Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Turkey Stuffed Peppers are a nutritious and vibrant twist on a classic dish, featuring lean ground turkey, fresh herbs, and colorful bell peppers. This recipe is designed to be approachable for everyone, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome family meal.
Ingredients
- 6 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (lean or extra lean)
- 1.5 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning (dried blend)
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or Monterey Jack)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers in a large baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
- Stir in the cooked rice, half of the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in half a cup of the shredded cheese.
- Spoon the turkey mixture into each pepper, pressing down gently. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top of each pepper.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and peppers are tender.
- Let the peppers rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For softer peppers, par-boil them for 3 minutes before stuffing. Season the turkey filling generously for better flavor. If the filling is dry, add extra tomato sauce or chicken broth.