Ground Turkey And Rice Stuffed Peppers

Name: Ground Turkey And Rice Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large bell peppers (any color); 1 pound ground turkey; 1 cup cooked rice; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Highlighted under: Homegrown Comfort

I love making Ground Turkey and Rice Stuffed Peppers for a hearty meal that's both healthy and satisfying. These vibrant peppers are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground turkey, rice, and spices that come together beautifully in the oven. It's a fantastic way to pack in some veggies while enjoying a comforting dish. Plus, this recipe is versatile— you can customize the stuffing with what you have on hand. Let me show you how to create this delicious family favorite!

Created by

Ruby Lawson

Last updated on 2026-02-24T05:25:36.519Z

When I first experimented with stuffing peppers, I realized just how versatile they could be. I decided to use ground turkey as the base, which keeps the dish light yet fulfilling. The addition of spices and herbs not only elevates the flavors but also makes the stuffing incredibly aromatic. One thing I've learned is to roast the peppers beforehand for a few minutes, which helps them retain their shape and adds a lovely char to the final dish.

My family can hardly believe how tasty these are! It’s always a hit at dinner, and they love choosing their favorite pepper color. The simplicity of mixing the ingredients and stuffing them into halved peppers means I can easily involve my kids in the process as they enjoy helping out in the kitchen. These stuffed peppers are just as perfect for weeknight dinners as they are for entertaining guests.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Packed with protein and nutrients from turkey and peppers
Flavorful blend that satisfies your cravings without the guilt
Easily customizable with various spices and vegetables

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of this recipe is the ground turkey, offering a leaner alternative to traditional beef. Ground turkey absorbs flavors well, ensuring that each bite of the stuffed pepper is rich and savory. When selecting turkey, look for light or dark meat according to your preference—the dark meat will impart a slightly richer flavor and moisture, while the light is leaner. The choice of rice can range from white to brown, with brown rice adding more fiber and a nutty taste.

Bell peppers not only bring vibrant color to the dish but also contribute essential vitamins like vitamin C and A. When choosing peppers, select firm ones without blemishes. Roasting them briefly before stuffing allows them to soften slightly and enhances their sweetness, balancing the spices in the filling. Don’t discard the tops of the peppers; they can be diced and added to the filling, increasing both flavor and nutrition.

Preparing Your Filling

Cooking the filling properly is crucial for ensuring a cohesive and tasty stuffing. Begin by sautéing the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a flavor base that deepens the overall taste of the turkey and rice mixture. Adding spices like chili powder and cumin early in the cooking process allows the heat to bloom, enhancing their aromatic and savory qualities within the dish.

Don’t forget the role of diced tomatoes—they bring moisture to the filling while providing a slight acidity that cuts through the richness of the turkey. If using canned tomatoes, opt for those without added sugar or preservatives for a cleaner flavor. Adjusting seasoning at this stage is pivotal; taste and modify to create a savory filling to suit your palate, ensuring the seasonings aren't overwhelming the dish's overall balance.

Assembly and Baking Tips

When it comes to stuffing the peppers, ensure that you pack the filling lightly but firmly. Overstuffing can lead to spilling, while under-packing might result in a hollow texture. If you're using cheese, I recommend a blend that melts well, like mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend. Sprinkle it on right before the final bake to get that delicious bubbling top without losing the cheese’s natural flavor during the initial cooking.

Baking the stuffed peppers with a bit of water in the dish creates steam, which encourages even cooking without drying out the filling. The water also helps the peppers become tender. After covering with foil, keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to ensure they develop a gentle char on the tops, which adds depth to the flavor. If you prefer your cheese a little more golden, remove the foil and let them bake uncovered for the final 5 to 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to make the preparation process smoother!

For the Stuffed Peppers

4 large bell peppers (any color)
1 pound ground turkey
1 cup cooked rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Make sure all ingredients are prepped and ready for assembly!

Instructions

Get everything in order before you begin cooking!

Prepare the Peppers

Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If desired, pre-roast them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.

Cook the Filling

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until soft. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

Stuff the Peppers

Fill each pepper with the turkey and rice mixture, packing it gently. If using cheese, sprinkle it on top.

Bake

Arrange the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Pour a little water in the bottom of the dish and cover with foil. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Enjoy your delicious stuffed peppers hot out of the oven!

Pro Tips

Try experimenting with different grains like quinoa or adding black beans for extra fiber. You can also make these ahead of time and freeze them, making weeknight meals a breeze.

Make-Ahead and Storage

These stuffed peppers are an excellent option for meal prep. You can prepare them up to a day in advance—stuff the peppers but keep them uncooked in the refrigerator, covered tightly. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to your cooking time if going straight from the refrigerator to the oven, ensuring they cook through properly. Alternatively, you can also freeze fully cooked peppers for up to three months; heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

For best storage, place any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to four days. They make a convenient lunch that only requires reheating. Simply pop them in the microwave or back in the oven until heated, adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese if desired to restore that gooey texture.

Tasty Variations

This recipe offers room for creativity. For a southwest flair, consider adding black beans or corn to the filling for added texture and nutrition. Alternatively, for a Mediterranean twist, incorporate feta cheese, olives, and herbs like oregano or basil. You can also replace ground turkey with ground chicken or even quinoa to make the dish vegetarian while still retaining a hearty sense.

If you're feeling adventurous, try different pepper varieties—not just bell peppers. Poblano or Anaheim peppers add a subtle spiciness, while hollowed-out zucchini or eggplant can provide an unexpected yet delightful twist on the traditional stuffed pepper format, enriching your table with flavors and presentation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other meats instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can substitute with ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.

→ What can I serve with stuffed peppers?

They pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread to soak up the flavors.

→ Can I freeze stuffed peppers?

Absolutely! Just make sure they're properly cooled before freezing. To reheat, thaw and bake until heated through.

→ How can I make these spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the filling for an extra kick.