Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers! This nourishing and colorful dish brings together vibrant bell peppers, lean ground turkey, veggies, melty cheddar cheese, and fragrant Italian herbs for a family meal that manages to be both wholesome and full of flavor. Tender roasted peppers cradle a hearty filling that’s easy on prep, easy on cleanup, and always a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re meal-planning, feeding a crowd, or just craving something comforting, Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers are a real dinnertime hero.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers is their happily short ingredient list—every item serves a real purpose! From juicy peppers to savory turkey, these components combine for maximum flavor and texture, with a pop of color that makes this meal shine on the table.
- Peppers (3, assorted colors): Choose your favorites—red, yellow, orange, or green—for sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps roast the peppers perfectly.
- Onion (1 small, finely chopped): Provides a subtle sweetness and essential savory depth.
- Ground turkey (14 oz, 7% fat): Lean and satisfying, turkey soaks up all of the other flavors.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): For fragrant, punchy flavor in every bite.
- Cauliflower rice (1 cup, frozen): Adds bulk and nutrition—no one will guess there are extra veggies hidden inside!
- Mushrooms (1 cup, chopped): Bring an earthy, umami profile and a bit of “meaty” texture.
- Tomato puree (3 tbsp): Binds the filling and adds tangy richness.
- Dried Italian herbs (1 tbsp): Think oregano, basil, and thyme—all the best classic Italian flavors.
- Salt (1/2 tsp or to taste): Essential for bringing everything together.
- Pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a gentle heat and balances out the flavors.
- Cheddar cheese (1 1/4 cups, grated): The gooey, comforting crown on each pepper—don’t hold back!
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, finely chopped): For a pop of color and bright herbal notes.
How to Make Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Step 1: Pre-roast the Peppers
Start by heating your oven to 190 C (electric) or 375 F. Slice your colorful peppers in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and core. Now drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then arrange them in a casserole dish. Pop them into the oven for about 15 minutes, just enough to soften and amp up their sweetness. This step means the peppers come out tender and perfectly ready for their filling!
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the peppers roast, place a large frying pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the finely chopped onion and let it sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant (about a minute). Next, crumble in your ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart, until it loses its pink color—around 4 to 5 minutes. Now, mix in the cauliflower rice, mushrooms, tomato puree, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 more minutes, letting the moisture evaporate and the filling turn golden. Stir through a quarter cup of the grated cheddar and all the chopped parsley for a rich, satisfying base.
Step 3: Fill and Bake the Peppers
Remove your pre-roasted pepper halves from the oven and let them cool slightly. Spoon the savory turkey mixture generously into each pepper, pressing it down gently to fit as much as possible. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the tops (don’t be shy—this is the cheesy finishing touch!). Return the stuffed peppers to the oven for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese melts to bubbling perfection and turns a beautiful golden shade.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic—its brightness pairs so well with the deeply savory flavors of Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers. For a little extra flair, try sliced green onions, a touch of fresh basil, or even a spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt or sour cream for creaminess.
Side Dishes
These peppers are super versatile when it comes to sides. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette adds crunch, while fluffy brown rice or quinoa makes for a heartier meal. Roasted potatoes or a simple garlic bread are also perfect partners for scooping up every last bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers on a big platter, alternating colors to make them pop. Try slicing them into thick strips for a fun party appetizer, or tuck smaller pepper halves into individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party entrée. Leftovers? Dice up any extras and toss into a salad or wrap for a quick lunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers store beautifully in the fridge. Simply pack them in an airtight container for up to three days. They manage to taste just as delicious (if not more!) the next day, as the flavors cozy up together overnight.
Freezing
Want to freeze some for future you? Absolutely! Let the cooked peppers cool, then arrange them in a single layer in a container or wrap individually. They’ll keep in the freezer for two to three months. When ready, let them thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, pop Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers in a 350 F oven, covered, for about 15–20 minutes until hot throughout. Microwave is also totally fine if you’re in a hurry—just cover loosely and heat until steamy and the cheese is melted again.
FAQs
Can I make Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the peppers up through filling them, then cover and refrigerate for up to one day. When you’re ready to serve, top with cheese and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to heat through.
Do I have to use cauliflower rice in the filling?
Nope! Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb, veggie-packed addition, but you can swap in cooked white or brown rice, quinoa, or even cooked farro. The dish will still taste amazing and hold together well.
What’s the best way to keep the peppers from tipping over?
If your pepper halves wobble, gently slice a sliver off the rounded bottom to create a flat surface. Nestling them close together in the baking dish also helps keep them upright while baking.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! While cheddar is classic for Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese are all lovely options. Try a bit of grated Parmesan for extra nutty flavor on top!
How do I know when the peppers are done baking?
You’ll see the cheese melt and start to bubble and brown, and the peppers should be fork-tender. If in doubt, give one a gentle poke with a fork—the filling should be piping hot throughout.
Final Thoughts
It’s tough to beat a dinner as cheerful and full of flavor as Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers. Whether you’re looking for something lighter, a meal-prep wonder, or just a way to shake up your weeknight dinner routine, give this recipe a try—you’re truly in for a treat!
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Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers are a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic dish. Colorful bell peppers are filled with a delicious mixture of ground turkey, cauliflower rice, mushrooms, and cheese, then baked to perfection. A satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Peppers:
- 3 peppers (assorted colors, seeds and stalks removed)
Filling:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 14 oz ground turkey (7% fat)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cauliflower rice
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 3 tbsp tomato puree
- 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 1/4 cup grated cheddar
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Pre-roast Peppers: Heat the oven to 190C electric or 375F. Halve the peppers lengthways, remove seeds and core, rub with olive oil, season, and roast for 15 minutes.
- Make The Filling: In a pan, sauté onion and garlic. Add ground turkey, cook until no longer pink. Add cauliflower rice, mushrooms, tomato puree, herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden, then stir in cheese and parsley.
- Assemble And Bake: Fill roasted peppers with turkey mixture, top with cheese, and bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese melts and browns.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Ground Turkey, Stuffed Peppers, Healthy, Low Calorie, Easy Recipe
