If there ever were a weeknight meal that could easily be packaged in a pretty bow, it’s Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers. Sweet, colorful bell peppers stuffed with a chili- and cumin-infused turkey filling (or chicken or beef) pack big Tex-Mex flavors. Add the fact that the meat cooks neatly inside the peppers, and now you have a true gift for every busy cook.
This low-carb dish takes easiness to the maximum. It makes time in the kitchen feel like a relief.
Stuffed peppers (and stuffed vegetables generally) may be the dinner I cook most frequently if I kept a tally. It’s just too hard to resist such a nutritious meal in one snug package!
Italian Stuffed Peppers and Mexican Stuffed Peppers have been my (and my readers’) favorite way to combine a lean protein, whole grain, and vegetables in a single, scrumptious bundle.
And of course, I couldn’t even let my cookbook go to print without a stuffed peppers recipe (Taco Stuffed Mini Peppers. YUM!). So, get your copy here to taste my best version yet.
These Instant Pot stuffed peppers have a tremendous advantage over other cooking methods: you do not need to cook the meat first before stuffing the peppers.
Just like my Crockpot Stuffed Peppers (a stand-out amongst the ever-expanding list of slow cooker recipes on my site), the meat cooks directly inside the peppers in the Instant Pot. You don’t need to brown it first, saving you a step, and pan to wash.
A set-it-and-forget-it meal that tastes fantastic and leaves me fewer dishes in the end? Now THAT is my kind of gift!
The Best Way to Cut Stuffed Peppers
The way you cut bell peppers prior to stuffing them depends upon the method you’re using to cook them.
- Option 1: Keep the Peppers Whole and Slice Off the Pepper Top.
- This method is preferable for cooking peppers in the instant pot or slow cooker, where the peppers are packed tightly side by side.
- The high walls of the slow cooker or instant pot help support the peppers (unlike a shorter casserole dish).
- Option 2: Split the Pepper in Half from Top to Bottom.
- This method is preferable for when you are cooking the peppers in a baking dish.
- In a baking dish or pan, a half pepper rests easily on its back, so you don’t have to balance it standing up.
Since we’re cooking stuffed peppers in the Instant Pot, we’ll be using Option 1.
How To Make Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
The Ingredients
- Bell Peppers. The perfect base for our all-in-one healthy meal package. Bell peppers hold their shape well and complement whatever flavors you stuff inside them.
- Ground Turkey. For lean, tasty protein, I chose to use ground turkey. Ground chicken or beef would also work well here. (For more ground beef recipes, check out Ground Beef Dinner Ideas)
- Brown Rice. If you prefer to make Instant Pot stuffed peppers with no rice, feel free to use a different whole grain of choice. Instant Pot stuffed peppers with quinoa are a popular, healthy option. I would not recommend cooking Instant Pot stuffed peppers with cauliflower rice because the filling would likely get too watery and mushy in the Instant Pot.
- Spices. To make our stuffed peppers POP! I used a mixture of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat.
- Diced Tomatoes + Green Chiles. Not only are we using a can of green chiles on their own, but we’re also using a can of diced tomatoes with green chiles. They add a fun, zesty twist to our stuffed pepper filling!
- Shredded Cheese. My favorite component of a stuffed pepper is the undeniably delicious cheesy lid. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, cheddar, or a similar cheese will work great here.
The Directions
- Add water to the Instant Pot.
- Slice the peppers, removing the seeds and membranes.
- Place the peppers in the Instant Pot on a trivet.
- Add the turkey and spices to a mixing bowl.
- Pour in the tomatoes and green chiles.
- Add the rice and part of the shredded cheese.
- Stir until combined.
- Mound the filling into the peppers. Cook on HIGH (manual) pressure for 10 minutes. Immediately vent.
- Top the peppers with the remaining cheese. Cover the Instant Pot with the lid and let it sit. Serve the peppers with toppings and ENJOY!
How To Store Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
- To Store. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat. Rewarm stuffed peppers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F. You can also reheat them gently in the microwave (cut them into a few pieces first to help them cook evenly).
- To Freeze. Freeze stuffed peppers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
- Salad. Black Bean Corn Salad would be delicious with these stuffed peppers.
- Chips + Dip. The ultimate crowd pleaser! Pair your favorite tortilla chips with salsa, Corn Dip, or Vegan Queso Dip.
- Beans. Pack some extra protein into your meal by serving a side of Crock Pot Pinto Beans.
- Sweet Potatoes. Recipes for sweet potatoes like these Roasted Sweet Potatoes would be perfect alongside stuffed peppers.
More Ways to Enjoy Stuffed Peppers
- Vegetarian. Use a can of black beans in place of the meat. Or try one of these delicious vegetarian stuffed pepper recipes: Spinach Artichoke Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers or Vegan Stuffed Peppers.
- Gluten Free. No need to make any changes! This recipe is already gluten free.
- Buffalo Sauce. Prefer the zing of buffalo sauce? Try these Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers.
- Casserole-Style. If you prefer not to use the Instant Pot or turn on your oven, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole gives the same zesty flavors, but in a deconstructed style. It’s a reader fave!
- On the Grill. If you love a smoky, charred flavor, these Grilled Stuffed Peppers are for you.
- Classic. This Stuffed Peppers recipe is classic and full of flavor.
Recommended Tools to Make This Recipe
- Instant Pot. This is the version I own and love. Use it to make any of these healthy Instant Pot recipes.
- Tongs. The easiest way to remove your peppers from the Instant Pot.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife. A sharp knife makes cutting the peppers easy.
Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers
Easy Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers with seasoned ground turkey or beef, rice, and tomatoes. Just 10 minutes cook time! Healthy and scrumptious.
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 peppers
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers – any colors you like our favorites are red and green
- 1 pound ground turkey or ground chicken or lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon ground chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, if you like your peppers extra spicy
- 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes and green chiles in their juices (such as Rotel)
- 1 4-ounce can diced green chiles in their juices
- 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice or cooked grain of choice, such as quinoa
- 1 1/4 cup shredded cheese – Monterey Jack pepper jack, cheddar, or similar cheese, divided (I used sharp cheddar)
- Cilantro salsa, non-fat plain Greek yogurt, or any of your favorite toppings (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Place the trivet in your Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup water (if using a 6-quart model) or 1 ½ cups water (if using an 8-quart model).
- Cut off the tops of the peppers. With your fingers, gently pull out the seeds and membranes so that you have hollowed out pepper “shells.” If you are having trouble loosening the inner membranes of the peppers, use a dull butter knife to gently press them loose.
- Stand the peppers up in the Instant Pot, nestling them beside each other so that they stay upright.
- In a large mixing bowl, place the turkey. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper over the top.
- Next, pour in the diced tomatoes in green chiles and the can of green chilis.
- Last, add the rice and ¾ cup shredded cheese (doing the ingredients in this order makes them easier to combine).
- With a fork, gently stir to combine all of the ingredients as evenly as possible, being careful not to compact or overwork the meat. Make sure the spices are evenly distributed.
- With a spoon, scoop the filling and lower it down into the peppers by heaping spoonfuls. Divide it evenly between the peppers and fill the peppers all the way to the top. The peppers will be very full.
- Close and seal the Instant Pot. Cook on high (manual) pressure for 10 minutes (depending upon your model, the button may also say “pressure cook”). Once the pressure has built and the 10-minute timer has elapsed, immediately vent to release any remaining pressure.
- Carefully open the Instant Pot. The meat should be completely cooked through at this point, but if you want to be 100% certain, test it with an instant read thermometer – it should be at 165 degrees F (if it is not for some reason, reseal and cook 1 to 2 additional minutes; if it's close (160 or more) a few minutes rest without cooking further should carry it over to a safe temperature. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top of the peppers. Replace the lid (no need to seal) and let sit for a minute to allow the cheese to melt.
- With tongs, gently lift the peppers onto serving plates (some water may drip off as you lift; this is moisture that built as the peppers cooked; simply let it drip back into the pot as you lift out the peppers). Serve hot, sprinkled with fresh cilantro and any of your favorite toppings.
Video
Notes
- TO STORE: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight storage container for up to 4 days.
- TO REHEAT: Rewarm stuffed peppers in a baking dish in the oven at 350 degrees F.
- TO FREEZE: Freeze stuffed peppers in an airtight freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition
Serving: 1(of 4)Calories: 408kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 40gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 94mgPotassium: 894mgFiber: 6gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 4789IUVitamin C: 168mgCalcium: 326mgIron: 4mg
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This is an easy to adapt recipe. I’m forward to using my Instant pot more and more.
Hope you enjoy it Judi!
Can you include sodium nutritional information for your recipes? I have to control my sodium intake.
Hi Linda! I stopped including sodium info because it can vary so much depending upon what products you used, and I found a lot of conflicting info online, so ultimately I didn’t feel comfortable publishing it because sometimes it wasn’t even in the ballpark. If you’d like to calculate it yourself, there are lots of free tools online (myfitnesspal.com is popular). I hope that helps!
Mine came out completely raw in the middle. What am I doing wrong?
Hi Mike, I’m sorry to hear you are having problems with the recipe. Having made these multiple times I have no idea why you would get a raw middle, because mine is always, always cooked. Different pressure cooker models could produce different cooking times so I would suggest just leaving it under pressure for a few more minutes. Make sure no steam is escaping while it comes up to pressure. Hope this helps!
I’m in my 3rd round of cooking due to the same issue!? 15 mins in and I just reset it for 8 more minutes.
I’m sorry to hear you are having trouble with the recipe Suzanne.
10 mins is definitely not enough time. I had to cook them for 20 mins.
Hi Cerena, thanks for your feedback. The timing has worked well for myself and others, but it’s hard to know why it didn’t work for you without being in the kitchen with you. I hope you were able to still enjoy them!
Made these last night and they are really good! I did a few things differently, due to texture issues. I sauteed a small chopped onion & the chopped up tops of the peppers, then browned the ground meat prior to mixing the ingredients together to stuff the pepper. I am dairy free, so I mixed some of the mixture with dairy free shreds for 2 peppers and then used regular shredded cheese for the rest of our household. I fit 5 peppers in my 6qt. instant pot!
Will hold onto this recipe and make again when we have lots of bell peppers! May even use the remainder of the stuffing mixture to stuff zucchinis on our Big Green Egg (smoker grill).
Hi Tara! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
The recipe calls for a tablespoon chili powder but this was way too spicy for us. Not sure if it meant to say teaspoon, but next time that’s what we’ll do instead. Looking forward to trying again!
Hi Marta! The amount is correct, but you can definitely adjust it to your taste!
Sorry but this ended up terrible meat was dry and tasteless, peppers fell apart and i believe it’s mainly due to continuing to pressure cook to get to temp ( 14 additional minutes). Too bad, that was a waste of time and money. Should have listened to the other reviews.
I’m sorry you to hear had trouble with the recipe, Dusty. I know it’s frustrating to try a new recipe and not have it turn out. I (and many other readers) have enjoyed them, so I really wish they would’ve been a hit for you too! It’s hard to say what went wrong without being in the kitchen with you.
Turned out very good and tasty. Had to set my instapot to 15min instead of 10min. Heat wouldn’t go to high only low when set for 10min
Hi Dan! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Very good! Thank you! I’ve made it 3 times now. I mixed the seasonings together, added the diced tomatoes with chilies and the green chilies and mixed them together well, then added the meat. Much easier to mix and distribute the seasonings.
Hi Linda! So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for this kind review!
Excellent recipe! I don’t always follow the recipe exactly. Sometimes I leave out the cheese, etc…I make these a lot!
Hi Tammy! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Thank you! This was soooooooooo delicious! I had leftover stuffing so I just put it in a Pyrex dish and cooked it In the instant pot for the same amount of time after taking the peppers out. we used it as a filling for burritos. The recipe was a big hit with the family! I will absolutely make this again!
Hi Mary! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review! Great idea about the extra stuffing!
Perfect! Meat was cooked and peppers were soft but held their shape! A keeper recipe
Hi TR! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Amazing!
I’ve made this twice now! On the second time I added more cheese inside the pepper, and a little Ketchup to sweeten it and give a little more richness.
I also used this mixture and stuffed tomatoes! My family devoured them!
Next time I will add some stewed tomatoes to the mixture for the peppers. Yes, there will be a next time!
Hi Jocelyn! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!