Introduction
Looking for a healthy and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and nutrients? These stuffed bell peppers with ground turkey and quinoa are the perfect answer! This recipe offers a delicious alternative to traditional stuffed peppers, swapping ground beef for lean ground turkey and rice for the protein-packed superfood, quinoa. It’s a complete meal in a colorful, edible package. Plus, it’s easily customizable to fit your dietary needs and preferences. Let’s dive into this fantastic recipe!
Making the Perfect Turkey & Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Bell Peppers: 4 large bell peppers (any color you like!)
- Ground Turkey: 1 pound lean ground turkey
- Quinoa: 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- Vegetable Broth: 2 cups vegetable broth (for cooking quinoa)
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- Tomato Sauce: 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- Spices: 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), salt and pepper to taste
- Cheese: ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Quinoa: Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water. Combine the quinoa and vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the Bell Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. You can also slice the peppers in half lengthwise, if preferred.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Combine the Filling: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked quinoa, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper to the skillet with the turkey and onion mixture. Mix well and simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the turkey and quinoa mixture into the prepared bell peppers, filling them to the top.
- Bake: Place the stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish and add about ½ inch of water to the bottom of the dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Add Cheese (Optional): Remove the foil and sprinkle the stuffed bell peppers with shredded mozzarella cheese (if using). Bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the peppers are tender.
- Serve: Let the stuffed bell peppers cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations for Perfect Stuffed Peppers
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground turkey with lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
- Add More Vegetables: Mix in other vegetables like corn, black beans, zucchini, or mushrooms to the filling for added nutrients and flavor.
- Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a unique flavor.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stuff the peppers and bake them just before serving.
- Freezing: Stuffed bell peppers can be frozen after baking. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion
These ground turkey and quinoa stuffed bell peppers are a delicious, healthy, and versatile meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. They are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a guilt-free option for dinner. With endless possibilities for customization, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste and dietary preferences. So, grab some bell peppers and get cooking!
