Description
These Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers are a healthy and flavorful dinner option, featuring lean ground turkey combined with rice, tomatoes, and a blend of seasonings. Perfect for a comforting yet nutritious weeknight meal, they are baked until tender and topped with melted cheese for a satisfying finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 large bell peppers, any color
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- ½ cup tomato sauce or marinara
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare for baking the peppers.
- Prepare Bell Peppers: Slice the tops off each bell pepper and remove the seeds and membranes carefully. Place the peppers upright in the prepared baking dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about a minute until fragrant.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3 to 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Stuff Peppers: Spoon the turkey and rice mixture evenly into each bell pepper, filling them generously.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften and the filling to heat through.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over each stuffed pepper. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese has melted and the peppers are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil, and serve warm for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute cooked rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbs.
- Make Ahead: Prepare and stuff peppers up to 24 hours in advance and keep refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Freezer Friendly: Unbaked stuffed peppers can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw before baking.
- Flavor Boost: Add spices like cumin, chili powder, or red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture for extra heat and depth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
