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Healthy High-Protein Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

healthy high-protein ground turkey stuffed bell peppers - featured image
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These stuffed bell peppers are a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal prep option featuring lean ground turkey, fresh veggies, and wholesome grains. They offer a comforting yet healthy dinner that reheats well and pleases the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (red or yellow recommended)
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce (no-sugar-added or homemade)
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (185 g cooked)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary blend)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and carefully remove the seeds and membranes. Set the peppers upright in a baking dish. Trim bottoms slightly if needed to stand upright without cutting through.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Stir in tomato sauce and cooked quinoa or brown rice. Cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and thicken the mixture slightly.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley or basil. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into the hollowed bell peppers, packing gently but not overstuffing.
  8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top of each stuffed pepper if desired.
  9. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden and peppers are tender but still firm.
  10. Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the peppers to avoid mushiness; they should be tender but still have a slight snap. Use 93% lean ground turkey for juiciness. Cook the filling thoroughly before stuffing to prevent sogginess. Cover peppers while baking to trap steam, then remove foil at the end to brown cheese. Let peppers rest after baking for easier handling and better texture. Variations include swapping grains for cauliflower rice for low-carb, adding jalapeños for spice, or using different proteins like ground chicken or beef. Omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives for dairy-free versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey stuffed peppers, healthy stuffed peppers, high protein dinner, meal prep recipe, lean turkey recipe, stuffed bell peppers, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://evabake.com/healthy-high-protein-ground-turkey-stuffed-bell-peppers-recipe-for-easy-meal-prep/