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Stuffed Bell Peppers With Ground Turkey

Stuffed Bell Peppers With Ground Turkey

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey are a wholesome and satisfying meal filled with lean ground turkey, rice, vegetables, savory seasonings, and melted cheese. This easy, family-friendly recipe is perfect for meal prep or a healthy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4 people
Calories 365 kcal

Equipment

  • Large baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing spoon
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Aluminum foil
  • Cheese grater, if shredding cheese by hand

Ingredients
  

For the Stuffed Peppers

  • 4 large bell peppers any color
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup cooked rice white or brown
  • 1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes drained
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese divided
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional

For the Baking Dish

  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce or marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, trim a tiny bit from the bottom so they stand upright, but do not cut a hole through the pepper.

Step 2: Start the Baking Dish

  • Add 1/2 cup tomato sauce and 2 tablespoons water to the bottom of a baking dish.
  • Place the peppers upright in the dish.

Step 3: Cook the Turkey

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the ground turkey and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until mostly cooked through.

Step 4: Add Onion, Garlic, and Seasoning

  • Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened.
  • Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 30 seconds so the garlic becomes fragrant.

Step 5: Make the Filling

  • Add the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, and 1/2 cup tomato sauce to the skillet.
  • Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup shredded cheese.

Step 6: Stuff the Peppers

  • Spoon the turkey and rice filling into each bell pepper.
  • Fill them generously, but do not pack the mixture too tightly.

Step 7: Bake Covered

  • Cover the baking dish with foil.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, or until the peppers begin to soften.

Step 8: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

  • Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese over the peppers.
  • Bake uncovered for another 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender.

Step 9: Serve

  • Let the stuffed peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Top with fresh parsley if you like.
Keyword Stuffed Bell Peppers With Ground Turkey