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Tasty Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

A comforting twist on classic stuffed peppers, featuring lean ground turkey and vibrant vegetables packed in colorful bell peppers for a healthy and customizable meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Stuffed Pepper Filling
  • 1 lb ground turkey Lean ground turkey for a healthier option.
  • 1.5 tbsp olive oil Use high-quality olive oil.
  • 1 large onion, finely diced Diced into 1/4-inch pieces.
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic addition to the filling.
  • 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning Can mix with dried thyme, oregano, and basil.
  • 14 oz diced tomatoes Canned, preferably low sodium.
  • 1.75 cups cooked rice Brown rice or cauliflower rice for low-carb option.
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped Fresh herbs for best flavor.
  • 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded Fresh mozzarella recommended.
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste Freshly ground for flavor.
  • 3-4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed Choose vibrant colors for appeal.
  • 1/2 cup water Helps steam the peppers during baking.
  • 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded Reserved for topping.
  • 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated Adds a savory twist.
  • olive oil for drizzling Just a touch to enhance flavors.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
Cooking the Filling
  1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and brown the ground turkey until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon for about 7-10 minutes.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent (approximately 3-4 minutes).
  3. Stir in the Italian seasoning, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, cooked rice, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and mozzarella cheese. Mix well until combined.
Assembling and Baking
  1. Carefully fill each pepper half with the turkey mixture, packing them slightly. Place them cut side up in a baking dish.
  2. Pour water around the peppers in the dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30-35 minutes until tender.
  3. Remove the foil, sprinkle remaining mozzarella and parmesan on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-12 minutes until golden.
  4. Allow to cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.

Notes

Cook rice in advance to save time. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.