Save to Pinterest Colorful bell peppers filled with savory ground turkey, fluffy rice, and vegetables are baked to perfection for a hearty and wholesome dinner. This recipe brings together simple, nutritious ingredients for a family-friendly main dish that looks as good as it tastes.
I still remember the first time I made stuffed peppers for my family, and everyone loved how the flavors came together inside those vibrant vegetables. They're now a staple in our dinner rotation, especially when we want something both satisfying and healthy.
Ingredients
- Bell peppers: 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), tops cut off, seeds and membranes removed
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon for sautéing vegetables and turkey
- Ground turkey: 1 pound (450 g) lean turkey
- Yellow onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Carrot: 1 medium, grated
- Zucchini: 1 small, diced
- Cooked rice: 1 cup (180 g) white or brown rice, fully cooked
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz/400 g), drained
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Shredded cheese: 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella or cheddar, divided
- Chopped parsley: 2 tablespoons, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Prep and blanch peppers:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough for the peppers. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, blanch the hollowed bell peppers for 3 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Cook filling:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in ground turkey and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add carrot and zucchini, cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Combine and fill:
- Stir in cooked rice, drained tomatoes, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to combine. Remove from heat and mix in half the shredded cheese.
- Stuff and bake:
- Spoon filling into prepared bell peppers and place in baking dish. Top with remaining cheese. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Finish and serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.
Save to Pinterest Sharing these stuffed peppers at our family table has become a fun tradition on busy nights. The kids like to pick their favorite pepper colors, and everyone enjoys how customizable the filling is for different tastes.
Notes and Variations
You can substitute ground beef or chicken for turkey or add spinach, corn, or black beans for extra nutrition and flavor. Opt for pepper jack cheese or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, baking dish, chefs knife, cutting board, mixing spoon, aluminum foil. These common kitchen tools make prepping and assembling stuffed peppers a breeze.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 340 calories, 12 g fat, 32 g carbohydrates, and 27 g protein for a balanced dinner that fits a healthy lifestyle.
Save to Pinterest Give these stuffed peppers a try for your next comfort meal—the colors and flavors make dinnertime extra special.
Ask About This Recipe
- → What type of peppers work best for stuffing?
Large bell peppers such as red, yellow, or green varieties hold the filling well and soften nicely when baked.
- → Can I substitute ground turkey with other proteins?
Yes, ground beef or chicken can be used as alternatives, adjusting seasonings to complement the chosen meat.
- → How do I ensure the peppers cook evenly?
Blanching the peppers briefly before stuffing softens them and helps achieve uniform tenderness during baking.
- → Is it possible to add more vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely, ingredients like spinach, corn, or beans can enhance flavor and nutrition while maintaining texture.
- → What cheese types are suitable for topping?
Mozzarella or cheddar melt beautifully, creating a golden, bubbly crust over the filling.
- → How can I add a spicy element to the dish?
Incorporate red pepper flakes into the filling or use pepper jack cheese to introduce a mild heat.