Stuffed Bell Peppers

Bell peppers hollowed out and packed with a savory mixture of lean ground turkey, rice, and tomato sauce, baked until tender and topped with melted mozzarella. A comforting, protein-rich dinner in a self-contained edible bowl.

By YumYum Editorial · Healthy & Wellness

Prep: 20 min · Cook: 45 min · Total: 65 min · Serves 4

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground turkey (or beef)
• 1/2 yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup marinara or crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and stand them upright in a baking dish; add 1/4 inch of water to the dish.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the onion for 4 minutes until softened.
4. Add the ground turkey and garlic, breaking up the meat, and cook 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
5. Stir in the cooked rice, marinara, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and simmer for 5 minutes until heated through.
6. Spoon the filling into each pepper, packing it down gently and mounding slightly at the top.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove the foil, top each pepper with shredded mozzarella, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and golden.
9. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.