Imagine returning home to the comforting aroma of a delicious, healthy dinner. This Ground Turkey Peppers Dinner Recipe is designed for those who desire flavor without compromising their healthy lifestyle. Packed with lean protein and vibrant vegetables, it’s a culinary delight for your weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Before you get started, make sure to have all the ingredients ready at hand to streamline your cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked brown rice (optional for low-carb)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipments
Gather these kitchen tools to ease the cooking process:
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking tray or casserole dish
- Foil (optional)
How to Make Savory Ground Turkey Peppers Dinner Recipe – Step By Step
Step 1 – Prepare the Peppers
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms, prepare the bell peppers by slicing off the tops and removing the seeds and membranes. Ensure the hollowed peppers can stand upright; if not, slightly cut the base to even them out. Place them on a baking tray lined with foil or parchment paper, ready to be stuffed.
Step 2 – Cook the Turkey
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent, taking care not to burn the garlic to preserve its aroma and taste. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned evenly. This method ensures the meat stays juicy and flavorful.
Step 3 – Add Vegetables
Once the turkey is cooked, mix in the canned diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Stir well, allowing the flavors to meld together as you simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper according to taste. If desired, incorporate the cooked brown rice at this stage to add heartiness to the mix.
Step 4 – Stuff the Peppers
Remove the turkey mixture from heat and start stuffing the prepared peppers generously. Arrange them snugly in your baking tray, ensuring they stay upright. Cover the tray with foil to prevent the tops from burning during baking and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Step 5 – Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After 25 minutes, carefully remove the tray and take off the foil. Sprinkle each pepper with shredded cheddar cheese. Return the tray to the oven, uncovered, allowing the cheese to melt and create a golden crust. This should take an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
How to Serve Savory Ground Turkey Peppers Dinner Recipe
Your savory ground turkey peppers are best served hot, straight from the oven. Arrange them on a serving platter and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. They pair well with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables and are a wholesome weeknight meal full of nutritious goodness.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To ensure this recipe is a guaranteed win, consider these tips. First, allow the onions and garlic to cook adequately before combining them with the turkey for maximum flavor infusion. If you wish for more spice, feel free to add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture while it cooks.
Turbo Charge Your Protein Intake with This High-Protein Version
Elevate this dish by incorporating black beans or cooked quinoa into the stuffing. These additions do not only enrich the texture but also significantly boost the protein content. Use a small amount of broth or stock when cooking the turkey mixture to keep it juicy and prevent it from drying out.
Lighten Up: Transform into a Low-Carb Delight
For a keto-friendly version, skip the rice entirely and add chopped mushrooms or more diced vegetables instead, maintaining the texture while keeping it low in carbohydrates. Choose cheese varieties that are naturally lower in carbs, like mozzarella, to maintain a creamy texture without adding unnecessary calories.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers by allowing the peppers to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze them individually wrapped in foil, placing them in a zippered bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
FAQs
- Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey? Yes, ground chicken works as an excellent substitute.
- How can I make this recipe vegetarian? Replace the turkey with lentils or a variety of beans for a protein-packed vegetarian version.
- Is it possible to prepare this in advance? Certainly! Stuff the peppers the day before and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Can I omit the cheese? If you prefer, cheese can be left out or replaced with a non-dairy alternative.
- What is the best way to reheat the stuffed peppers? Reheat covered in an oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through.
The Perfect Ending: Share Your Culinary Experience
This Ground Turkey Peppers Dinner Recipe is perfect for families, picky eaters, or anyone looking to enjoy a wholesome meal without unnecessary fuss. Give it a try, and don’t forget to comment below with your modifications or post a picture on social media! Sharing is caring, so invite your friends and family to savor this delicious recipe with you.
Savory Ground Turkey Peppers Dinner Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground turkey
- bell peppers
- onion
- garlic
- cooked brown rice
- diced tomatoes
- shredded cheddar cheese
- olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- salt and pepper
- fresh parsley
Instructions
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the bell peppers by slicing off the tops and removing the seeds and membranes.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until translucent. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
- Mix in the diced tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add cooked brown rice if desired.
- Stuff the prepared peppers with the turkey mixture and place them in a baking tray. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove foil, top with cheese, and return to the oven until cheese is melted and golden, about 10-15 minutes.