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If you are looking for a hearty, colorful meal that’s both nutritious and bursting with flavor, this Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Brown Rice Recipe is a true winner. Combining lean ground turkey with wholesome brown rice and vibrant bell peppers, it brings together a balance of textures and tastes that’s perfect for any night of the week. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the deliciousness that comes from slow baking and a melty cheese topping, making it a wholesome comfort dish that you’ll want to make over and over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Brown Rice Recipe are straightforward but essential — each one playing a vital role in flavor, texture, or freshness. From the bright bell peppers acting as natural edible bowls to the herbs that elevate the filling, these essentials come together like a delicious symphony of taste.
- 4 large bell peppers (any color): Choose firm peppers for sturdy vessels that hold the filling well during baking.
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean): Provides lean protein with a mild flavor that blends perfectly with spices.
- 1 cup cooked brown rice: Adds nutty texture and wholesome fiber to keep the filling hearty and nutritious.
- 1 small onion (diced): Brings a gentle sweetness and aromatic base to the filling.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a fragrant punch that brightens the dish.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained: Offers moisture and subtle acidity to balance the richness.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing and infusing the filling with a subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A Mediterranean herb that adds earthiness and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a slightly sweet and peppery note to the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat.
- 1/2 cup low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for gooey, golden goodness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Provides a fresh, herbaceous finish to brighten every bite.
How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Brown Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms, carefully cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. This creates the perfect hollow cups for stuffing. Set the cleaned peppers aside so they’re ready to be filled.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them gently until softened and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This soft base brings out a comforting sweetness that forms the flavor foundation for the filling.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir and break the meat apart as it cooks until it turns evenly browned. This step builds savory depth and ensures every bite has tender protein.
Step 4: Combine the Filling Ingredients
Mix in the drained diced tomatoes, cooked brown rice, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Let everything cook together for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and the filling to heat through.
Step 5: Stuff the Peppers and Bake
Arrange the hollowed bell peppers upright in a baking dish. Fill each pepper generously with the turkey and rice mixture. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, giving the peppers time to soften while the filling firms up perfectly.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After baking covered, remove the foil and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of each stuffed pepper. Return the dish to the oven for about 5 minutes more, or until the cheese melts and turns bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the stuffed bell peppers to add a vibrant, fresh touch that complements the warm, cheesy filling wonderfully.
How to Serve Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Brown Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic, but you can also brighten the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a touch of heat. A dollop of Greek yogurt or light sour cream can add creaminess and a tangy balance to the warm, savory filling.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a crisp green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette for contrast, or roast some seasonal vegetables alongside. Garlic bread or a side of mashed cauliflower can also complement the filling without overpowering it, making for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice each stuffed pepper in half horizontally and arrange the halves on a serving platter for a vibrant presentation. You could also serve this dish family-style with extra garnishes nearby, letting everyone customize their plates with fresh herbs, cheeses, or sauces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover stuffed bell peppers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They retain their flavor well and make for an easy reheat whenever you need a quick meal.
Freezing
This Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Brown Rice Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap each stuffed pepper individually in plastic wrap and then foil, or place them all in a freezer-safe container to freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power until hot, covering the dish to keep moisture in and prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Definitely! Ground chicken, beef, or even sausage can all work well, though cooking times and fat content may vary slightly. Ground turkey keeps it lean and light without sacrificing flavor.
Is it necessary to cook the rice before stuffing the peppers?
Yes, the brown rice should be fully cooked ahead of time so it softens properly inside the peppers without drying out during the bake.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute the ground turkey with cooked lentils, black beans, or plant-based meat alternatives and adjust your spices accordingly for a satisfying vegetarian version.
What can I do if my bell peppers don’t stand upright?
If your peppers are wobbly, try trimming a thin slice off the bottoms to create a flat base. This will help them stand more securely in the baking dish.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños to the filling, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes, or include a dash of hot sauce. These tweaks will add warmth and zing without overpowering the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Brown Rice Recipe is one of those heartwarming dishes that feels like a big, comforting hug on a plate. It’s easy to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and looks stunning on the dinner table. I encourage you to try it out soon—once you do, it might just become one of your favorite go-to meals too.
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Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Brown Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious and healthy stuffed bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey, brown rice, and tomatoes, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1/2 cup low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
Grains and Oils
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Prepare the bell peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes carefully. Set the hollowed peppers aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the ground turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat with a spatula, until the turkey is fully browned and cooked through.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cooked brown rice, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Fill the peppers: Arrange the bell peppers upright in a baking dish and fill each pepper generously with the turkey and rice mixture.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the stuffed peppers in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes to cook the peppers and meld flavors.
- Add cheese topping: Remove the foil and sprinkle the low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the tops of each stuffed pepper. Bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the stuffed peppers from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- You can use any color of bell peppers depending on your preference or what’s available.
- Make sure to drain the diced tomatoes to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture.
- Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Brown rice can be substituted with quinoa or white rice if preferred.
