frozen stuffed pepper straight from the freezer for 12 minutes on a bed a of quinoa. Turned out perfect except a bit of the quinoa didn't cook fully right under the pepper. No biggie, just didn't eat that part. So looks like no defrosting needed for simply one pepper. Might be different if you did a pot full. Yum!

          Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 3/5/19 at Posted on 3/5/19

      Glad you enjoyed! You could definitely play around with the spices 🙂

      Reply
  10. judy says

    Posted on 12/15/18 at Posted on 12/15/18

    2 stars
    was very bland. I used red peppers. I like a lot of your receipts but this one was off the mark to us.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 12/16/18 at Posted on 12/16/18

      Hi Judy! I'm so sorry to hear this but also surprised since this was a very popular recipe in our last Freezer Meal Prep CHallenge. I'm wondering if there are differences between our taco seasoning? Not sure.

      Reply
  11. Lala says

    Posted on 10/29/18 at Posted on 10/29/18

    5 stars
    I use uncooked quinoa instead of rice. I dry cook/brown the quinoa before mixing with whatever I stuff the peppers with. Sometimes ground turkey or ground beef. Others leftover pulled brisket, roast, chicken or pork. Sometimes I serve them just as they come out of the cooker. Other times covering with brown gravy, tomato gravy, tomato sauce or marinara.

    Reply
  12. Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says

    Posted on 10/25/18 at Posted on 10/25/18

    I love stuffed peppers -these look so bright and delicious! I'd love it if you shared it at our What's for Dinner party!

    http://www.lazygastronome.com/whats-for-dinner-sunday-link-up-171/

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I'm Denise

Meal prep took me from feeling constantly stressed out about meals to cool, collected and in control. I want to share this amazing and transformational habit with you, so you can feel in control, too! Read more ...

Meal Prep

Instant Pot

Air Fryer

Freezer Meals

Slow Cooker

Breakfast

Popular

overhead shot of sweet potatoes lined up with text showing number of minutes to cook each

PERFECT Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

overhead shot of 7 easy stir fry sauces on gray background

7 Easy Stir Fry Sauce Recipes

overhead shot of a variety of seven easy rice recipes with text description

7 Easy Rice Recipes (Stove Top & Rice Cooker)

5 minute asian salad dressing in a mason jar on gray background

5 Minute Asian Salad Dressing

Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Get my free Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Reader Faves

overhead shot of blue mason jar filled with crispy chickpeas

ULTRA Crispy Air Fryer Chickpeas

a stack of fluffy protein pancakes with blueberries on top and syrup being drizzled over them

Perfect Fluffy Protein Pancakes (no banana!)

ingredients to make greek seasoning blend with labels on white background

Easy Greek Seasoning Blend

collage image that says 25 popular meal prep ideas

25 Most Popular Lunch Meal Prep Ideas

As seen on:

Wondering where to start?

Get my Meal Prep Quick Start Guide

Join My Free Meal Prep Challenge!
  • Browse Recipes
    • Dinner
    • Lunch
    • Breakfast
    • Snacks
    • Drinks
    • Air Fryer
    • Instant Pot
    • Freezer
  • Meal Prep 101
    • Shop Meal Plans
    • Meal Prep Basics
    • Meal Prep Challenge
    • Quick Start Guide
Back to Top

Privacy Policy

Disclaimers

Contact

Accessibility

Causes

About

© 2023 Sweet Peas and Saffron
Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled Logo by Wooden Spoons