Stuffed peppers authentic recipe

September 12, 2025

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

stuffed peppers

Stuffed peppers recipe for a colorful, nutritious meal. Juicy peppers, tasty filling, and a healthy twist in every bite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Total Time 1 1

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Lunch

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 290

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

4 units bell peppers Any color, tops removed and seeds cleaned
1 cup cooked brown rice Cool before using
300 gm lean ground turkey Chicken also works
0.5 unit zucchini Grated
1 unit carrot Grated
0.5 unit onion Finely chopped
2 cloves garlic Minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon dried oregano Or Italian seasoning
0.5 cup tomato sauce
0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese Optional topping

Method

Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease a baking dish that fits all your peppers upright.
Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Arrange them upright in the baking dish.
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and soft, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Stir in carrot, zucchini, salt, pepper, and oregano. Cook 2-3 more minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
Remove from heat and add cooked rice and half of the tomato sauce. Mix well to combine the filling ingredients.
Spoon the turkey mixture into each bell pepper, pressing slightly to fill completely. Pour remaining tomato sauce over the tops of the stuffed peppers.
Cover dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle with parmesan cheese (if using), and bake another 10 minutes, or until peppers are tender and cheese is golden.
Serve hot, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Stuffed peppers are a classic favorite in many kitchens for their versatility and stunning presentation—colorful peppers are as appealing on the plate as they are delicious. This recipe lets you get creative with whatever you have on hand, making it a staple weeknight dinner or impressive dish for guests.

Tips for Success

Choose peppers of similar size so they cook evenly. If you like extra sweetness, go for red or yellow instead of green.
Precook the peppers for a few minutes in boiling water if you prefer a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This step is optional, but it can be a game changer for delicate palates.
For a vegetarian version, simply swap out the ground turkey for cooked lentils or mushrooms. Both add hearty texture and earthy flavor!
Melted cheese on top adds richness. Mix in mozzarella with the filling for extra gooeyness.

Flavor and Texture Boosters

Don’t overfill or pack the peppers tightly; leave just enough space for the filling to steam and remain juicy.
A dash of smoked paprika or chili flakes will give your stuffed peppers a subtle kick.
Sautéing aromatics—like onion and garlic—before mixing them into the filling ensures a deeper flavor.

Serving and Pairing Ideas

Serve your stuffed peppers with a simple green salad, roasted potatoes, or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a Mediterranean twist, add a dollop of yogurt or tzatziki on the side, or complement with a quinoa tabbouleh.

If you want to go further, try different grains like quinoa or bulgur in place of rice, or fill mini peppers for a festive appetizer that’s easy to eat with your hands. The possibilities are endless—let your pantry inspire the next stuffed pepper adventure!

Tagged:healthy mediterranean diet recipe

Valentina Silva

Stuffed peppers authentic recipe