Name: Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 peppers (assorted colours, 330g seeds and stalks removed); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion (60g, finely chopped); 14 oz ground turkey (400g, 7% fat); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 cup cauliflower rice (120g, frozen); 1 cup mushrooms (chopped, 80g); 3 tbsp tomato puree; 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs; 1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste); 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 1/4 cup grated cheddar (120g); 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped)

There’s something truly comforting about a warm bell pepper bursting with savory filling, and my Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe hits that spot perfectly. It’s vibrant, wholesome, and comes together in just 30 minutes—making it one of those dinners you’ll actually WANT to make on a busy weeknight.

The dish shows four stuffed bell pepper halves inside a white baking dish on a white marbled surface. Each pepper half is filled with a mix of brown cooked ground meat and small green herb bits. On top of the filling, melted light golden cheese adds a stringy texture with slight browning around some edges. The peppers are bright red and orange, softened from baking with natural wrinkled skin. Small chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top for color contrast. There is some melted cheese and oil residue pooled in the dish around the peppers, adding a slightly glossy appearance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe has saved my dinner plans—it’s simple yet feels special. Plus, the blend of turkey, veggies, and cheese creates a juicy, flavorful filling that keeps everyone happy, even picky eaters.

Quick and Easy: From chopping to oven, it’s just 30 minutes to the table without skimping on flavor.
Healthy and Low-Carb: Uses lean ground turkey and cauliflower rice to keep it light but satisfying.
Colorful Presentation: Assorted bell peppers make this dish as pretty as it is tasty.
Customizable: You can easily swap veggies or spices to suit your palate or what’s in your fridge.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe plays its part to make sure you end up with a dish that’s rich, balanced, and full of texture. Choosing fresh bell peppers and using cauliflower rice instead of plain rice keeps it lighter, but if you prefer, swapping in regular rice works beautifully too.

Flat lay of three fresh bell peppers in assorted colors with seeds and stalks removed, two whole brown garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of finely chopped small onion, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fresh ground turkey, a small white ceramic bowl containing chopped fresh mushrooms, a small white ceramic bowl holding cauliflower rice, a small white ceramic bowl with bright red tomato puree, a small white ceramic bowl with dried Italian herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl filled with grated cheddar cheese, and a small white ceramic bowl of finely chopped fresh parsley, all arranged symmetrically and naturally on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Bell Peppers: I like using assorted colors to brighten up the plate and add natural sweetness.
Olive Oil: Adds healthy fat and helps soften the onion and garlic for a flavorful base.
Onion: Finely chopped so it melts into the filling without overpowering it.
Ground Turkey: Lean and mild, turkey absorbs the herbs and spices well, making it juicy when cooked right.
Garlic: Essential for that aroma and a little punch in every bite.
Cauliflower Rice: Keeps the stuffing light but adds bulk and veggies without carbs.
Mushrooms: Chopped finely, they bring an earthy, meaty texture that compliments the turkey well.
Tomato Puree: Deepens flavor and adds moisture to the filling so nothing dries out.
Dried Italian Herbs: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme that gives it a classic Mediterranean touch.
Salt & Pepper: Adjust these to taste—you’ll be surprised how much they can elevate the other ingredients.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, it tops the peppers with gooey goodness and golden color.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a burst of freshness right at the end to lighten the richness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Over time, I've played around with different veggies and spices, and you should feel free to make it exactly how you love it. Your kitchen, your rules!

Variation: I sometimes swap the cauliflower rice for quinoa when I want an extra protein boost—it adds a nice nuttiness that pairs well with the turkey.
Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika can add a subtle warmth without overpowering the flavors.
Go Cheese-Free: For a dairy-free version, leave out the cheddar and sprinkle with nutritional yeast instead for that cheesy vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe

The image shows five stuffed bell pepper halves placed closely in a white baking dish with a white marbled background. Each pepper half forms the base layer, with colors varying from red to orange and green, showing a slightly roasted texture. The next layer is a chunky mixture of browned meat and vegetables, visibly textured and piled high inside each pepper. The top layer is melted, slightly browned white cheese, scattered unevenly but covering most of the filling. Fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the cheese, adding brightness and contrast. The peppers look juicy and soft, with some slight charring at the edges, and the filling appears moist and savory. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepping the Peppers

I start by slicing the tops off each bell pepper and gently scraping out the seeds and membranes—try to keep the walls intact so they hold the stuffing well. Then, I like to give them a quick drizzle of olive oil and a tiny sprinkle of salt before roasting; it softens them just enough without losing their shape.

Step 2: Cooking the Filling

While the peppers roast, I heat olive oil in a pan and sauté finely chopped onion until translucent and sweet. Toss in the garlic next and cook just until fragrant—watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn. Then I add the ground turkey, breaking it up as it browns evenly. Once the turkey is nearly cooked, I stir in diced mushrooms, cauliflower rice, tomato puree, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Let it all simmer for a few minutes so the flavors blend together beautifully.

Step 3: Stuffing and Baking

Time to stuff those peppers! I spoon the filling generously into each pepper cavity, then top them off with freshly grated cheddar. Back into the oven they go until the cheese bubbles and turns golden—usually around 10 minutes. That final melt is where the magic really happens.

Top Tip

Over the years, I've found a few tricks that really bring this Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe to the next level, especially for busy weeknights when you want a fuss-free yet delicious meal.

Even Cooking: Don't overstuff the peppers; leave a little space at the top so the cheese can melt without spilling over.
Don’t Skip Sautéing: Cook the filling ingredients thoroughly on the stove first to concentrate the flavors—raw stuffing can make the peppers watery.
Use Fresh Parsley: Adding fresh herbs at the end amps up the brightness and helps balance the richness of the turkey and cheese.
Check Pepper Ripeness: Choose peppers that are firm and glossy for the best texture after baking—soft or wrinkled ones won’t hold up well.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a bit of extra chopped fresh parsley on top before serving—it adds that fresh, herbaceous pop. If you’re feeling fancy, a scoop of sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side pairs beautifully too.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I like a crisp mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette alongside these peppers. Roasted sweet potatoes or a light cucumber salad work really well too, offering contrast without overwhelming the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, I’ve hollowed mini bell peppers for bite-sized versions of this recipe—perfect finger food! Or, arrange the stuffed peppers on a long platter with colorful garnishes like cherry tomatoes and basil leaves for a rustic and inviting centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully, making them a perfect meal prep option for the week ahead.

Freezing

I’ve also frozen stuffed peppers a few times. To do this, I wrap each pepper tightly in foil or plastic wrap before popping them in a freezer bag. When you're ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven to keep that cheese melty and the pepper tender.

Reheating

Reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes works best to maintain texture. You can cover them with foil if the cheese starts to brown too much but isn’t fully melted yet. Microwave works in a pinch, but you might lose a bit of the pepper's firmness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef works just as well, though cooking times and fat content may vary slightly. Just brown the meat fully before mixing with the other ingredients.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can swap the ground turkey for a plant-based ground alternative or use a mix of lentils and finely chopped mushrooms for a hearty veggie filling. Adjust seasonings to enhance the depth of flavor.

Is cauliflower rice necessary or can I omit it?

Cauliflower rice adds bulk and a little extra vegetable goodness without many carbs, but you can omit it or replace it with regular rice, quinoa, or even cooked bulgur depending on your preference. Just adjust cooking liquid and timing accordingly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving. This makes it perfect for entertaining or busy weeknight dinners.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe is a genuine weekday hero in my kitchen. The way it comes together quickly but still tastes like you spent hours prepping is why I make it again and again. I hope you find it as satisfying and adaptable as I have — it’s comforting food that makes you feel good about what you’re eating, and that’s a rare gem!