If you’re looking for a wholesome, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Brown Rice Recipe is going to be your new favorite. It combines lean ground turkey with the nutty texture of brown rice and vibrant bell peppers, creating a colorful, nutritious meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing friends without hours in the kitchen. Each bite is packed with flavor from aromatic herbs, juicy tomatoes, and gooey melted mozzarella that brings everything together beautifully. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Brown Rice Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role. From providing a hearty base to delivering bursts of fresh flavor and texture, these ingredients come together effortlessly for a dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.
- 4 large bell peppers (any color): Choose firm peppers for stuffing—any color will add vibrant hues to your plate.
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean): A healthier alternative to beef that offers a mild, tender foundation for the filling.
- 1 cup cooked brown rice: Adds a nutty taste and wholesome texture while making the dish more filling.
- 1 small onion (diced): Provides sweet and savory depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the filling with its unmistakable aromatic warmth.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained: Brings juicy acidity and moisture, balancing the richness.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the aromatics, adding a smooth mouthfeel.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Delivers a subtle herbal note reminiscent of Mediterranean flavors.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Complements oregano with its sweet and slightly peppery taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a bit of gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/2 cup low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the peppers for a gooey, irresistible topping.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds a fresh, bright pop of color and flavor at the end.
How to Make Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Brown Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Bell Peppers
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, carefully cut the tops off your bell peppers and scoop out the seeds and membranes. Setting these aside ensures your peppers are ready to be filled with that delicious turkey and rice mixture.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and fragrant—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is crucial because these aromatics form the flavor base that will make your stuffed peppers truly irresistible.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Turkey
Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until the turkey is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks so it mixes evenly. This not only ensures a perfect texture but also allows the meat to soak up those wonderful flavors.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients for the Filling
Once your turkey is cooked, stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cooked brown rice, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so all the flavors marry together and the filling is warm throughout.
Step 5: Stuff and Bake the Peppers
Place your prepared bell peppers upright in a baking dish. Carefully spoon the turkey and rice filling into each pepper, packing it generously. Cover the dish with foil and bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften and the filling to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After the initial bake, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over each stuffed pepper. Return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. This final touch adds that perfect gooey texture everyone loves.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the stuffed peppers for a bright, fresh finish. These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Brown Rice Recipe are now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Brown Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is my favorite garnish here, adding a pop of color and a mild herbaceous note. You can also try a sprinkle of extra shredded mozzarella or even a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast that pairs well with the warmth of the filling.
Side Dishes
These stuffed peppers work beautifully alongside light, crisp salads such as a simple arugula salad or a cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. Roasted vegetables or a warm bowl of soup also complement the hearty nature of this dish without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, serve these peppers halved on a platter with an array of colorful dipping sauces like tzatziki or a smoky chipotle mayo. You can even turn the filling into a casserole for a family-style meal, but personally, I love the charm of each pepper acting as its own edible bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffed peppers reheat wonderfully. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep the cheese topping intact and reheat gently to avoid drying out the filling.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, wrap each stuffed pepper tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra cooking time. If freezing after baking, cool completely, then store similarly and reheat thoroughly before eating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving is faster but can sometimes cause uneven heating and a softer pepper texture.
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Absolutely! White rice will work fine, though it will alter the texture slightly since brown rice is chewier and more nutritious. Just ensure the rice is fully cooked before mixing it into the filling.
What if I’m not a fan of ground turkey?
Feel free to substitute ground turkey with lean ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based crumbles. Each will bring its own character but the overall concept remains delicious and satisfying.
How do I know when the peppers are properly cooked?
The peppers should be tender enough to pierce easily with a fork but still hold their shape so they can contain the filling. The baking time of 30 to 35 minutes usually nails this perfectly.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground turkey with cooked lentils or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and walnuts for a hearty vegetarian stuffing that’s richly flavorful and packed with protein.
Is it okay to use canned diced tomatoes with juice?
It’s best to drain the tomatoes as suggested to avoid making the filling too wet, which can affect the texture and cooking time. If you prefer a saucier filling, feel free to keep some juice but reduce additional added liquids accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Brown Rice Recipe is such a satisfying and nutritious meal that suits any occasion. The simplicity of the ingredients combined with thoughtful preparation results in a dish that feels lovingly homemade and full of flavor. I really hope you give this recipe a try — your taste buds and family will thank you!
Print
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Brown Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious and healthy stuffed bell peppers filled with a flavorful mixture of ground turkey, brown rice, diced tomatoes, and herbs, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This recipe is a perfect balanced meal that’s easy to prepare and bake for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Protein
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Prepare Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes carefully. Set the hollowed peppers aside for stuffing.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook thoroughly until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, cooked brown rice, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking the mixture for an additional 5 minutes until all ingredients are well combined and heated through.
- Fill Peppers: Place the hollowed bell peppers upright in a baking dish. Spoon the turkey and rice mixture into each pepper, filling them completely.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes to cook the peppers and allow flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil from the dish carefully. Sprinkle the low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each stuffed pepper. Return the dish to the oven and 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 and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can use any color of bell peppers based on preference; red, yellow, or orange provide a sweeter flavor.
- For a spicier dish, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling mixture.
- Use lean ground turkey to keep this dish healthy and lower in fat.
- Brown rice adds fiber and a nutty flavor, but you can substitute with quinoa or white rice if preferred.
- Covering the dish with foil during baking helps keep the peppers moist while cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
