Turkey-Stuffed Peppers Recipe: 3 Stuffed Pepper Variations
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: Aug 8, 2023 • 2 min read
This easy recipe for ground turkey-stuffed peppers makes for a hearty, veggie-forward meal.
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What Are Turkey-Stuffed Peppers?
Turkey-stuffed peppers are a main dish made by filling bell peppers with a mixture of ground meat, cooked brown rice, veggies, and spices. The recipe is easily customizable: Substitute grains like quinoa, farro, or fonio for the rice, or use any leftover cooked grains that you may have on hand. For a low-carb version, use a variety of finely chopped vegetables.
Rich in both protein and flavor, this colorful dish is the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s also great for meal prep or serving a crowd since you can portion the ingredients beforehand.
3 Variations on Turkey-Stuffed Peppers
It’s easy to customize this simple stuffed bell pepper recipe with your favorite flavors:
- 1. Mexican-style stuffed peppers: For a Mexican-inspired take, try adding chipotle peppers to the tomato paste for a smoky flavor and black beans for some extra protein.
- 2. Mediterranean-style stuffed peppers: For a Mediterranean version, skip the cheddar and add feta cheese and chopped olives to the filling.
- 3. Italian-style stuffed peppers: An Italian flavor comes through well with mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and a few spoonfuls of marinara sauce.
3 Tips for Making Turkey-Stuffed Peppers
Here are some tips on how to make the most flavorful stuffed peppers at home:
- 1. Choosing and preparing the peppers: Any color of peppers works for this cheesy dish. Take care to choose bell peppers that are roughly the same size, so they cook at an even rate.
- 2. Cooking the fillings before mixing: For best results, cook the filling components separately to ensure they’re fully cooked before baking.
- 3. Customizing the flavors: This easy-to-follow recipe is flexible and customizable. Add a variety of grains, minced vegetables, and seasonings to make the dish your own. Cauliflower rice is an easy substitute for grains to make this recipe gluten-free and low-carb. Use any kind of cheese or dried spices, depending on what you have on hand. If you don’t have ground turkey, use ground chicken or ground beef.
Easy Ground Turkey-Stuffed Peppers Recipe
makes
prep time
15 mintotal time
45 mincook time
30 minIngredients
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- 2
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 3
Add the onions and garlic and sauté until the onions begin to soften, 2–3 minutes.
- 4
Add the ground turkey, breaking it up into crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- 5
Sauté the turkey mixture until the meat is brown and fully cooked through, 5–6 minutes.
- 6
Add tomato paste, diced tomatoes, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, pepper, and salt, and stir to combine. Cook until the mixture is fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- 7
Turn off the heat and stir in the cooked grains and parsley. Taste for seasoning and add salt as needed.
- 8
Remove the seeds and white membrane from the bell peppers.
- 9
Distribute the turkey mixture evenly among the pepper halves.
- 10
Place the peppers cut-side-up in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- 11
Sprinkle the tops of the stuffed peppers evenly with cheddar cheese.
- 12
Cover the stuffed peppers with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- 13
Remove the foil and bake until the cheese begins to bubble and brown, 10 more minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, plate the peppers, and serve.
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