These Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers are a comforting, colorful dinner made with tender baked bell peppers filled with a savory turkey and rice mixture. They’re hearty without feeling heavy and perfect for a family meal.

This recipe is simple to prepare, easy to customize, and works well for both busy weeknights and make-ahead meals.

Why You’ll Love It

You’ll love how these stuffed peppers combine juicy, seasoned ground turkey, soft rice, and sweet roasted peppers all in one dish. They bake up tender, flavorful, and satisfying, with melted cheese tying everything together beautifully.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients)

Bell peppers — act as edible bowls and add natural sweetness
Ground turkey — lean protein that absorbs seasoning well
Cooked rice — gives the filling structure and heartiness
Onion — adds savory depth
Garlic — boosts overall flavor
Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce — keeps the filling moist
Olive oil — for sautéing
Italian seasoning — classic herb blend
Salt & black pepper — balances flavors
Shredded cheese — melts on top for a comforting finish
Fresh parsley (optional) — for garnish

Tools for This Recipe

Cutting board
Knife
Large skillet
Mixing spoon or spatula
Baking dish
Aluminum foil
Measuring cups & spoons

How to Make It (Step-by-Step Overview)

Step Block 1 — Prep & Filling

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Sauté chopped onion until soft, then add garlic and cook briefly.
Add ground turkey and cook until fully browned.
Stir in cooked rice, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Simmer a few minutes until everything is well combined.

Step Block 2 — Bake & Cool

Arrange peppers upright in a baking dish.
Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into each pepper.
Add a small amount of water to the bottom of the dish.
Cover with foil and bake until peppers are tender.
Remove foil, top peppers with shredded cheese, and bake uncovered until melted.
Let rest briefly before serving.

Helpful Tips

Choose peppers that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
If peppers wobble, trim a thin slice from the bottom to help them stand.
Using pre-cooked or leftover rice saves time and improves texture.
Don’t overfill — leave space for the cheese topping.

Substitutions & Variations

Swap rice for quinoa or brown rice.
Use ground chicken instead of turkey if preferred.
Add chopped zucchini or spinach to the filling for extra vegetables.
Change the seasoning blend to taco or Mediterranean flavors.
Use your favorite melting cheese for the topping.

What to Serve With It

Simple green salad
Roasted vegetables
Dinner rolls or crusty bread
Fresh fruit or a light vegetable side

Leftovers & Storage

Refrigerator: Store cooked peppers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze fully cooked peppers without garnish for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them a day in advance and bake when ready.

Do peppers need to be cooked before stuffing?
No, baking with a little water softens them perfectly.

Can I make this without cheese?
Yes, the filling is still flavorful on its own.

How do I know when the peppers are done?
They should be tender when pierced with a knife.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two pans.

Conclusion

These Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers are a reliable, comforting meal that’s easy to make and easy to love. With simple ingredients and flexible options, they’re perfect for feeding a family or prepping ahead for the week.

Full Recipe