Ground turkey stuffed peppers are a colorful feast for the eyes and a delightful dance of flavors for the taste buds. Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender bell pepper, bursting with savory ground turkey, rice, and spices that tantalize your senses. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make even the most committed couch potato perk up and join you at the dinner table.
This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. It’s a recipe I turn to when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, these ground turkey stuffed peppers will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These stuffed peppers are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor
- Their vibrant colors make them visually stunning on any dinner table
- Plus, they’re versatile enough for meal prep or a cozy family dinner
- Everyone in the family will love this healthy twist on comfort food!
I remember the first time I made ground turkey stuffed peppers for my friends; they were blown away by how delicious they were and kept asking for my secret ingredient.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Bell Peppers: Choose firm, brightly colored peppers for the best flavor and presentation.
Ground Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep this dish light yet satisfying.
Cooked Rice: Use leftover rice or cook fresh; it adds texture and bulk to the filling.
Onion: A finely chopped onion enhances flavor; sauté until translucent for the best results.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add aromatic depth; don’t skip this essential ingredient!
Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes bring moisture and acidity; choose low-sodium versions if preferred.
Cheese: Shredded cheese on top creates a deliciously gooey finish; use your favorite type.
Spices: Ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper elevate the flavor profile—feel free to adjust based on preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare yourself—this cooking adventure will fill your kitchen with warm aromas and your belly with joy.
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures those stuffed peppers will bake evenly while you prep everything else.
Prepare the Peppers: While the oven heats up, slice the tops off your bell peppers and remove all seeds. They should look like little edible cups ready to be filled with goodness.
Sauté Your Filling Ingredients: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onions until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant—this should take about 1 minute.
Add Ground Turkey & Spices: Toss in the ground turkey along with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink inside—around 6-8 minutes will do.
Mix in Rice & Tomatoes: Stir in cooked rice and canned tomatoes into the turkey mixture. Allow everything to meld together beautifully for about 5 minutes on low heat.
Stuff Those Peppers!: Spoon generous amounts of filling into each prepared bell pepper. Top them off with shredded cheese—because why not? Cheese makes everything better!
Bake & Enjoy!: Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow cheese to bubble up nicely!
And there you have it—a simple yet mouthwatering dish that brings everyone together around the table! Enjoy every bite of those vibrant ground turkey stuffed peppers as they warm both your heart and home!
You Must Know
- Ground turkey stuffed peppers are not only delicious but also a fantastic way to sneak in veggies
- The vibrant colors and hearty filling create an enticing dish that’s perfect for any occasion
- Plus, they’re easy to customize based on your palate and pantry!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while you prepare the filling. Sauté garlic and onions, then mix them with cooked ground turkey before stuffing the peppers.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground turkey for chicken or beef. Experiment with different cheese toppings like feta or pepper jack for added flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly cooked peppers, ensure they’re tender but not mushy
- Pre-cook them slightly before stuffing for better texture
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to elevate flavors while keeping it light and fresh
I remember the first time I made ground turkey stuffed peppers; my friends declared it a culinary masterpiece, asking for seconds before I had a chance to sit down!
FAQ
Can I freeze ground turkey stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. Just store in an airtight container.
What can I substitute for ground turkey?
Ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives work great as substitutes.
How long do stuffed peppers take to cook?
Typically, they bake for about 30-40 minutes at 375°F until heated through.
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Ground turkey stuffed peppers are a vibrant and wholesome dish that combines tender bell peppers with a savory filling of ground turkey, rice, and spices. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, offering a healthy twist on classic comfort food. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, these stuffed peppers will quickly become a family favorite, delighting both the eyes and palate.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds to create 'cups.'
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the ground turkey, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook until browned (about 6-8 minutes).
- Mix in cooked rice and diced tomatoes; let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stuff each bell pepper with the turkey mixture and top with shredded cheese.
- Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish covered with foil; bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to melt cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
