Do Share Recipe

Delicious Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey Recipe

I just made these ground turkey stuffed bell peppers, and my kitchen smells incredible! They are the perfect weeknight meal—filling, healthy, and so colorful on the plate. My family absolutely loves them, and they reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.

If you enjoy this kind of easy-yet-impressive meal, you should also explore our guide for our Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes with Tuna Salad Recipe. This dish is definitely a new household favorite for us.

Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey Recipe

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to a delicious meal. For this recipe, fresh is best to get the most flavor out of every bite.

3-4 large bell peppers, halved and deseeded – Any color works, but red and yellow peppers are sweeter.
1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the turkey and aromatics.
1 pound ground turkey – A lean protein that keeps the dish light yet satisfying.
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped – Adds a foundational savory flavor to the filling.
3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped – Fresh garlic is a must for its aromatic punch.
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian herbs – A pre-made blend is easy, or mix your own oregano, basil, and thyme.
Salt, to taste – To enhance all the flavors in the dish.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – For a touch of mild spice.
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes – Adds a subtle, pleasant heat.
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce – Use your favorite jarred sauce to save time.
1 cup chopped spinach – Fresh spinach wilts down nicely; avoid using frozen as it can be watery.
1 cup cooked brown rice – Make sure it’s cooled to prevent a gummy filling.
1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese – Grating your own from a block provides the best melt and flavor.
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped – Brings a fresh, peppery brightness to the mix.
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded – For that perfect cheesy, bubbly topping.
Additional basil and fresh parsley for garnish – A final touch for freshness and color.

Note: This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings, depending on the size of your bell peppers.

How Long Does It Take to Cook?

This recipe is straightforward and fits perfectly into a weeknight schedule.

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 55-65 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, just a few kitchen basics.

Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For browning the turkey and mixing the filling.
9×13 Casserole Dish: To bake the peppers so they fit snugly together.
Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping the onion, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Mixing Bowl: To combine all the filling ingredients evenly.

Let’s Get Cooking: Making Stuffed Bell Peppers

This recipe breaks down into a few simple stages, from preparing the filling to baking the peppers until they’re tender and cheesy. Following these steps will ensure your stuffed peppers turn out perfectly every time.

Step 1: Preheat and Cook the Turkey

First things first, get your oven ready by preheating it to 375°F. While it heats up, place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground turkey and cook it until it’s browned all over, using a spoon to break it into smaller crumbles.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies and Seasonings

With the turkey nicely browned, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir everything together and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion becomes soft and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer and Combine

Now it’s time to build the filling. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and add the chopped spinach. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes until the spinach has wilted into the sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked brown rice, fresh basil, and parmesan cheese until well combined.

Step 4: Stuff the Peppers

Take your bell pepper halves and generously spoon the turkey and rice mixture into each one. Don’t be shy—pack it in there! Arrange the filled peppers snugly in your 9×13 casserole dish. This helps them stand upright and cook evenly without tipping over.

Step 5: Bake the Peppers

Place the casserole dish into your preheated oven and bake the peppers uncovered for 30-35 minutes. This initial baking time is crucial for softening the peppers and allowing all the delicious flavors in the filling to meld together. The peppers should be tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping

Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed pepper. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just beginning to turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve Hot

Once the cheese is perfectly melted, take the peppers out of the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes before garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh basil and parsley. This adds a final pop of color and freshness. Serve them hot and enjoy every savory bite!

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this a few times, I’ve picked up some tricks to make these stuffed peppers even more delicious.

I highly recommend pre-baking the empty pepper halves for about 10-15 minutes before stuffing them. This helps draw out some moisture and prevents them from getting soggy.
For extra flavor, I sometimes add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the ground turkey as it browns. It gives the filling a deeper, more savory taste.
Don’t be afraid to add more vegetables! Finely chopped zucchini or mushrooms can be sautéed with the onion and garlic to bulk up the filling.

Fun Variations to Try

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For other fantastic meal ideas, you can also explore our collection of dinner recipes.

Protein Swap: Not a fan of turkey? Try ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even Italian sausage for a richer flavor. For a vegetarian option, use crumbled tempeh or a mix of black beans and corn.
Grain Options: White rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice work well in place of brown rice.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to use provolone, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack instead of mozzarella.

Perfect Serving and Presentation Ideas

Making your dish look as good as it tastes is part of the fun.

Serve the peppers on a bed of fresh arugula or mixed greens for a vibrant, healthy base.
A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on top adds a cool, tangy contrast.
For dessert, a light and refreshing treat like our Best Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe would be a perfect finish.

Calorie Count

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving.

Calories: 300-350
Protein: 22-25 g
Fat: 15-18 g
Carbohydrates: 25-28 g

How to Store Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey

This recipe is great for meal prepping! Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your leftovers throughout the week.

To Store: Place leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Freeze: Let the peppers cool completely, then wrap them individually in foil and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Bake refrigerated peppers at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. If frozen, thaw them first, then bake for 35-40 minutes until heated through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to make these stuffed peppers a regular part of your meal rotation.

A Complete Meal: It’s a balanced one-dish dinner with protein, grains, and veggies all in one.
Perfect for Meal Prep: You can assemble them ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready.
Family-Friendly: The savory filling and melted cheese make it a hit with both kids and adults.
Easily Customizable: It’s simple to adapt the recipe based on dietary needs or flavor preferences.

Ben Carraoli