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A delicious plate of Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey

These savory stuffed bell peppers are a hearty and healthy meal, packed with lean ground turkey, nutritious quinoa or rice, and flavorful herbs, all baked to perfection with a cheesy topping.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 stuffed bell peppers
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 325

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces bell peppers any color; red are sweeter and offer a nice contrast
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey 93% lean recommended for a healthier option
  • 1 piece onion medium-sized, finely chopped for even cooking
  • 3 cloves garlic minced to infuse maximum flavor into the filling
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice optional but highly recommended for added texture and nutrition
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes fresh or canned, make sure to drain thoroughly if using canned
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor to the mixture
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning a delightful blend of oregano, basil, and thyme
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika contributes a lovely smoky depth to the savory filling
  • 1 pinch Salt to taste, adjust seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process
  • 1 pinch Pepper to taste, freshly ground pepper is always a great choice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing the vegetables and browning the turkey
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese about 100 grams, perfect for a bubbly, golden topping
  • 15 g fresh parsley or basil chopped, for a fresh and aromatic garnish before serving

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Baking Dish
  • Aluminum Foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the bell peppers by cutting off their tops, removing seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside of each pepper with olive oil.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it is no longer pink but still juicy. Season the turkey mixture with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
  4. Transfer the cooked turkey mixture to a large bowl. Add the cooked quinoa or brown rice, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and any finely chopped pepper tops (if you decided to use them). Mix all ingredients well and taste, adjusting seasoning if necessary.
  5. Carefully spoon the prepared filling into each bell pepper, gently pressing down to ensure they are packed full but not overflowing. Arrange the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
  6. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the tops of the peppers, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Remove the stuffed bell peppers from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.

Notes

These stuffed peppers are a complete meal on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a light green salad or a side of crusty bread. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.