Name: Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb ground turkey; 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1/2 cup cooked brown rice; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional); Fresh parsley, for garnish

Why You’ll Love Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep because it’s simple to make, balanced with protein and veggies, and packed with comforting flavor. The mix of spices and tomato sauce elevates the turkey and rice filling, while the bell peppers become soft and delicious in the oven.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 bell peppers, any color
1 lb ground turkey
½ medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ Tablespoons Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 ⅓ cup tomato sauce, divided
⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the brown rice if it isn’t already prepared.
Slice each bell pepper in half and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.
In a large nonstick skillet, brown the ground turkey with the chopped onion and minced garlic until fully cooked, about 7–8 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the cooked rice, 1 cup tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Mix well.
Place the pepper halves cut‑side up in a 9×13 baking dish. If the peppers don’t sit flat, trim the bottoms slightly to stabilize them.
Spoon about ½ cup of the turkey and rice mixture into each pepper half. Drizzle each with about 1 tablespoon of the remaining tomato sauce, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
Pour about 1 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish around the peppers to help steam them. Cover with foil.
Bake covered for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the peppers are tender.
Serve hot, optionally with a fresh side salad.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: about 15 minutes
Cook time: about 50 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef.
• Skip the cheese or use dairy‑free cheese for a dairy‑free version.
• Add chopped veggies like zucchini or mushrooms to the filling for extra nutrients.
• Try white rice instead of brown rice for quicker prep.

Storage/Reheating

• To refrigerate: Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• To freeze: Wrap individual peppers or place them in a freezer‑safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• To reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual servings until hot.

FAQs

What kind of rice should I use?

You can use cooked brown rice for more fiber and a chewy texture, or swap in white rice for a softer, quicker‑to‑cook option.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes — replace the ground turkey with a plant‑based meat alternative, lentils, or cooked quinoa for a vegetarian version.

Do I have to pre‑cook the rice?

Yes, cook the rice before adding it to the turkey mixture so it’s fully tender in the final dish.

Can I use different cheese?

Absolutely — swap mozzarella for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a dairy‑free cheese if preferred.

How can I make this low‑carb?

Replace the rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates.

What temperature do I bake these at?

Bake the stuffed peppers in a 375°F (190°C) oven.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the peppers ahead and refrigerate them before baking when ready.

Are bell peppers the only option?

Bell peppers are traditional, but you could also use poblano peppers or even large squash halves as a fun alternative.

How do I know when they’re done?

They’re ready when the peppers are tender and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.

What goes well with stuffed peppers?

Serve with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Conclusion

These turkey stuffed peppers are a satisfying, versatile dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. With a delicious mix of seasoned turkey, rice, and melty cheese baked inside tender bell peppers, this recipe is both comforting and nutritious. Enjoy them as‑is or try variations to make it your own!