Flavorful Ground Turkey and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers
Elevate your meal with these deliciously stuffed bell peppers, overflowing with a savory blend of organic ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs. Baked to perfection, these colorful peppers combine nutrient-rich ingredients without compromising on taste. This gluten-free and dairy-free dish is both family-friendly and a great way to sneak in some extra veggies for the kids while still appealing to adults. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a make-ahead meal, these stuffed peppers are versatile and can be tailored to suit your favorite flavor pairings or dietary needs. Enjoy the warmth and richness of this dish knowing you're serving wholesome, homemade goodness straight from your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
bell peppers
3 medium (Cut in half lengthwise and seeds removed)
organic ground turkey
1 lb (Raw)
grated carrot
1/4 cup (Freshly grated)
grated zucchini
1/4 cup (Freshly grated)
sweet onion
1/2 cup (Finely chopped)
garlic
1 clove (Finely chopped (or use 1 tablespoon garlic powder))
egg
1 (Beaten)
cooked white rice
1/2 cup (Cooked and cooled)
gluten-free breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons (Plain)
tomato sauce or ketchup
2 tablespoons (For flavor)
chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons (Fresh)
chopped parsley
2 tablespoons (Fresh)
smoked paprika
1 tablespoon (For flavor)
oregano
2 teaspoons (Dried)
basil
2 teaspoons (Dried)
salt and pepper
3 dashes (To taste)
olive oil
For rubbing (For drizzling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) about 15 minutes before you plan to start cooking.
2
Prepare the bell peppers by cutting them in half lengthwise or by cutting off the tops if they are short and stout. Remove any seeds and membranes, then rinse and dry the peppers. Set them aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated carrot, grated zucchini, chopped sweet onion, minced garlic, egg, cooked rice, gluten-free breadcrumbs, tomato sauce (or ketchup), chopped cilantro, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4
Using your hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is well-combined and feels lighter and less meaty. This should take several minutes.
5
For enhanced flavor, refrigerate the mixture for 1 to 2 hours to let the flavors meld together.
6
After refrigerating, lightly rub the outside of the prepared peppers with a drizzle of olive oil.
7
Carefully stuff each bell pepper half with the turkey and vegetable mixture until they are filled generously.
8
Arrange the stuffed peppers on a non-stick baking pan or a pan lined with aluminum foil.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peppers are golden brown and the internal temperature of the turkey filling reaches 170°F (77°C).
10
For an optional cheesy finish, top the stuffed peppers with your choice of Parmesan, provolone, or cheddar cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking.
11
Once cooked, let the peppers cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Flavorful Ground Turkey and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers?
It is a savory dish featuring a blend of organic ground turkey, fresh vegetables like zucchini and carrots, and fragrant herbs baked inside colorful bell peppers.
Is this stuffed pepper recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for gluten-free breadcrumbs, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
The base recipe is dairy-free; however, adding cheese at the end is an optional step that can be skipped.
What type of meat is used in the filling?
The recipe uses one pound of organic ground turkey.
Which vegetables are mixed into the turkey filling?
The filling includes grated carrot, grated zucchini, finely chopped sweet onion, and minced garlic.
How should I prepare the bell peppers for stuffing?
Cut the peppers in half lengthwise or remove the tops, then remove all seeds and membranes before rinsing and drying them.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long do the stuffed peppers need to bake?
Bake the peppers for 1 to 1.5 hours until they are golden brown.
What is the target internal temperature for the turkey filling?
The internal temperature of the turkey filling should reach 170 degrees Fahrenheit (77 degrees Celsius).
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, it is recommended to refrigerate the mixture for 1 to 2 hours before stuffing to allow the flavors to meld together.
What fresh herbs are included in this recipe?
The recipe calls for fresh chopped cilantro and fresh chopped parsley.
Can I add cheese to these stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can top them with Parmesan, provolone, or cheddar cheese during the last 15 minutes of baking.
What ingredients act as binders for the turkey mixture?
A beaten egg, cooked white rice, and gluten-free breadcrumbs are used to bind the ingredients.
Is this a kid-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is a family-friendly dish that is specifically designed to sneak extra vegetables into a meal for children.
How many bell peppers are needed for this recipe?
You will need three medium bell peppers.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, you can substitute one clove of fresh garlic with one tablespoon of garlic powder.
What liquid flavorings are added to the meat?
The recipe includes two tablespoons of tomato sauce or ketchup for added flavor.
Should I oil the peppers before baking?
Yes, you should lightly rub the outside of the prepared peppers with a drizzle of olive oil before stuffing.
Is the turkey cooked before it is put into the peppers?
No, the ground turkey is mixed raw with the other ingredients and then cooked entirely inside the oven.
What kind of rice is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of cooked and cooled white rice.
Which spices give the dish a smoky flavor?
One tablespoon of smoked paprika is added to provide a savory, smoky taste.
What dried herbs are used in the seasoning?
The recipe uses two teaspoons each of dried oregano and dried basil.
Can I use any color of bell pepper?
Yes, you can use any variety of bell pepper, though the recipe mentions using colorful ones for presentation.
Is this recipe high in fat?
No, it is described as a low-fat, healthy dinner option because it uses lean ground turkey and many vegetables.
Should I salt and pepper the mixture?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding three dashes of salt and pepper, or seasoning to taste.
How should the turkey mixture feel after mixing?
After mixing thoroughly for several minutes, the mixture should feel lighter and less meaty.
What should I use to line the baking pan?
You can use a non-stick baking pan or a standard pan lined with aluminum foil.
Can I use this for meal prep?
Yes, these stuffed peppers are versatile and work very well as a make-ahead meal.
Should I let the peppers cool before eating?
Yes, let the peppers cool for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven to allow the flavors to settle.
What is the best way to mix the ingredients?
It is best to use your hands to mix the ingredients in a large bowl to ensure they are thoroughly combined.