Are you looking for a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that your whole family will love? Have you been racking your brain for a meal that is just as ideal for a busy weeknight as it is for a laid-back weekend dinner? Welcome to the wonderful world of Stuffed Bell Peppers With Ground Turkey – a mouthwatering meal that brings the comfort and satisfaction of home-cooked meals to your dining table. And the best part? It’s as nutritious as it is delicious!
Think of a bell pepper as a vibrant, edible vessel. What would you fill it with? In this case, we’re stuffing it with a tempting mixture of ground turkey, vegetables, and spices. It’s like a miniature turkey feast in a beautiful bell pepper package! Who wouldn’t love to sink their teeth into that?
Choosing the Right Bell Peppers
When selecting bell peppers for this recipe, you’ll want to look for large, firm, and brightly-colored ones. They should be symmetrical with even bottoms, which will help them stand upright while baking. Remember, these peppers are not just an ingredient; they’re the serving dish too!
The color of the bell pepper doesn’t influence the taste of the stuffing, so feel free to mix and match based on your family’s preferences. Green, red, orange, or yellow – each will add its own unique splash of color to your dinner table.
Preparing the Ground Turkey
Ground turkey is lean, healthy, and packed with protein. For this recipe, you’ll need to brown it in a skillet before mixing it with the other stuffing ingredients. While browning, ensure to break it up into small crumbles for an even, consistent texture.
This is also the perfect time to add your spices. Salt, pepper, garlic, and a hint of cayenne pepper for a little kick, if you like. Remember, the key to a flavorful stuffing is to season your ground turkey well.
The Perfect Stuffing
The stuffing for these peppers is where the magic really happens. It’s a delicious medley of ground turkey, sautéed onions, garlic, tomatoes, and cooked rice. This mixture is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to tweak the ingredients based on your preferences. Want to add more veggies? Go for it. Prefer a different grain? Why not!
Once your stuffing is ready, simply spoon it into the emptied bell peppers. Top them with grated cheese, if you like, for a satisfyingly gooey finish.
Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup grated cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Halve the bell peppers lengthwise and remove the seeds. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, if using. Cook until the onion is soft and the turkey is no longer pink.
- Add the diced tomatoes and cooked rice to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Spoon the stuffing into each bell pepper half. Place them in a baking dish.
- If using, sprinkle the grated cheese over the top of the stuffed peppers.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Tips for Stuffed Bell Peppers With Ground Turkey
If your bell peppers are tipping over in the baking dish, slice a thin layer off the bottom to create a flat base. Be careful not to cut through the pepper’s wall. For a vegetarian version, you can replace the ground turkey with a plant-based alternative or additional veggies. Lastly, for a little extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the stuffing mixture.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This Stuffed Bell Peppers With Ground Turkey recipe is a must-try because it’s a wholesome, complete meal in a fun, edible package. It combines protein, grains, and veggies in one delicious dish, making it a balanced option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Plus, its versatility means you can tweak it to suit your family’s tastes perfectly. It’s a dinner win!
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 350 kcal