Hey, friends!
Looking for a fun and healthy meal idea? You’re in the right spot!
Today, I’m excited to share my ground turkey quinoa stuffed peppers.
These vibrant little gems are packed with flavor and so easy to whip up.
They’re perfect for dinner or meal prep for the week.
Let’s dive in and stuff some peppers together!
Ingredient Substitutions
Ground turkey can be replaced with ground chicken, lean ground beef, or plant-based alternatives like crumbled tempeh or textured vegetable protein (TVP) for vegetarian options. These substitutions maintain similar protein content while offering different flavor profiles. Adjust cooking times slightly for plant-based options. Quinoa can be swapped with brown rice, cauliflower rice, or bulgur wheat. Brown rice provides a similar nutritional profile, while cauliflower rice offers a low-carb alternative. Use the same amount of brown rice or bulgur, but double the amount of cauliflower rice. Bell peppers can be substituted with large tomatoes, zucchini boats, or portobello mushroom caps for different textures and flavors. Hollow out the vegetables as you would the peppers, adjusting cooking times as needed. These alternatives accommodate various dietary preferences while maintaining the essence of the stuffed vegetable dish.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 45-55 minutes |
| Total Time | 60-75 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 700-800
- Protein: 60-70 g
- Fat: 30-40 g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60 g
Ingredients
- 4-5 bell peppers in your preferred color
- 1/2 cup raw quinoa
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup of either tomato sauce or marinara sauce, with an extra 2-3 tablespoons for topping
- 1 tablespoon italian herb blend
- Parmesan cheese, optional
Step 1: Cook the Quinoa
In a small pot, combine 1/2 cup of quinoa with 1 cup of water.
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer.
Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the water has been fully absorbed by the quinoa.
Step 2: Prepare the Bell Peppers
While the quinoa is cooking, prepare your bell peppers by cutting the tops off each one and removing all the seeds.
Place the bell peppers face down on a large plate or microwaveable dish.
Microwave them for about 2 minutes to help soften them slightly before stuffing.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey Mixture
In a deep skillet, start sautéing the ground turkey and red onion over medium heat.
Once the turkey has started to brown, add the cooked quinoa into the skillet along with tomato sauce and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning.
Stir the mixture and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Stuff the Bell Peppers
Carefully spoon the turkey and quinoa mixture into each prepped bell pepper.
Fill each pepper all the way to the top.
Arrange the stuffed peppers in an oven-safe baking dish for even cooking.
Step 5: Top and Bake the Stuffed Peppers
Before baking, top the stuffed peppers with the remaining amount of tomato sauce.
Place the dish into the oven and bake at 375 degrees F for 30-35 minutes.
If desired, sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy finish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the peppers are done baking and have cooled slightly, serve them as a hearty, flavorful meal.
Enjoy your homemade stuffed bell peppers!
