Table of Contents: Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers
A Delicious, Nutritious Dinner That’s as Easy as It Gets!
Looking for a wholesome, family-friendly meal that’s packed with flavor and ready in under an hour? These Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers are the answer! Juicy ground turkey, aromatic spices, and melty cheese come together inside tender bell peppers for a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Did you know stuffed peppers have been a comfort food favorite for centuries? Originating in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, they’ve evolved into a beloved weeknight dinner staple. What makes this version special? It’s lighter than traditional beef-stuffed peppers but just as satisfying, making it perfect for health-conscious foodies.
If you loved our Philly Cheesesteak Skillet – Easy One-Pan Dinner Recipe!, you’ll adore this recipe for its simplicity and bold flavors. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
What Are Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers?
Ever wondered why stuffed peppers are such a hit? Maybe it’s because they’re like little edible bowls of joy! These Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers take the classic dish and give it a leaner, protein-packed twist.
Why turkey? Well, as the saying goes, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but who says it can’t be a healthier route? Ground turkey keeps things light while still delivering big flavor. Plus, bell peppers are nature’s perfect vessels—sweet, colorful, and sturdy enough to hold all that delicious filling.
Whether you call them stuffed peppers, pimientos rellenos, or just “dinner magic,” one thing’s for sure: this dish is a winner. Ready to make your taste buds dance? Let’s do this!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Healthy & Flavorful
Say goodbye to bland, boring dinners! These stuffed peppers are loaded with lean ground turkey, garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning for a burst of flavor in every bite. The bell peppers soften just enough to be tender without losing their satisfying crunch.
2. Budget-Friendly & Easy
Eating healthy doesn’t have to break the bank. Ground turkey is an affordable protein, and bell peppers are often on sale. Plus, this recipe uses pantry staples like rice and spices, so you won’t need a special grocery run.
3. Customizable & Family-Approved
Got picky eaters? No problem! Swap the turkey for ground beef, add extra cheese, or toss in some black beans for a Tex-Mex twist. It’s as versatile as our Easy & Juicy Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe, but with a lighter touch.
Ready to make dinner a breeze? Let’s get started!
How to Make Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers
Quick Overview
This dish is simple, quick, and foolproof. In under an hour, you’ll have tender bell peppers stuffed with savory turkey, rice, and melted cheese. Perfect for meal prep or a last-minute dinner!
Key Ingredients
– 4 large bell peppers (any color)
– 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
– 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds. Place them in a baking dish.
2. Cook the Filling: In a skillet, brown the turkey with onions and garlic. Stir in cooked rice, marinara, and seasonings.
3. Stuff & Bake: Fill each pepper with the turkey mixture, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
4. Serve & Enjoy: Let them cool slightly, then dig in!
What to Serve With Stuffed Bell Peppers
These peppers are a meal on their own, but pairing them with the right sides takes dinner to the next level. A crisp garden salad adds freshness, while garlic bread soaks up any extra sauce. For a low-carb option, try roasted asparagus or zucchini noodles. And if you’re feeling fancy, a glass of light red wine balances the flavors beautifully.
Top Tips for Perfecting This Recipe
– Prevent Sogginess: Lightly salt the hollowed-out peppers and let them sit for 10 minutes before stuffing to draw out excess moisture.
– Boost Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for extra depth.
– Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble the peppers ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Storing and Reheating Tips
– Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Freezer: Wrap each pepper in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
– Reheating: Microwave for 2-3 minutes or bake at 350°F until warmed through.
People Also Ask
Should you cook ground turkey before stuffing peppers?
Yes! Browning the turkey first ensures it’s fully cooked and locks in flavor. Raw turkey inside peppers may not cook evenly, leading to food safety risks.
How do you keep stuffed peppers from getting soggy?
Salting the peppers before stuffing helps remove excess moisture. Also, avoid overloading them with sauce—just a light coating keeps things balanced.
Can you freeze ground turkey stuffed bell peppers?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in foil or store in freezer-safe containers. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 30-35 minutes.
What sauce goes best with stuffed bell peppers?
Marinara is classic, but enchilada sauce, alfredo, or even a drizzle of pesto work great!
Final Thoughts
These Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers are a healthy, delicious, and easy dinner solution. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a hungry family, this recipe delivers every time.
Want more easy dinner ideas? Check out our Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe – Easy One-Pot Dinner Idea! for another quick favorite. Now, go stuff those peppers and enjoy!
Did you make this recipe? Tag us @CrystalRecipes and share your masterpiece! ️
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Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Delicious and healthy bell peppers stuffed with seasoned ground turkey, vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned.
- Stir in cooked rice and diced tomatoes, let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the turkey mixture.
- Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Return to oven uncovered for 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
You can substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter version. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: ground turkey, stuffed peppers, healthy dinner, baked, easy recipe