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Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey

savory stuffed bell peppers with ground turkey - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring lean ground turkey, fluffy rice, and a blend of spices stuffed inside roasted bell peppers for a wholesome and comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color, tops cut off and seeds removed)
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce (plain or seasoned)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Cut the tops off each bell pepper and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside the tops for later use or chop for another recipe.
  3. Cook 1 cup of rice according to package instructions if not using leftover rice. Fluff and set aside.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
  5. Add ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper while cooking.
  6. Stir in cooked rice and tomato sauce into the turkey mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley if using.
  7. Spoon the turkey and rice mixture into each bell pepper cavity, packing gently but not overfilling. Place stuffed peppers upright in the greased baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the tops of the stuffed peppers if using.
  9. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
  10. Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly. Serve warm.

Notes

If the filling feels dry, add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture. Watch cheese closely during the last minutes of baking to avoid burning. To keep peppers upright, trim a small slice off the bottom if needed. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well in oven or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed bell peppers, ground turkey, healthy dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, baked peppers, savory stuffed peppers