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); 1 small onion (60g, finely chopped); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 cup cauliflower rice (120g, frozen); 1 cup mushrooms (chopped, 80g); 2 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped); 14 oz ground turkey (400g, 7% fat); 1 1/4 cup grated cheddar (120g); 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp tomato puree; 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs; 1/2 tsp salt (or more to taste); 1/2 tsp pepper

There’s something so comforting about the blend of tender turkey, melty cheese, and roasted peppers in this Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe. It’s a colorful, wholesome dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for a weeknight dinner that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish with four stuffed bell peppers, each halved and filled with a brown meat and rice mixture. The filling is topped with melted, light yellow cheese and small green herb leaves scattered on top. The bell peppers are bright red and orange with a slightly roasted texture. Juices from the filling have spread around the peppers inside the baking dish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. 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

This Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe quickly became a favorite in my home because it’s straightforward yet packed with flavor. It brings together fresh veggies, lean protein, and gooey cheese all in one dish. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb and feels fancy without being complicated.

Speedy and Simple: Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver on busy nights when you want home-cooked without the mess or fuss.
Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with ground turkey and veggies, it’s a healthy, balanced meal that satisfies without weighing you down.
Comfort Food Vibes: The roasted peppers and melted cheese combination feels indulgent but stays on the lighter side thanks to turkey.
Flexible and Fun: You can easily swap veggies or herbs based on what you have—making it your own is part of the joy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this recipe work together to create a hearty yet healthy meal. Ground turkey provides lean protein, while the blend of peppers, mushrooms, and cauliflower rice keeps it fresh and veggie-packed. The tomato puree and Italian herbs add bright, savory notes.

Flat lay of three fresh bell peppers in assorted colors with seeds and stalks removed, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, one small finely chopped onion, a portion of raw ground turkey, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl of cauliflower rice, a small white bowl of chopped fresh mushrooms, a small white bowl of vibrant red tomato puree, a small pile of dried Italian herbs, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, a small white bowl filled with grated cheddar cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley arranged with perfect symmetry, all placed 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 love using colorful peppers—they’re sweet, tender, and hold the filling beautifully when roasted.
Ground Turkey: Choosing lean turkey keeps the dish light but flavorful; it cooks quickly and absorbs all the spices well.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth; finely chopping ensures it blends seamlessly into the filling.
Garlic: Just a couple of cloves add that warm, aromatic kick that elevates the whole dish.
Cauliflower Rice: A fantastic low-carb filler that soaks up juices without adding heaviness.
Mushrooms: They bring a meaty texture and umami flavor that complements the turkey perfectly.
Tomato Puree: Intensifies the sauce with rich, tangy notes and binds everything together.
Dried Italian Herbs: This combo adds an herby brightness that’s classic and comforting.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts into ooey-gooey goodness on top—a must for that irresistible finish.
Fresh Parsley: Finishes the dish with a fresh, herbal pop and lovely color contrast.

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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

I love mixing up the veggies in this recipe depending on the season or what’s lingering in my fridge. Sometimes I throw in diced zucchini or swap cheddar for mozzarella to change things up. You really can’t go wrong when you experiment and trust your taste buds.

Variation: Once I tried adding a splash of hot sauce into the turkey mixture for a spicy kick, which gave it a whole new exciting flavor. It was a hit with my family!
Low-Carb Swap: Using cauliflower rice keeps it low in carbs, but if you want more substance, cooked quinoa or brown rice also works beautifully.
Make it Vegan: Swap ground turkey for plant-based mince and use dairy-free cheese for a delicious vegan twist.

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

The image shows six stuffed bell pepper halves arranged in a white baking dish. Each pepper half is filled with a browned mixture of cooked ingredients, topped with melted cheese that has golden-brown spots, and sprinkled with fresh green herbs. The peppers are a mix of green, orange, and red, adding a colorful base to the dish. The texture of the filling looks soft with some crispy bits, while the cheese appears gooey and slightly stringy. The white baking dish has handles on the sides, and the scene is set on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepping the Peppers

Start by preheating your oven and slicing your peppers in half lengthwise to create little boats for the filling. Remove the seeds and stalks carefully—this helps them roast evenly and hold the filling nicely without collapsing. A quick tip: rub them lightly with olive oil to keep the edges from drying out in the oven.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Turkey

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add your finely chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until they smell fragrant and the onion becomes translucent—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, in goes the ground turkey. Break it up with your spatula and cook until it's no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs as you go to build layers of flavor.

Step 3: Add Veggies and Bindings

Once your turkey is cooked, stir in the mushrooms and cauliflower rice. Cook everything together for another 4 to 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the veggies soften just right. Then add the tomato puree – it acts like the perfect glue holding all these delicious components together, creating a savory, slightly tangy filling.

Step 4: Stuff and Bake

Spoon the turkey-vegetable mixture generously into each pepper half and place them on a baking dish. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese on top of each pepper—this is the moment they turn into irresistible golden, bubbly parcels in the oven. Bake for about 20 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is beautifully melted and starting to brown.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

When they come out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a little pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy that wonderful medley of textures and tastes with every bite.

Top Tip

After making this dish several times, here are some tips that saved me from common pitfalls and helped my Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers turn out perfect every time.

Don’t Overcook the Peppers First: I found that roasting the peppers too early makes them mushy; it’s better to stuff them raw and bake just once.
Use Fresh Herbs When Possible: Mixing fresh parsley right before serving really brightens the dish, so don’t skip it if you can.
Keep the Filling Moist: The tomato puree and cauliflower rice help with moisture, but if your filling seems dry, add a splash of broth or water when cooking.
Cheese for the Win: I learned that the sharpness of aged cheddar makes the filling stand out more—feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with freshly chopped parsley because it adds just the right fresh note and brightens the dish visually. Sometimes I also add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if I’m craving a little heat or a dollop of sour cream to cool things off on the side.

Side Dishes

I like to keep sides light to let the peppers shine. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus complements these well. You can also serve it alongside a small mound of garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve arranged these peppers on a big platter with fresh rosemary sprigs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It looks colorful and inviting. Another idea is to make mini stuffed peppers using smaller sweet peppers for cute, bite-sized appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat well in the microwave or oven. Sometimes, I remove the peppers from the dish and reheat the filling separately if I’m short on time.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I wrap each stuffed pepper individually in foil, place them in a freezer bag, and they keep for about 2-3 months. When ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through and the cheese is bubbly again.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent drying out, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, the microwave works great for a quicker option, but adding a sprinkle of water over the peppers before heating helps keep them moist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works well as a substitute in this Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe and will yield a similar texture and flavor profile. Just keep an eye on cooking time since ground chicken might cook slightly faster.

Are these stuffed peppers low-carb?

Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, especially since it uses cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. It’s a fantastic option if you’re watching your carb intake but still want a filling, satisfying meal.

Can I prepare these in advance and bake later?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed peppers a few hours ahead or even the day before. Keep them covered in the fridge and bake fresh when you’re ready—the baking time may be slightly longer if coming straight from cold.

What can I serve with ground turkey stuffed peppers?

They pair wonderfully with a simple green salad, roasted veggies, or even some crusty bread to mop up juices. I like to keep sides light and fresh to balance out the richness of the filling and melted cheese.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe is one of those go-to meals that I keep coming back to when I want comfort food that’s also wholesome and quick. It’s a crowd-pleaser, easy to customize, and a fantastic way to sneak veggies into dinner without any fuss. So go ahead—grab some bell peppers and turkey, and try it out like I’m sharing it over coffee. You’ll be glad you did.