Healthy & Easy Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers with Rice: Your Ultimate Weeknight Dinner
Discover the ultimate recipe for ground turkey stuffed peppers, a delightful and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. These flavorful bell peppers are generously filled with a savory mixture of lean ground turkey, earthy mushrooms, tender zucchini, robust fire-roasted tomatoes, and your choice of white or brown rice, all crowned with a layer of perfectly melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe offers a lighter, healthier twist on a classic comfort food, without sacrificing any of the rich, satisfying taste you crave.
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Stuffed peppers have long been a beloved staple in kitchens worldwide, cherished for their hearty nature and endless versatility. This rendition takes the classic to a new level by featuring lean ground turkey, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a lighter meal without compromising on rich flavors. The vibrant mix of garden-fresh vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini, combined with the smoky depth of fire-roasted tomatoes and a generous topping of gooey mozzarella, creates a dish that is both visually appealing and incredibly satisfying.
Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or preparing an elegant meal for guests, these stuffed bell peppers are an ideal solution. Their individual portions simplify plating, ensuring a beautiful presentation every time. The colorful bell peppers, brimming with a savory turkey and rice mixture, make for an impressive centerpiece that’s guaranteed to impress. It’s a dish that proves healthy eating can be both easy and utterly delicious.
If you’re a fan of ground turkey and looking for more innovative ways to incorporate this lean protein into your diet, be sure to try my Buffalo turkey meatballs for a spicy kick or my comforting ground turkey tater tot casserole for a nostalgic twist on a classic.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Effortlessly Easy to Make – This ground turkey and rice dinner is designed for simplicity. With straightforward steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal without any culinary stress. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
- A Wholesome and Light Dinner Option – Enjoy a nutritious meal that’s packed with flavor. By opting for lean ground turkey, you get a high-protein dish that’s lighter than traditional beef versions. The generous inclusion of various vegetables and whole grains (if you choose brown rice) ensures a well-rounded meal rich in fiber and essential nutrients, contributing to a balanced diet.
- Excellent for Meal Prep – Take the guesswork out of healthy eating throughout the week! These ground turkey stuffed bell peppers are an ideal meal prep candidate. You can prepare them in advance, bake them, and then easily reheat individual portions for quick and convenient lunches or dinners, making healthy eating a breeze.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Stuffed Bell Peppers
Crafting delicious ground turkey stuffed peppers starts with selecting the freshest and most flavorful ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and some tips for choosing the best quality for your dish.
- Bell Peppers – These vibrant vegetables form the edible “bowls” for our delicious filling. You can choose any color of bell pepper – red, yellow, orange, or green – all are excellent options. Red, yellow, and orange peppers tend to be sweeter, while green peppers offer a slightly more bitter, earthy flavor. Often, buying a 3-count pack of tri-color bell peppers is more cost-effective than purchasing them individually, so compare prices at your local grocery store. Look for firm, shiny peppers without blemishes.
- Ground Turkey – The star of our filling, providing a lean and healthy protein. Ground turkey is a fantastic alternative to ground beef, offering a lighter texture and milder flavor that readily absorbs the seasonings. For optimal flavor and texture, choose 93% lean ground turkey. (See our Substitution section for other protein options like ground beef or chicken).
- Olive Oil – Used for sautéing the ground turkey and vegetables, adding a subtle richness and helping to develop the flavors. Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its quality.
- Yellow Onion – When diced and sautéed, yellow onion adds a foundational sweetness and aromatic depth to the filling, enhancing the overall savory profile.
- Mushrooms – Diced mushrooms contribute an umami-rich, earthy flavor and a tender texture that complements the ground turkey beautifully. Cremini or white button mushrooms work wonderfully here.
- Zucchini – This versatile vegetable blends seamlessly into the filling, adding moisture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It’s a great way to sneak in extra greens!
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes – Diced fire-roasted tomatoes are a game-changer, offering a deeper, more complex, and slightly smoky flavor profile compared to regular diced tomatoes. This subtle smokiness elevates the entire dish. Make sure to drain the can before adding to prevent excess moisture.
- Cooked Rice – The binding agent for our filling, providing a satisfying carb component. You have the flexibility to use either white or brown rice. For those seeking a whole grain option with added fiber and nutrients, brown rice is an excellent choice and is what I personally prefer for this recipe. (See my notes on cooked vs. uncooked rice for important details).
- Italian Seasoning – A fragrant blend of classic herbs, typically including oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjoram. This seasoning medley infuses the filling with a quintessential Mediterranean flavor.
- Paprika – Adds a warm, slightly sweet, and vibrant red color to the filling. If you have it, smoked paprika can introduce another layer of smoky flavor.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Essential pantry staples that enhance and balance all the other flavors in the dish. Adjust to your personal preference.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – The final touch! Mozzarella melts beautifully, creating a creamy, cheesy topping that provides a luxurious finish and ties all the flavors together. For the best melt, opt for a block of mozzarella and shred it yourself.
For precise measurements, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Delicious Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers
Making these hearty ground turkey stuffed peppers is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps to create a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers and Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, carefully prepare your bell peppers. Wash them thoroughly, then slice off the tops and remove all seeds and membranes from the inside. Arrange the hollowed peppers upright in a large baking dish. If any of your peppers are wobbly, simply slice a thin sliver off the very bottom to create a stable, flat base. This ensures they won’t tip over and spill their delicious filling during baking.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the ground turkey to the pan. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s thoroughly browned and no longer pink. This step is crucial for developing the rich flavor of the meat and ensuring food safety. Drain any excess fat if necessary, though lean ground turkey usually produces minimal grease.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables. Once the turkey is browned, add the diced yellow onion to the skillet. Sauté for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing its sweet aroma. Next, incorporate the diced mushrooms and zucchini. Continue to cook for approximately 5 minutes, or until these vegetables have softened and released their moisture. This step concentrates their flavors and prevents the filling from becoming watery.
Step 4: Combine and Season the Filling. Once the vegetables are tender, stir in the drained fire-roasted tomatoes, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for about 3 minutes, just long enough to warm everything through and allow the flavors to meld. This is a critical point to taste the turkey mixture and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed to suit your preference. A perfectly seasoned filling makes all the difference!
Step 5: Stuff and Bake (First Round). Carefully spoon the turkey and rice mixture evenly into each prepared bell pepper until they are generously filled. Use the back of your spoon to gently press the filling down, ensuring each pepper is packed without being overly dense. Once stuffed, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the bell peppers are fork-tender. To check for tenderness, carefully insert a fork into a pepper – it should slide in with minimal resistance. If they are still firm, simply re-cover and bake for another 5-10 minutes.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking. Once the peppers are tender, carefully remove the aluminum foil. Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of each stuffed pepper. Return the baking dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. This final step creates that irresistible cheesy crust that makes these stuffed peppers extra special.
Step 7: Rest and Serve. Once the cheese is perfectly melted and golden, remove the baking dish from the oven. It’s important to allow the stuffed peppers to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the filling to set slightly and prevents the peppers from falling apart when sliced or served. It also helps to prevent burns from the piping hot filling. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade, healthy, and satisfying ground turkey stuffed peppers!
Remember, the goal is to have tender peppers and a perfectly heated, cheesy topping. Enjoy the process of creating this wholesome and delicious meal!
Rice: Cooked vs. Uncooked in Stuffed Peppers
A common question when making stuffed peppers is about the rice. This ground turkey stuffed pepper recipe specifically calls for cooked rice. This means the rice should be fully prepared and ready to eat before you mix it into the filling. The baking time in this recipe is primarily for tenderizing the bell peppers and melding the flavors of the filling, not for cooking raw rice from scratch.
Using cooked rice ensures that your filling has the perfect texture and that the rice is evenly cooked throughout the dish. If you were to use uncooked rice, it wouldn’t have enough liquid or time within the pepper to absorb moisture and soften properly, resulting in a crunchy, unpleasant texture.
Tips for Cooked Rice:
- For Convenience: If you’re short on time, consider using convenience options. Frozen pre-cooked rice (like those found in steamer bags) is a fantastic time-saver – just heat and add! You can also use leftover cooked rice from a previous meal.
- Parboiled Rice: This type of rice cooks faster than regular rice, making it a good option if you decide to cook it fresh right before preparing the stuffing.
- Measuring Dry Rice:
- For White Rice: You’ll typically need about ⅓ cup of dry white rice to yield 1 cup of cooked rice.
- For Brown Rice: Brown rice doesn’t expand as much as white rice. For 1 cup of cooked brown rice, you’ll need approximately ½ cup of dry brown rice.
Always ensure your chosen rice is fully cooked before incorporating it into the turkey stuffing mixture to guarantee the best texture and flavor for your stuffed peppers.
To Pre-Cook or Not to Pre-Cook: Bell Peppers Explained
One of the best features of this ground turkey stuffed pepper recipe is its simplicity: it does not require pre-cooking the bell peppers before stuffing them! This significantly cuts down on prep time and makes the recipe much easier for busy home cooks. The bell peppers will gradually soften and become tender as they bake in the oven, allowing them to retain their vibrant shape and absorb all the delicious flavors from the savory turkey filling.
The recipe includes a slightly longer baking time compared to some others, specifically to ensure the bell peppers reach that perfect fork-tender consistency without any extra steps. This “bake-all-at-once” approach truly simplifies the process, letting the oven do most of the work.
When to Consider Pre-Cooking:
While optional, there are a couple of scenarios where you might choose to pre-cook your peppers:
- For a Super Soft Texture: If you prefer your bell peppers to be extremely soft and tender, almost melting in your mouth, pre-cooking can help achieve this.
- To Speed Up Overall Baking Time: Pre-cooking the peppers can reduce the final baking time in the oven, which might be helpful if you’re in a hurry.
How to Pre-Cook Bell Peppers (Optional):
If you decide to pre-cook, here’s a simple blanching method:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Carefully place your hollowed-out bell peppers into the boiling water for 3-5 minutes. This quick blanching softens them slightly.
- Immediately remove the peppers from the boiling water and transfer them to a large bowl filled with ice water. This “ice bath” stops the cooking process and helps them retain their color.
- Once cooled, remove the peppers from the ice bath and pat them thoroughly dry before stuffing them as directed in the main recipe.
Remember, pre-cooking is entirely optional for this recipe. Most will find the texture achieved through the longer bake time perfectly satisfying, and the extra step is simply not needed for a fantastic result.
Creative Substitutions for Your Stuffed Pepper Recipe
One of the beauties of this ground turkey stuffed pepper recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to customize it based on your dietary needs, pantry staples, or simply what you’re craving! Here are some excellent substitution ideas:
- Bell Peppers – While the recipe suggests a mix, any color of bell pepper will work perfectly. Remember that red, yellow, and orange peppers offer a sweeter profile, while green peppers are more traditional and slightly more savory. Don’t be afraid to mix and match for a vibrant and appealing dish.
- Ground Turkey – If you don’t have ground turkey or prefer another protein, try these alternatives:
- Ground Chicken: A great lean substitute that will behave very similarly to ground turkey.
- Ground Beef: For a more traditional, richer flavor, use ground beef (80/20 or 90/10). Just be sure to drain any excess grease thoroughly after browning to keep the filling from being oily.
- Lentils: For a vegetarian or vegan option, cooked green or brown lentils can replace the meat. Ensure they are well-seasoned.
- Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat: Plant-based ground meat alternatives can also work for a vegetarian/vegan version.
- Yellow Onion – Other onion varieties can add a subtle twist:
- Red Onion: Offers a sharper, more pungent flavor.
- White Onion: Similar to yellow but can be slightly milder.
- Shallots: For a more delicate, gourmet touch.
- Veggies (Mushrooms & Zucchini) – These are incredibly versatile, but you can swap them for:
- Diced Eggplant: Adds a meaty texture and absorbs flavors beautifully.
- Chopped Spinach: Wilt into the mixture for an extra boost of greens.
- Shredded Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Bell Pepper Tops: Don’t waste the tops you cut off! Dice them (minus the stem) and add them to the filling for extra pepper flavor.
- Corn or Peas: For added sweetness and texture.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes – If you can’t find fire-roasted, regular diced tomatoes or petite diced tomatoes work just as well, though you’ll miss the subtle smoky note. You could also add a pinch of smoked paprika to regular diced tomatoes to mimic the flavor.
- Cooked Rice – For different dietary needs or textures:
- Quinoa: A fantastic whole grain alternative that’s also protein-rich.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, use riced cauliflower. Make sure it’s cooked and drained to prevent a watery filling.
- Farro or Barley: For a chewier, nutty whole grain option.
- Italian Seasoning – If you don’t have a pre-made blend, create your own with a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a touch of rosemary. Herbs de Provence is another excellent aromatic blend.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Experiment with other melting cheeses for a different flavor profile:
- Cheddar Cheese: A classic choice for a sharp, savory topping.
- Monterey Jack: Known for its superior melt and mild flavor, similar to mozzarella.
- Provolone: Offers a slightly sharper, Italian-inspired taste.
- Feta Cheese: For a tangier, crumbly topping (consider this in a Greek variation!).
Exciting Stuffed Pepper Variations to Explore
Beyond the classic, stuffed peppers are incredibly versatile, allowing you to travel the globe with your taste buds. Here are a few creative variations to inspire your next meal:
- Mexican-Style Stuffed Peppers – Transport your dinner south of the border! Replace the Italian seasoning with a generous amount of taco seasoning. Stir in a can of drained black beans and some sweet corn kernels for authentic flavor and texture. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a side of salsa for a truly Southwestern-style meal.
- Greek Stuffed Peppers – Embrace the flavors of the Mediterranean. Swap out the mozzarella for tangy feta cheese, and use dried oregano as the primary herb. Incorporate chopped Kalamata olives and perhaps a squeeze of lemon juice into the filling. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a bright, refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish.
- Low-Carb Stuffed Peppers – Perfect for those mindful of carb intake. The easiest way to make this recipe low-carb is to replace the cooked rice entirely with an equal amount of cooked and drained riced cauliflower. Ensure the cauliflower rice is thoroughly cooked and any excess moisture is squeezed out before mixing into the filling to prevent a watery texture. You can also add extra non-starchy vegetables like more zucchini or spinach.
- Italian Sausage Stuffed Peppers: Use ground Italian sausage (sweet or hot) instead of ground turkey for a bolder, spicier flavor. You can also add a pinch of fennel seeds to the turkey mixture to mimic Italian sausage flavors.
- Cheesy Garlic Stuffed Peppers: Boost the cheese factor by mixing some grated Parmesan or Asiago into the filling along with the mozzarella on top. Add extra minced garlic to the sautéed vegetables for a pungent, delicious kick.
Essential Equipment for Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Having the right tools makes cooking these delicious stuffed peppers even easier. Here’s what you’ll need in your kitchen:
- Baking Dish – A sturdy baking dish is crucial for holding your peppers upright and containing any juices during baking. A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for six peppers, or a slightly smaller 2-quart baking dish also works perfectly.
- Large Skillet – You’ll need a spacious large skillet or a Dutch oven to effectively brown the ground turkey and sauté all the vegetables for the filling. A larger surface area allows for better browning and prevents overcrowding.
- Cutting Board and Chef’s Knife – Essential for efficiently dicing your onion, mushrooms, and zucchini, as well as preparing the bell peppers. A good quality cutting board protects your countertops, and a sharp chef’s knife makes prep work a breeze.
Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Leftover Stuffed Peppers
One of the best things about these ground turkey stuffed peppers is how well they keep, making them perfect for planned leftovers or meal prep. Proper storage ensures they remain fresh and delicious for days.
Storing Leftovers:
After your stuffed peppers have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Storing them in individual containers can make grabbing a quick meal even easier!
Reheating Methods:
- Microwave: For a quick reheat, place a stuffed pepper in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, usually taking 1-2 minutes depending on your microwave’s power.
- Oven: To achieve a more evenly heated pepper with a slightly re-crisped cheese topping, reheat in the oven. Place the peppers in an oven-safe dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot throughout. You can cover them loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from browning too much.
Meal Prepping and Freezing Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed peppers are fantastic for meal prepping and freezing, offering convenience and healthy meals on demand.
Meal Prep for the Week:
You can fully prepare and bake these stuffed peppers on a Sunday, then let them cool and store them in the refrigerator. Throughout the week, simply grab a pepper and reheat it using one of the methods above. This makes healthy eating effortless during busy weekdays.
Freezing Stuffed Peppers:
Stuffed peppers freeze exceptionally well, allowing you to stock your freezer with ready-to-bake meals. There are two main ways to freeze them:
- Cooked and Frozen:
- Bake the stuffed peppers completely as directed in the recipe.
- Allow them to cool completely.
- Individually wrap each cooked pepper tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil.
- Place the wrapped peppers in a freezer-safe container or large freezer bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat from frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.
- Uncooked and Frozen (Prep-Ahead):
- Prepare the filling and stuff the raw bell peppers as directed in the recipe.
- Do NOT bake them.
- Individually wrap each raw, stuffed pepper tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To cook from frozen: Place the frozen, unwrapped peppers in a baking dish. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 60-75 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the internal temperature of the filling reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove foil, top with cheese, and bake for another 5-10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Freezing these ground turkey stuffed peppers is a fantastic way to ensure you always have a wholesome, homemade meal on hand for those days when cooking from scratch isn’t an option.
Expert Tips for the Best Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Achieving perfectly cooked, flavorful stuffed peppers is easy with these helpful tips:
- Always Adjust Seasoning to Taste – This is arguably the most important tip for any recipe! Before you stuff the peppers, take a moment to taste the ground turkey and rice filling. Flavors can vary based on your specific ingredients. Adjust the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning as needed to suit your palate. A well-seasoned filling makes all the difference.
- Select Sturdy Bell Peppers for Stability – Choose large, firm bell peppers that can stand upright on their own. Bell peppers naturally come with either three or four lobes. You’ll often find that four-lobed peppers have a flatter, more stable base, making them less prone to tipping over in the baking dish. If your peppers are wobbly, simply slice a thin sliver off the bottom to create a flat, stable surface.
- Fill ‘Em Up Generously But Gently – Don’t be shy when stuffing your peppers! Use the back of a spoon to gently press the filling down into each pepper. This ensures they are well-packed and hearty, but avoid compacting the mixture too tightly, which can make the filling dense.
- Cover Peppers While Baking for Tenderness – For the first 40 minutes of baking, keep the stuffed peppers tightly covered with aluminum foil. This traps the steam and moisture, creating a steamy environment that helps the bell peppers become wonderfully tender without drying out.
- Add Cheese Towards the End of Baking – Resist the urge to add the shredded mozzarella cheese at the very beginning! Instead, wait until the last 5-10 minutes of baking, after you’ve removed the foil. Adding the cheese too early will cause it to cook for too long, potentially drying out, becoming tough, or even sticking to the aluminum foil when you try to remove it. This timing ensures a perfectly melted, bubbly, and golden-brown cheese topping.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Peppers
Absolutely! This recipe is excellent for meal prep. You can prepare the stuffed peppers up to the baking step (before covering with foil and baking). Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, proceed with the baking instructions as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the initial covered bake time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
No, it is essential to use cooked rice for this recipe. Uncooked rice will not soften properly within the baking time provided for the peppers and will result in a hard, unpleasant texture. The recipe relies on the rice already being cooked and tender to absorb the flavors and contribute to the overall texture of the filling. If you only have dry rice, make sure to cook it completely before mixing it into the ground turkey filling.
To ensure your peppers remain stable and upright, choose bell peppers that are large and have a relatively flat bottom. If a pepper still doesn’t stand perfectly, simply trim a small, thin piece off the very bottom (the opposite end from where you cut the top) to create a flat surface. Be careful not to cut too much, as you don’t want to create a hole in the bottom of the pepper.
More Delicious Ground Turkey Recipes To Explore
If you’ve enjoyed the wholesome and flavorful experience of these ground turkey stuffed bell peppers, you’re in for a treat! Ground turkey is a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into a variety of delicious and healthy meals. Here are some of my other favorite ground turkey recipes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen:
- Ground Turkey Tater Tot Casserole
- Buffalo Turkey Meatballs
These recipes highlight the versatility and deliciousness of ground turkey, proving it can be the base for both comforting classics and exciting new dishes.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Stuffed Peppers
While ground turkey stuffed peppers are a wonderfully complete meal all on their own, sometimes you might want to complement them with a simple side dish to round out the dining experience. Here are some fantastic ideas that pair beautifully with the rich flavors of this recipe:
- Simple Green Salad – A light and refreshing green salad with a zesty vinaigrette dressing is the perfect counterpoint to the hearty and savory stuffed peppers. It adds freshness and a delightful crunch without being too heavy.
- Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette – Ideal for soaking up any flavorful juices that escape from the peppers into the baking dish. The warm, garlicky bread adds a comforting touch to the meal.
- Light Tomato or Roasted Red Pepper Soup – A delicate soup served as a starter can wonderfully complement the flavors of the stuffed peppers. The acidity of tomato or the sweetness of roasted red pepper pairs harmoniously.
- Creamy Coleslaw – A cool, tangy coleslaw offers a fantastic textural contrast and a refreshing flavor profile that balances the richness of the main dish.
- Sautéed Kale or Asparagus – For another boost of green vegetables, a simple side of sautéed kale with a squeeze of lemon or roasted asparagus spears makes a healthy and delicious accompaniment.
- Quinoa Salad: A cold quinoa salad with herbs, cucumber, and a light dressing can add a different texture and extra protein to your meal.
- Steamed Green Beans with Almonds: A classic, elegant side that is quick to prepare and adds a lovely color and crunch.
Choose your favorite side, or mix and match to create a truly memorable meal!
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear what you think! Please take a moment to leave a rating and review—it helps me create high-quality recipes and lets others know what to expect.
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Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers with Rice
Equipment
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2-quart baking dish
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Large skillet
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Cutting board
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Chef’s knife
Ingredients
- 6 large bell peppers tops removed and seeded
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 8 ounces mushrooms diced
- 1 small zucchini diced
- 1 can fire roasted tomatoes 14.5 ounce can, drained
- 1 cup cooked rice white or brown*
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the bell peppers upright in a large baking dish. If the peppers don’t stand up on their own, you can slice a sliver off the bottom to create a flat bottom.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, and cook until browned.
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Add the onion and sauté until softened. Add the mushrooms and zucchini, cooking until they release moisture, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in fire roasted tomatoes, cooked rice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 3 minutes to warm the mixture. Taste the turkey mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed.
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Stuff the mixture evenly into the peppers until the peppers are filled, using the back of the spoon to gently press the mixture into the peppers. Cover the stuffed peppers with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes or until the peppers are fork-tender.
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Remove the foil and top each pepper with mozzarella cheese. Bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Allow the peppers to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. For freezing, wrap individual peppers in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition: Nutrition was estimated using brown rice as pictured in the recipe.
Nutrition
Important Food Safety Guidelines
Ensuring food safety is paramount when preparing any meal. Follow these guidelines for your ground turkey stuffed peppers to keep your family healthy:
- Cook Ground Turkey Thoroughly: Always cook ground turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to verify the temperature in the thickest part of the filling. This ensures all harmful bacteria are destroyed.
- Refrigerate or Freeze Promptly: Do not leave cooked stuffed peppers at room temperature for more than two hours. Promptly refrigerate any leftovers in shallow containers to cool quickly, or freeze them for longer storage as outlined in the “Meal Prep and Freezing” section.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and fresh vegetables. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw ground turkey.
For more comprehensive food safety information and guidelines, please refer to the official resources at USDA.gov.