Save to Pinterest Colorful bell peppers filled with savory ground turkey, fluffy rice, and vegetables, baked to perfection for a hearty and wholesome dinner.
I remember the first time I made these stuffed peppers for my family. The kitchen was filled with a wonderful aroma, and everyone gathered around excitedly to see the savory filling nestled inside vibrant peppers. It quickly became a requested favorite at dinner time!
Ingredients
- Bell peppers: 4 large peppers (red, yellow, or green), tops cut off, seeds and membranes removed
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Ground turkey: 1 pound (450 g)
- Yellow onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Carrot: 1 medium, grated
- Zucchini: 1 small, diced
- Rice: 1 cup (180 g) cooked white or brown rice
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz/400 g), drained
- Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Dried basil: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: 1 cup (100 g), divided
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Peppers:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to hold the peppers upright. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch bell peppers for 3 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Make Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion and garlic, cook for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add ground turkey, cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add grated carrot and diced zucchini, cook for 3 minutes. Stir in rice, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 2 minutes to combine. Remove from heat and stir in half the cheese.
- Fill and Bake:
- Spoon filling into prepared bell peppers. Place peppers upright in the dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Cover loosely with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve:
- Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Save to Pinterest The first time my kids tried these stuffed peppers, their faces lit up with bright smiles. Sharing a healthy dinner together made our meal feel extra special.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, baking dish, chefs knife, cutting board, mixing spoon, and aluminum foil will make preparation and baking easy and efficient.
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy, so be sure to check cheese labels for gluten-free certification if needed, and confirm other product ingredients for allergies before serving.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has around 340 calories, 12 g fat, 32 g carbohydrates, and 27 g protein, making it a balanced and filling option for dinner.
Save to Pinterest Serve these stuffed peppers warm for a colorful and wholesome dinner everyone will love. Enjoy leftovers for an easy next-day lunch!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute ground turkey with other meats?
Yes, ground beef or chicken can be used instead, adjusting cooking times as needed to ensure thorough cooking.
- → How do I prepare the bell peppers before stuffing?
Trim the tops, remove seeds and membranes, then blanch them in boiling water for 3 minutes to soften before filling.
- → Are there vegetarian options for the filling?
Vegetables, beans, or plant-based mince can replace the ground turkey for a vegetarian version without compromising flavor.
- → What cheese works best for topping?
Mozzarella or cheddar provide excellent meltiness and flavor, but feel free to try pepper jack for a spicy twist.
- → How can I add more vegetables to the dish?
Mix in chopped spinach, corn, or black beans into the filling to boost nutrition and texture variety.