Introduction:
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey & Quinoa is a hearty and nutritious meal that perfectly balances lean protein, wholesome grains, and fresh vegetables. This dish features vibrant bell peppers filled with a flavorful mix of ground turkey, protein-rich quinoa, and savory seasonings. It’s a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s easy to prepare and ideal for meal prep or family dinners.
Bell peppers add a beautiful pop of color and provide an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, while ground turkey keeps the dish lean and satisfying. Quinoa adds a nutty texture and is packed with complete protein and fiber, making this recipe both filling and nourishing.
Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy yet delicious dinner, these stuffed peppers can be customized with your favorite spices or extra veggies.
How to Make Delicious Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey & Quinoa:
Cook Time:
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
Nutritious details:
- High in lean protein from ground turkey and quinoa
- Rich in fiber for digestive health
- Bell peppers provide vitamins A and C plus antioxidants
- Low in saturated fat and packed with essential minerals like iron and magnesium
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Detailed Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions; set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, spinach, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Remove from heat and mix in cooked quinoa. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Stuff each bell pepper generously with the turkey-quinoa mixture. Place stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle cheese on top if using, and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Expert Tips:
- To save time, use pre-cooked quinoa or quinoa flakes.
- Add chopped mushrooms or zucchini to the filling for extra veggies.
- For a spicy kick, mix in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- If dairy-free, omit cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Leftover filling can be stored and used as a protein-packed salad topping or wrap filling.
Conclusion:
Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey & Quinoa is a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and essential nutrients. This dish offers a perfect way to enjoy lean protein combined with wholesome grains and colorful veggies, all baked into a delicious, easy-to-serve package. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep and will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!