If you’re looking for a nutritious dinner that looks as gorgeous as it tastes, you cannot beat Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers. These beauties combine the juicy sweetness of roasted bell peppers with a hearty, savory filling of lean ground turkey, rice, and tomatoes, all crowned in bubbly melted cheese. The result is a meal that’s comforting and wholesome, while bright enough to impress any dinner guest. I love how easily this dish comes together, and that it packs a rainbow of veggies and protein into one oven-baked package. Let’s dive into the delicious details of these Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers!

Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers is how the simplest ingredients come together for big flavor. Each one plays its unique part—from hearty protein to sweet, colorful crunch and that irresistible cheesy topping.

Bell Peppers: Choose four large bell peppers, any color you love—they act as delicious, edible bowls and bring a natural sweetness to the filling.
Ground Turkey: One pound of ground turkey provides lean protein and soaks up all the savory flavors of the seasonings.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon brings everything together and helps sauté the aromatics without overwhelming the dish.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds depth and a subtle sweetness as the base of your filling.
Garlic: Two minced garlic cloves bring a gentle kick and lovely aroma—don’t skip it!
Cooked Brown Rice: The one cup of rice gives the filling structure and keeps the texture hearty, with a nutty flavor that pairs well with turkey.
Diced Tomatoes: Drained canned diced tomatoes offer moisture, acidity, and tang that balance the richer notes.
Italian Seasoning: A teaspoon brings a medley of dried herbs and layers of flavor to the filling.
Smoked Paprika: Add half a teaspoon for a delicious smoky hint that elevates the taste.
Salt & Pepper: Season to taste—these pantry staples are essential to bring out every flavor.
Shredded Mozzarella or Cheddar Cheese: One cup for meltiness and creamy, golden goodness on top.
Fresh Parsley: Optional, but a sprinkle adds freshness and bright green color to your final dish.

How to Make Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prep the Peppers

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice the tops right off the bell peppers and gently remove the seeds and membranes inside. This not only makes room for the filling, but it ensures the peppers cook evenly and look gorgeous when served.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and let them sizzle together for about 2 to 3 minutes. This is where your kitchen starts to smell amazing—the foundation of any great Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers!

Step 3: Brown the Turkey

Add your ground turkey to the skillet and use a spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks. Continue stirring until the turkey is fully browned and cooked through. This process builds flavor in your filling and gets the turkey nice and tender.

Step 4: Mix in Rice, Tomatoes, and Spices

Stir in the cooked brown rice, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Let this filling simmer together for about 5 minutes, so everything gets friendly and all those wonderful flavors marry.

Step 5: Stuff the Peppers

Arrange your hollowed-out peppers in a snug baking dish. Spoon the turkey and rice mixture into each pepper until they’re generously stuffed. Don’t worry if you have a bit of extra filling—pile it around the peppers or save for lunch the next day!

Step 6: Bake and Top with Cheese

Cover the dish with foil and let the peppers bake for 30 minutes, so they become melt-in-your-mouth tender. After that, uncover them, sprinkle a heap of shredded cheese on top of each, and return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and irresistibly bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish each pepper with a shower of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Now your Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers are ready to wow at the table!

How to Serve Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Garnishes

A simple flourish of freshly chopped parsley or basil can really brighten up your Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers. A squeeze of lemon or a dusting of Parmesan is delicious too. For a spicy kick, try thinly sliced green onions or a scatter of red pepper flakes.

Side Dishes

These stuffed peppers are incredibly filling on their own, but you can round out your meal with a crisp green salad, some roasted broccoli, or a crusty piece of bread to mop up any juices. For something cozy, a creamy soup works beautifully alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers into a showstopper by using a rainbow mix of different colored peppers—red, yellow, orange, and green all look fantastic together. Serve each pepper upright on individual plates, or slice them in halves for a family-style platter that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers will stay fresh and tasty for up to four days, making them perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

These peppers freeze surprisingly well! Simply wrap each cooled stuffed pepper tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat refrigerated or thawed peppers in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or simply microwave one or two on a microwave-safe plate until hot. If you’re worried about cheese drying out, place a piece of foil loosely over the top for the first half of baking.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef both work wonderfully in place of turkey. Just swap them in using the same method—your Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers will still turn out flavorful and satisfying.

Can I make these peppers vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the ground turkey with black beans, lentils, or your favorite plant-based ground meat. The rest of the ingredients stay the same, and you’ll have a meatless yet hearty version of Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers.

What’s the best way to make these low-carb?

If you want to keep things low-carb or keto-friendly, simply leave out the rice or substitute it with cauliflower rice. The filling is still delicious and satisfying without the grains.

Can I prep Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers in advance?

You sure can. Assemble the peppers up to a day ahead, refrigerate them covered, and then bake when you’re ready to eat. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they go into the oven cold.

Should I cook the peppers before stuffing them?

For this recipe, baking the peppers along with the filling gets them perfectly tender without any need to pre-cook. If you prefer softer peppers, you can parboil them for a few minutes before stuffing, but it’s not required.

Final Thoughts

If you love a dish that’s both comforting and nutritious, Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers are a must-try. They’re colorful, packed with flavor, and as fun to eat as they are to serve. Give this recipe a go—I promise it’ll be a regular in your dinner rotation!

Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe