Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and healthy option for any meal. These colorful peppers are filled with a tasty mixture of ground turkey, spices, tomatoes, and quinoa. They are not just visually appealing but also packed with nutrition. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers is a great choice for several reasons. First, they are easy to prepare and cook. Second, they can be customized based on your preferences or what you have in your kitchen. Moreover, they are a healthy dish that combines lean protein and vegetables, making it a wholesome option. Plus, they look great on the dinner table!
How to Make Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Making Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers is straightforward. Follow the steps below to enjoy this savory dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 pound lean ground turkey
- 1/2 yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes (diced tomatoes in puree is even better)
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa (or cooked rice)
- Juice of one lime
- 3 extra large bell peppers (halved and seeded)
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cilantro (for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Add 1 tablespoon of oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes until it starts to soften. Add the ground turkey and minced garlic and cook until the meat is almost cooked through, breaking it up in crumbles with a spoon as it cooks.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the cooked quinoa and squeeze the lime juice over the mixture.
- Fill the peppers with the mixture. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and carefully sprinkle cheese over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Serve immediately.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Serve these stuffed peppers hot right out of the oven. You can garnish with fresh cilantro for added flavor. Pair them with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
How to Store Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
If you have leftovers, store the stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just make sure they are cooled down before placing them in the freezer.
Tips to Make Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
- Try using different colored bell peppers to make the dish more vibrant.
- You can adjust spices to your liking; add more chili powder for extra heat.
- For a lower-carb option, you can skip the quinoa and fill the peppers with more veggies.
Variation
Feel free to customize the filling! You can add black beans, corn, or even cheese directly in the mixture for different flavors and textures.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of meat instead of ground turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based meat can be used in place of ground turkey.
2. How do I know when the stuffed peppers are done cooking?
They are done when the peppers are tender and the filling is hot throughout. The cheese should also be melted and bubbly.
3. Can I prepare the stuffed peppers in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you are ready to bake them.
Enjoy your delicious Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers! They are sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
