Cheesy Turkey-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Delicious green bell peppers stuffed to perfection with a flavorful mixture of lean ground turkey, fresh tomatoes, and breadcrumbs, all topped off with melted cheddar cheese. This hearty one-dish meal is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings. Substitute with low-fat mozzarella for a lighter option. Enjoy the burst of flavors as you cut into each juicy pepper, revealing a delicious blend that will surely impress your guests!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green peppers
8 (Tops removed, cleaned, and deseeded)
Ground turkey
1 lb (Browned and drained)
Mild cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded (low-fat))
Onion
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Breadcrumbs
1 1/2 cups (Can substitute with wet de-crusted low carb bread, pulled apart)
Tomatoes
2 (Chopped)
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon
Mild cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded (low-fat, for topping))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Begin by carefully cutting the tops off the green peppers, then clean and deseed them. Make the cuts as evenly as possible for even cooking.
3
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Dunk the prepared peppers into the boiling water for about 5 minutes, or until they start to become tender.
4
Remove the peppers from the water and place them upside down on a towel to drain any excess liquid while keeping the insides moist.
5
Arrange the drained peppers upright in a baking dish.
6
Optionally, lightly sprinkle salt inside each pepper for added flavor.
7
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey along with the chopped onions. Drain any excess fat.
8
In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned turkey and onions with shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
9
Evenly distribute the turkey mixture into each prepared pepper, packing it in gently.
10
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the stuffed peppers.
11
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this, remove the cover and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
12
Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Cheesy Turkey-Stuffed Bell Peppers?
They are a hearty one-dish meal featuring green bell peppers stuffed with lean ground turkey, tomatoes, breadcrumbs, and melted cheddar cheese.
How many green peppers do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 green bell peppers with the tops removed, cleaned, and deseeded.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the peppers before stuffing?
Cut the tops off, clean and deseed them, then boil them in water for about 5 minutes until tender.
Why should I boil the peppers before baking?
Boiling the peppers for 5 minutes ensures they are tender and fully cooked after their time in the oven.
How do I drain the peppers after boiling?
Remove them from the water and place them upside down on a towel to drain excess liquid while keeping the insides moist.
What type of protein is used in the stuffing?
This recipe uses 1 lb of ground turkey.
How is the turkey prepared for the filling?
The ground turkey should be browned in a skillet along with chopped onions and then drained of any excess fat.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for mild cheddar cheese, preferably shredded and low-fat.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese with something else?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat mozzarella for a lighter option.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 chopped fresh tomatoes mixed into the stuffing.
How many breadcrumbs are needed?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of breadcrumbs for the mixture.
Is there a low carb substitute for breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can substitute breadcrumbs with wet de-crusted low carb bread that has been pulled apart.
What seasoning is added to the meat mixture?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for added flavor.
Should I salt the inside of the peppers?
Optionally, you can lightly sprinkle salt inside each pepper before stuffing them for extra flavor.
How do I combine the stuffing ingredients?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned turkey and onions with cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped tomatoes, and Worcestershire sauce.
How do I arrange the peppers in the baking dish?
Place the drained peppers upright in a baking dish before filling them.
Do I put cheese on top of the peppers?
Yes, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top of the stuffed peppers before baking.
Should the baking dish be covered in the oven?
Yes, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil for the first part of the baking process.
How long do the stuffed peppers bake for?
Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes.
How do I know when the peppers are finished cooking?
They are ready when the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly browned.
Can I use red bell peppers instead of green?
While the recipe specifies green, you can use red, yellow, or orange peppers for a sweeter flavor profile.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it uses lean ground turkey and fresh vegetables, and offers low-fat and low-carb substitutions.
How should I serve this dish?
Remove from the oven, let them cool slightly, and serve warm.
What is the prep time for the onions?
You should chop enough onion to yield 1/2 cup for the filling.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe uses 8 peppers, which typically serves 4 to 8 people depending on serving size.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling and boil the peppers in advance, then assemble and bake when ready.
What is the best way to clean the peppers?
Cut the tops off and remove all internal seeds and ribs to create a clean cavity for the stuffing.
What gives the filling its moisture?
The chopped tomatoes and the juices from the turkey and onions provide moisture to the breadcrumb mixture.
Is this recipe good for family gatherings?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for family dinners or gatherings as it is a hearty, impressive-looking one-dish meal.