Ground Turkey And Rice Stuffed Peppers

Name: Ground Turkey And Rice Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers (any color); 1 lb ground turkey; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped

Highlighted under: Home Comfort Food Recipes

I absolutely love making Ground Turkey and Rice Stuffed Peppers! They are not only visually appealing but also a wholesome meal packed with flavor. As I prepare them, the aroma of the hearty turkey mixed with fragrant spices fills my kitchen, making it hard to resist diving in right away. Each pepper is like a little treasure chest bursting with nutrient-rich ingredients, and I enjoy customizing the stuffing to fit our taste preferences. It's a great dish for weeknight dinners and is perfect for meal prep too!

Created by

Charlotte Wilson

Last updated on 2026-02-24T02:02:37.290Z

One of my fondest memories is making stuffed peppers with my family during the weekends. We experimented with various fillings, but I always come back to the classic ground turkey and rice combo. The texture of the turkey blends wonderfully with the tender rice and soft pepper, creating a satisfying bite that never disappoints. This recipe was born from those cherished moments, bringing comfort and nostalgia to our dining table.

I've found that using a good balance of spices not only elevates the dish but also makes it a healthier option compared to traditional beef. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving brings a burst of freshness that complements the warm flavors beautifully. And as a tip, always ensure your peppers are slightly undercooked before stuffing them, so they don’t get mushy in the oven!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Hearty filling with protein-rich turkey and fiber-filled rice
Colorful presentation that brings joy to your dinner table
Versatile recipe that allows for various stuffing options
Easy to make ahead for quick weeknight meals

Choosing the Right Peppers

When selecting bell peppers for this recipe, aim for large specimens that have a vibrant color and firm skin. Red, yellow, or orange peppers tend to be sweeter than green ones, providing a more flavorful base for your stuffing. Look for peppers with no blemishes or soft spots, as these indicate freshness and better texture. To make stuffing easier, you can also choose peppers that stand upright rather than those that tilt, ensuring a stable dish when it comes out of the oven.

Another great tip is to consider roasting the bell peppers slightly before stuffing them. This can enhance their natural sweetness and add a lovely charred flavor, making the dish even more delicious. Simply roast them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes before adding your stuffing, and they'll be tender and ready to soak up all the flavors.

Enhancing the Flavor Profile

One of the fantastic aspects of this stuffed pepper recipe is its versatility with seasoning. If you're looking to elevate the taste, consider incorporating spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper into the turkey filling for a hint of heat and depth. Additionally, adding vegetables such as corn or black beans can bring a nice texture and boost nutritional value, turning your peppers into a comprehensive meal bursting with flavors and colors.

For those who enjoy a bit of tang, a splash of balsamic vinegar or a dash of Worcestershire sauce in the turkey mixture can add another layer of flavor. Experimenting with herbs like fresh basil or oregano can also brighten the dish, making it a fun way to tailor it to your taste buds.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Serving Suggestions

If you're employing meal prep strategies, these stuffed peppers can easily be prepared in advance. After assembling, you can refrigerate the uncooked peppers for up to 24 hours. Just remember to cover them tightly with foil to prevent any drying out. When you're ready to eat, simply bake them straight from the fridge, adding an additional 5–10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure they heat through completely.

For leftovers, store any uneaten stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for about 3–4 days. When reheating, wrap them in foil to prevent dryness and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. These peppers also freeze well; just make sure to wrap them tightly and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as mentioned.

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Peppers

4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 lb ground turkey
1 cup cooked rice
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For Garnish

Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Peppers

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Set aside.

Cook the Filling

In a skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let simmer for about 5 minutes.

Stuff the Peppers

Fill each bell pepper with the turkey and rice mixture, pressing down gently to pack. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake

Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish with a splash of water at the bottom to keep them moist. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Garnish the stuffed peppers with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious, hearty meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the stuffing by adding vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep!

Ingredient Alternatives

In this recipe, ground turkey serves as a lean source of protein, but if you're looking for alternatives, ground chicken or beef can also work well. For a vegetarian option, consider using a mix of black beans, quinoa, and chopped vegetables as a flavorful filling. Additionally, if you're short on rice, cauliflower rice can be a great substitute, providing a lower carb option while still maintaining a hearty texture.

If you don’t have shredded mozzarella cheese on hand, feel free to swap it out for other cheeses such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, which will melt beautifully and complement the other flavors. Just ensure that whichever cheese you choose has good melting properties for that delectable, gooey finish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

A common issue with stuffed peppers is having them come out too soggy. To prevent this, ensure that the filling is not overly wet by draining any excess liquid from the tomatoes before stirring them into the mix. If you’re using fresh tomatoes, consider removing the seeds and excess juice to maintain a firmer stuffing that holds its shape during cooking.

Another potential hiccup may arise when the cheese on top doesn't melt as expected. This can happen if the foil is too tightly wrapped during baking. To produce a beautifully browned top, make sure to remove the foil in the last few minutes of baking, allowing the heat to caramelize the cheese.

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed peppers are hearty enough to stand alone, but you can easily pair them with a fresh green salad or a side of roasted vegetables to round out your meal. A refreshing yogurt-based dressing or a simple vinaigrette can offer a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the peppers. Additionally, serving them with a side of crusty bread can provide a satisfying crunch and a vehicle for any leftover stuffing.

For a fun twist, consider serving them with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top, adding a creamy element to each bite. This can also invite your guests to customize their meal, making it an interactive dining experience that’s both enjoyable and delicious.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other meats instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based proteins can work well in this recipe.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store the stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked stuffed peppers. Just make sure to wrap them tightly before placing them in the freezer.

→ What can I serve with stuffed peppers?

These stuffed peppers can be served with a side salad, crusty bread, or a light soup for a complete meal.