While you might typically think stuffed peppers are made from bell peppers or poblano peppers, let me tell you, Anaheims need to make it to this list as well. This Stuffed Anaheim Pepper Recipe is perfect for a make-ahead meal, meal prep, or just a healthy meal idea.
What Makes These Stuffed Peppers So Good?
It is the flavors. This is a Southwest Anaheim Stuffed Peppers Recipe. It is loaded with those warm Southwest spices and flavors. The Anaheim chile peppers make the perfect stuffing vessel!
The ease of making. I know, they do take a little work to make the stuffed peppers, but if you know you will have a busy day, make these the day before or even over the weekend. They will hold for 4 days in the fridge without baking. Then when you are ready, pull them out and bake. Simple!
They reheat really well, so they make the best meal prep. Take these pepper to work. It takes about a minute to reheat and you are ready to go with a healthy, hearty lunch!
As noted above, they are healthy. Not only are the peppers themselves very healthy- they are very rich in Vitamin C and A, but they are filled with heart-healthy ground turkey, tomatoes, etc.
Ingredients
- Anaheim Chili Peppers- You can find these in most grocery stores.
- Ground Turkey- ground chicken or ground beef can also be used if you prefer.
- Diced tomatoes- I used fresh tomatoes and diced them, but you can always use canned if you don't have fresh on hand.
- Onions- If you don't like onions, you can leave them out. I think they are really good though.
- Minced garlic- a must for this recipe.
- Chili powder- this is essential for a nice Southwestern flavor
- Cumin, cayenne, oregano, salt, black pepper- In addition to the chili powder mentioned above, these are some of my favorites for perfect flavor.
- Pepper Jack Cheese- you can use any cheese you like that melts well, but this is my favorite to use. Cheddar cheese is another popular cheese for stuffed peppers. If you want a creamier filling, you can also add in sour cream or cream cheese. I did not use this in my recipe but will add the measurements in the notes section.
How To Make The Peppers
Start by cutting off the top of the peppers, then cutting in half lengthwise. From there remove the stems and seeds.
Place the pepper halves on your baking sheet. You can also use a casserole dish if you want.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. To it, add your ground turkey and onions. Cook until the turkey is no longer pink. Add in the garlic, tomatoes, and spices. Cook for several minutes until the juice has cooked out slightly. Test for salt and pepper and add more as needed.
Remove from the heat and add in ½ the cheese. Mix to combine.
Fill your peppers on the baking pan and top with the leftover cheese.
Place peppers into the oven for baking. They will take between 15-30 minutes. Bake until the cheese is melted, golden brown and the peppers are tender.
That is it. Your stuffed Anaheim peppers are done. They may take a little time to make but are actually really simple.
Notes
If you have not used Anaheim peppers before, you can find them at most grocery stores. They are a large pepper, but lighter in color than a poblano. They are also generally more narrow than a poblano as well.
Make sure and choose peppers that are firm and don't have mold near the stem. They can also be red or green, the red having a little more heat.
Anaheims are a mild pepper, so don't worry about burning your mouth off.
They are named for the city in California but are originally from New Mexico. They are green chiles. Yes, I am using both the "chili" and "chile" spelling.
If you want a creamier filling, you can add in about 4 tablespoons of either sour cream or cream cheese once you have removed the turkey mixture from the heat.
While you want to make sure the cheese melts, you don't want to overbake these. The peppers should be soft, but not mushy.
I did not char my peppers, I think they are good without out, but let me explain the process in case you worry about the skin being too stiff.
Place the chilis on the flame of a gas-stove burner. Turn the chilis until they are blistered. You can also use the broiler for this as well. Simply broil chiles for several minutes, turning occasionally.
Once they are blistered and still hot, place them in a plastic bag and let them steam for about 10 minutes.
Next, peel chiles. The blistered skin will be soft and loose and will come off easily. Discard skins. Cut off the top, cut in half lengthwise, then remove seeds.
From here, stuff with the filling and bake. These will not take as long to bake as the peppers are already mostly cooked.
FAQ
If you are looking for something different than the cheddar or jack, how about blue cheese or even goat cheese?
You sure can. Swap out the ground turkey for black beans.
They will hold well in the fridge, make sure they are covered tightly in plastic wrap, for at least 5 days. I like to reheat in the microwave for a minute or 2.
Other Pepper Recipes
- Jalapeno Pepper Ranch Dressing
- Habanero Ranch Dressing
- Spicy Salsa Verde with Serrano Peppers
- Hot Honey
- Pineapple Habanero Jam
- Peach Jalapeno Salsa
- Texas Red Chili
Stuffed Anaheim Peppers Recipe
Equipment
- baking sheet
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 6-8 Anaheim peppers, depending on size
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups diced tomatoes I used fresh tomatoes, but you can also use canned.
- 2 cups grated jack cheese
Instructions
- Read all the instructions before beginning.
- Cut the tops off your peppers, then cut down the side lengthwise. Remove the seeds and veins. Place the peppers on your baking sheet.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Place your saucepan on the cooktop and heat over medium heat. Once it is heated, add the ground turkey and onions.
- Cook, breaking up the meat until the meat is no longer pink. Then add in the garlic, tomatoes, and spices. I like to start by adding in ½ teaspoon salt and ground pepper. Adjust the seasoning from there, after it is mixed in.
- Continue to cook for about 5-10 minutes.
- Then remove the pan from the heat and mix in 1 cup of cheese, reserving the other cup to put on top.
- Fill your peppers with the filling and top them with the remaining cheese. Place in the oven and bake until the cheese is golden brown and the peppers are tender.
- That is it! They are done and ready to enjoy!