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); 1 cup cauliflower rice (120g, frozen); 1 cup mushrooms (80g, chopped); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 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 incredibly comforting about baked peppers bursting with flavorful fillings, and this Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe hits that spot every time. It’s a perfect balance of juicy turkey, veggies, and melty cheese that makes weeknight dinners feel a little more special without any fuss.

The image shows three stuffed bell peppers in a white baking dish on a white marbled surface. Each pepper is halved and filled with a mixture of finely chopped cooked ingredients with a golden brown color, topped with melted and slightly browned shredded cheese. The filling is garnished with small green herb pieces scattered on top and around the peppers. The peppers themselves are vibrant orange and red, showing a soft texture from baking. The cheese has a stringy, melted look, blending into the filling and slightly spilling over the peppers' edges. The white baking dish has some oily, golden-yellow spots and browned bits from cooking around the peppers. 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 absolutely love how this Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe combines wholesome ingredients into one colorful, satisfying dish. It’s quick enough for busy nights but special enough to impress guests—truly a go-to in my kitchen.

Healthy & Low-Carb: It’s packed with lean turkey and veggies, making it nutritious and naturally low in carbs.
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for nights when you want something home-cooked without the wait.
Flavorful and Filling: The seasoning, tomato puree, and cheddar cheese create a rich taste that keeps you coming back for more.
Customizable: You can swap out veggies, cheeses, or herbs to match your preferences or what you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe comes together beautifully because each ingredient plays a distinct role — from the ground turkey’s lean protein punch to the sweetness of the bell peppers and depth from mushrooms and tomato puree. Pick fresh, colorful peppers for the best taste and appearance.

Flat lay of three fresh bell peppers in assorted colors with seeds and stalks removed, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, one small finely chopped onion, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a portion of raw ground turkey, a small white bowl filled with cauliflower rice, a small white bowl with chopped fresh mushrooms, a small white bowl containing rich red tomato puree, a small pile of dried Italian herbs, a small white bowl with coarse salt, a small white bowl with black peppercorns, a neat mound of grated cheddar cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley arranged symmetrically, 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: Choose vibrant colors for variety in flavor and visual appeal; removing seeds and stalks ensures the perfect cavity for stuffing.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and aids in softening the onions and mushrooms during sautéing.
Onion: Finely chopped to blend smoothly into the filling and impart sweetness.
Ground Turkey: Lean yet moist, offering a healthy source of protein and a mild flavor that absorbs seasonings well.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a fragrant punch that elevates the entire dish.
Cauliflower Rice: A clever low-carb filler that adds bulk and texture without overpowering the taste.
Mushrooms: Chop finely for umami depth and added moisture.
Tomato Puree: Gives the filling a vibrant color and tangy richness that complements the turkey.
Dried Italian Herbs: Classic blend ensuring the savory, herbaceous flavor shines through.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors.
Cheddar Cheese: Grated and melted on top for a golden, gooey finish with a bit of sharpness.
Fresh Parsley: A burst of fresh, bright flavor added right before serving.

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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

While I stick pretty close to the original, I've found little tweaks that let you make this Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe your own. Feel free to play with spices or add mix-ins to suit your tastes.

Variation: I sometimes swap turkey for lean ground chicken or turkey sausage to change things up; the flavor adjusts nicely, and it's just as hearty.
Spice Level: For a little kick, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes into the filling—it gives a mild heat without overpowering.
Vegetarian Adaptation: Use lentils and mushrooms in place of turkey for a veggie-packed alternative that’s equally filling.

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

The image shows a white baking dish filled with six stuffed bell pepper halves. Each pepper is vibrant red, yellow, or green with a slightly roasted texture on the edges. The peppers are filled with a mixed layer of browned, finely chopped filling that includes small chunks of vegetables and meat. On top, there is a melted layer of golden, slightly browned cheese which covers the filling unevenly. Finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled over the cheese, adding a fresh touch. The surface under the dish is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Peppers

I start by preheating the oven and prepping the peppers—washing them thoroughly, then slicing their tops off and scooping out all seeds and membranes. Setting them aside on a baking tray ensures they’re ready to be filled. Pro tip: if you like your peppers extra tender, give them a quick steam or microwave for 3 minutes before stuffing.

Step 2: Sauté the Filling

I heat olive oil in a skillet and gently soften the onions, then toss in the garlic and mushrooms. Once those are fragrant and tender, I add the ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks until it’s no longer pink. Stir in the cauliflower rice, tomato puree, herbs, salt, and pepper, letting all those flavors meld together. This step is where the magic really happens — don’t rush it!

Step 3: Stuff and Bake

Once the filling is ready and cooled slightly, I spoon it generously into the hollowed peppers, packing them so each bite is flavorful. Topping each with grated cheddar gives it that irresistible melty finish once baked. I bake them for about 20–25 minutes until the peppers are tender and cheese golden.

Top Tip

From many tries, I’ve learned these tips really boost this stuffed peppers recipe for the best results at home.

Don’t Overfill: Leave a little space at the top for the cheese to melt without spilling over.
Moisture Control: Make sure you sauté mushrooms and cauliflower rice properly to avoid soggy peppers.
Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley at the end creates a bright contrast that lightens the dish.
Check Peppers for Ripeness: Choose peppers that are firm but ripe, which’ll give you that juicy bite.

How to Serve Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe

ground turkey stuffed peppers - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a bit of extra fresh parsley or even a handful of chopped green onions on top right before serving. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a creamy touch that complements the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

To keep it light, serve with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli. For a heartier meal, garlic mashed potatoes or a simple quinoa pilaf work wonderfully alongside these stuffed peppers.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I like to line the baked peppers on a large platter and garnish with scattered herbs and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a stunning presentation. It's always a conversation starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for about 3 days. Just make sure to cover them well so the peppers don’t dry out.

Freezing

I've had great success freezing the stuffed peppers before baking. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen—just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until heated through and the cheese bubbles again. This keeps the peppers tender and the filling juicy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other meats besides ground turkey?

Absolutely! While this recipe highlights ground turkey for its lean and mild qualities, ground chicken or lean beef can also work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure meat is fully cooked.

How do I prevent the peppers from getting soggy?

Make sure to sauté the filling ingredients properly to cook out excess moisture, especially mushrooms and cauliflower rice. Also, avoid overbaking the peppers as they can become too soft. Using fresh, firm peppers helps too.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can adapt it by substituting the ground turkey with cooked lentils or crumbled firm tofu, and using vegan cheese alternatives. Skip the cheddar or use plant-based shreds to keep it dairy-free.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover stuffed peppers?

The best way is to reheat them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This method keeps the peppers from becoming rubbery and the cheese deliciously melty again. Microwave reheating tends to dry them out.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s one of those dishes I recommend to friends who want simple but satisfying meals that don’t sacrifice flavor. Once you’ve made it, you’ll see how easily it fits into busy weeks or weekend dinners alike. Give it a try—you’ll thank me!