Judy Spencer
CSMS Magazine
Looking for a healthy, hearty dinner that’s easy to pull off on a busy weeknight? These Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Brown Rice are just the ticket. Tender bell peppers pack a savory filling of lean turkey, nutty brown rice, and tangy tomatoes — all seasoned just right and topped with melty cheese. Ready in under an hour, they’re cozy, colorful, and guaranteed to earn a spot in your dinner rotation. Let’s get stuffing!
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients:
4–6 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
1 lb ground turkey
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp cumin (optional, for warmth)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar, optional)
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare the peppers:
Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. If needed, trim the bottoms slightly so they stand upright.
Cook the filling:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
Add ground turkey:
Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess liquid if needed.
Season and combine:
Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked brown rice. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes until well combined.
Stuff the peppers:
Spoon the turkey and rice mixture evenly into each pepper. Place them upright in the baking dish.
Bake:
Cover with foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, until peppers are tender.
Add cheese (optional):
Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve:
Top with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve warm.
Tips:
For extra flavor, add a splash of broth to the baking dish before cooking.
Swap brown rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Add chopped spinach or zucchini to boost the veggie content.
Also, see: Grilled Chicken Salad
