If you are searching for a comforting and healthy meal that brings bold flavors without the heaviness of rice, then you absolutely must try the Best Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers (No Rice) Recipe. This dish is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, where vibrant bell peppers cradle a savory, seasoned ground turkey filling topped with melty mozzarella. It’s an easy recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying and colorful dinner, perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient plays a key role—whether it’s the lean ground turkey providing hearty protein, the tomato paste infusing rich umami, or the bright bell peppers offering a fresh, crunchy bite. Freshly shredded mozzarella adds that irresistible gooey finish you won’t want to miss.
- 1 lb ground turkey: A lean and flavorful protein that keeps the dish light but filling.
- 8 oz tomato paste: Adds a concentrated burst of rich tomato flavor, making the filling saucy and delicious.
- 1/3 cup water: Helps to loosen up the tomato paste, creating the perfect texture to coat the turkey.
- 1 tbsp poultry seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings warmth and depth to the filling.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses subtle aromatic hints that complement the turkey perfectly.
- 4 bell peppers (halved lengthwise and hollowed out): These colorful pepper “boats” are not just stunning but offer a slightly sweet crunch that contrasts amazing with the savory filling.
- 1.25 cup mozzarella (freshly shredded): Melts beautifully on top for a creamy, cheesy finish you’ll look forward to pulling apart.
How to Make Best Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers (No Rice) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Begin by slicing the bell peppers in half lengthwise and carefully removing the seeds and membranes to create perfect little bowls. Setting these aside makes sure they’re ready to be filled as soon as your turkey mixture is cooked. If you like your peppers a bit softer, you can briefly blanch them in boiling water or microwave, but they also taste wonderful baked straight.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey Mixture
In a skillet over medium heat, start by browning the ground turkey until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces for even cooking. Once browned, stir in the tomato paste and water to form a rich sauce. Season the meat with poultry seasoning and garlic powder, stirring well to combine all the flavors so every bite is packed with savory goodness.
Step 3: Fill the Peppers
Carefully spoon the turkey mixture into each hollowed bell pepper half, packing it in just enough so each pepper is generously filled without overflowing. This filling is hearty and satisfying, creating a great balance against the natural sweetness and crispness of the peppers.
Step 4: Bake with Mozzarella Topping
Arrange the stuffed peppers on a baking dish and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top of each filled pepper. Bake in your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to turn golden brown. The melted mozzarella adds a luscious, melty layer you won’t want to skip.
How to Serve Best Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers (No Rice) Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the peppers just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that makes every bite feel special and vibrant.
Side Dishes
These stuffed peppers pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even a simple garlic bread—offering a well-rounded plate that’s colorful and nutritious without competing with the star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the peppers as individual appetizers by cutting them into smaller sections or place them on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sophisticated touch. They are perfect for entertaining or family dinners that deserve a little extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They hold their flavor well and make for an easy next-day meal when you’re short on time.
Freezing
You can freeze these stuffed peppers before baking. Wrap them individually in foil or place in a freezer-safe container, and keep them frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave until heated through. Adding a little extra shredded mozzarella on top before reheating freshens up the cheesy topping beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Yes, ground chicken is an excellent substitute. It has a similar mild flavor and texture, which works perfectly with the seasonings and tomato base of this recipe.
Is it necessary to hollow out the bell peppers?
Absolutely! Removing the seeds and membranes creates space for the filling and prevents any bitterness, making each stuffed pepper bowl the perfect vessel for the flavorful turkey mixture.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! Finely diced onions, mushrooms, or zucchini can be sautéed with the turkey to add extra texture and nutritional value without altered cooking times drastically.
How can I make this recipe spicy?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the turkey mixture. The heat will blend nicely with the tomato and poultry seasoning for a little kick.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! The Best Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers (No Rice) Recipe reheats beautifully, making it ideal for preparing meals ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about the Best Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers (No Rice) Recipe that makes it a standout meal to have in your weekly rotation. The flavors are vibrant yet familiar, the preparation is straightforward, and the results are impressive enough to share with family or friends. Give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy stuffed peppers without any rice in sight!
Print
Best Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers (No Rice) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These Best Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional stuffed peppers with rice. Made with ground turkey, tomato paste, and a flavorful blend of poultry seasoning and garlic powder, these peppers are stuffed and baked with gooey mozzarella cheese for a satisfying, low-carb meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 8 oz tomato paste
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tbsp poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Peppers
- 4 bell peppers (halved lengthwise and hollowed out to create a bowl shape)
- 1.25 cups mozzarella (freshly shredded)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
- Prepare the Peppers: Wash the bell peppers, cut them in half lengthwise, and carefully remove the seeds and membranes to create hollow pepper bowls for stuffing.
- Cook the Ground Turkey Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Seasonings and Tomato Mixture: Stir in the tomato paste, water, poultry seasoning, and garlic powder into the cooked turkey. Mix well and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the flavors combine and the mixture is heated through.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into each pepper half, filling them generously.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the freshly shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the stuffed peppers.
- Bake: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and healthy ground turkey stuffed peppers!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Feel free to add diced onions, chopped spinach, or mushrooms to the turkey mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.
- If you want a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your poultry seasoning is gluten-free or use fresh herbs instead.
