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stuffed peppers

stuffed peppers

Stuffed peppers: easy, healthy recipe packed with flavor and protein for a light dinner. Try this comforting dish tonight!
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Total Time 1 hour 1 minute
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 340
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 units bell peppers any color you like, tops cut and seeds removed
  • 1 cup brown rice cooked
  • 250 gm lean ground turkey
  • 1 unit onion small, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup zucchini diced
  • 0.5 cup carrot grated
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes about 400g
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 cup parmesan cheese grated

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil.
  2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange them standing up in the prepared baking dish.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  4. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink. Stir in the grated carrot and diced zucchini, sautéing for 3 minutes.
  5. Add the cooked rice, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
  6. Fill each pepper generously with the turkey and rice mixture. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
  7. Add a splash of water to the bottom of the baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  8. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the peppers are soft and the cheese is golden. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Stuffed peppers have won over home cooks worldwide for their delightful combination of hearty flavors and beautiful presentation. Their true magic lies in their versatility—you can easily tailor the filling to suit whatever is in your fridge or pantry. This makes them not only a delicious option but also a great way to reduce food waste!

Expert Tips for Perfect Stuffed Peppers

  • Choosing the right peppers: Look for firm, evenly-sized bell peppers so they stand up well and cook evenly. Red, yellow, and orange peppers are sweeter, while green ones bring a slightly bolder flavor.
  • Precook the filling: Sauté meats and veggies before stuffing—this step ensures the flavors meld and there’s no excess moisture inside the peppers.
  • Cheese matters: For a meltier and gooier result, try mixing mozzarella or provolone into the filling. Parmesan on top brings sharpness and a crisp finish.
  • Adjust to dietary needs: Substitute ground turkey for beef or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Quinoa or cauliflower rice can replace brown rice if desired.

Preparation Insights

Don’t skip lightly salting the inside of your peppers before stuffing; this little step draws out water and seasons every bite. Adding a splash of water to the baking dish keeps the peppers moist and prevents the bottoms from burning during roasting.

Delicious Pairings & Creative Variations

Stuffed peppers pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted potato wedges, or garlic bread. For a comforting twist, top with extra tomato sauce before baking, or finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving. To add Mediterranean flair, try olives, feta, and a hint of lemon zest in your filling! If you have leftovers, these peppers are fantastic reheated for lunch or dinner the next day—they're even freezer friendly.