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
Scale
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
