Description
Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a flavorful mixture of lean ground turkey, brown rice, vegetables, and melted mozzarella cheese, baked until tender. This wholesome and family-friendly dinner offers a balanced meal with protein, grains, and vegetables, perfect for a healthy weeknight supper or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large bell peppers
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or beef
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the proper baking temperature while you prepare the peppers and filling.
- Prepare Bell Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove all seeds and membranes, creating a hollow shell ready to be stuffed.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Add the lean ground turkey to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Mix Filling: Stir in the diced tomatoes, cooked brown rice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture. Combine well and remove from heat.
- Stuff Peppers: Spoon the turkey and rice mixture evenly into each hollowed bell pepper, filling them generously but without overpacking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of each stuffed pepper.
- Bake: Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the peppers cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the filling to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a healthier alternative, substitute cooked quinoa for the brown rice to increase protein and fiber content.
- Prepare extra stuffed peppers and freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat for a quick meal.
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Use low-fat mozzarella cheese to reduce overall fat content while maintaining great flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
