This Ground Turkey and Peppers recipe is your answer to quick, nutritious, and delicious weeknight meals. It’s made with lean turkey, bell peppers, brown rice, and a flavorful blend of spices that comes together in under an hour. Baked with just a touch of cheese, it delivers the perfect combination of comfort and clean eating.
Great for meal prep or family dinners, this dish brings balance, flavor, and convenience to your kitchen without requiring advanced skills or hard-to-find ingredients.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love how light and filling it is, thanks to the high-protein turkey and fiber-packed rice
Seasonings like cumin and garlic build flavor without heaviness
Great for make-ahead meals, and easy to reheat
Naturally gluten-free and adaptable for different diets
Ingredients You’ll Need
Lean Ground Turkey (1 lb, 93% lean)
This is the base of the filling. It’s packed with protein and stays juicy with the right technique.
Minced Garlic (1 clove)
Brings bold flavor and depth to the meat mixture.
Chopped Onion (1/4 medium)
Provides a bit of sweetness and texture, enhancing the base flavors.
Fresh Cilantro or Parsley (1 tbsp)
Adds brightness and freshness. Cilantro has a punchier taste, while parsley is more subtle.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp)
Enhances the overall savory taste and boosts the fresh garlic.
Ground Cumin (1 tsp)
This warm, earthy spice pairs beautifully with turkey and tomato sauce.
Kosher Salt (1 tsp)
Essential for rounding out and balancing the other ingredients.
Large Red Bell Peppers (3, halved)
Serve as the perfect shell for the filling. Their natural sweetness complements the savory stuffing.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (1 cup, divided)
Adds moisture and flavor to the meat mixture and helps steam the peppers as they bake.
Tomato Sauce (1/4 cup)
Adds body and tang to the turkey mix, tying together all the flavors.
Cooked Brown Rice (1 1/2 cups)
Adds a hearty texture and helps stretch the filling. It’s also a great source of fiber.
Olive Oil Spray
Used for light sautéing without adding extra calories.
Shredded Part-Skim Cheddar Cheese (6 tbsp)
Finishes the dish with just enough melted cheese to feel comforting.
How to Make Ground Turkey and Peppers
This dish comes together with minimal effort. You’ll sauté the filling, stuff your bell peppers, and let the oven take care of the rest. The result is a hearty, healthy dinner everyone will enjoy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Set the Oven
Preheat to 400°F so it’s hot when you’re ready to bake.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Spray a nonstick skillet with olive oil and heat over medium. Add garlic, onion, and your choice of herb, then cook for about 2 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Brown the Turkey
Add ground turkey along with salt, garlic powder, and cumin. Stir often and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until no longer pink.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Broth
Stir in the tomato sauce and 1/2 cup of the chicken broth. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavor and keep the mixture moist.
Step 5: Mix in Brown Rice
Remove from the heat and stir in the brown rice, mixing well to combine into a unified filling.
Step 6: Prep the Peppers
Cut each red bell pepper in half and remove the seeds. Lay them cut-side up in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 7: Fill the Peppers
Scoop roughly 2/3 cup of the filling into each pepper half, gently pressing it in.
Step 8: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese over each stuffed pepper.
Step 9: Add Broth to the Dish
Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of chicken broth into the base of the dish to help the peppers steam.
Step 10: Bake Covered
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes until the peppers are fork-tender.
Step 11: Serve
Remove from oven, uncover carefully, and serve warm.
Helpful Tips
Use 93% lean turkey for moisture retention and good texture
Make sure the rice is fully cooked before mixing it in
Cover the baking dish tightly to ensure the peppers soften without drying out
You can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it until ready to assemble
A little fresh lime juice after baking can brighten the entire dish
Details
Flavor: Bold and savory with a subtle sweetness from roasted peppers
Texture: Soft peppers filled with hearty, moist stuffing and melted cheese
Occasion: Excellent for busy weeknights, meal prep, or wholesome dinners
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 halves
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 221 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 61 mg |
| Sodium | 248 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep ground turkey from drying out?
Add liquid like broth or tomato sauce during cooking, and avoid overcooking the turkey.
What seasonings work best with ground turkey and peppers?
A mix of garlic, cumin, and salt works well. Herbs like parsley or cilantro add freshness.
Can ground turkey and peppers be used for meal prep?
Yes. They store well in the fridge for several days and reheat easily.
What vegetables pair well with ground turkey and peppers?
Try spinach, corn, mushrooms, or even diced zucchini as add-ins or sides.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. To freeze, wrap each cooled pepper individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before reheating.
Print
Ground Turkey and Peppers | Simple, Healthy, and Satisfying
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These roasted bell peppers are stuffed with lean ground turkey, brown rice, and bold seasonings, then topped with a touch of cheddar for a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
1 lb 93% lean ground turkey
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 medium onion, minced
1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp kosher salt
3 large red bell peppers, halved and seeded
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
Olive oil spray
6 tbsp shredded part-skim cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Spray skillet with olive oil and sauté garlic, onion, and herbs for 2 minutes.
3. Add turkey, salt, garlic powder, and cumin. Cook until browned.
4. Stir in tomato sauce and 1/2 cup broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and mix in cooked rice.
6. Slice peppers in half, clean out seeds, and place in a baking dish.
7. Fill each pepper half with 2/3 cup of the turkey mixture.
8. Top each with 1 tbsp shredded cheese.
9. Pour remaining broth into the baking dish around the peppers.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Serve hot.
Notes
Use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
Make the filling a day ahead for even quicker prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 pepper
- Calories: 221
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 248
- Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 19
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 61
Conclusion
Ground Turkey and Peppers is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s simple to prepare, full of nutrients, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re trying to eat clean, feed your family, or prep meals ahead of time, this dish covers it all. With warm spices, hearty rice, and tender roasted peppers, it turns everyday ingredients into a delicious and satisfying dinner.