Yummy Spicy Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers
Introduction
These Yummy Spicy Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers offer a delightful balance of flavors, combining lean ground turkey with aromatic herbs, savory spices, and healthy ingredients. The vibrant mix of red, green, and yellow bell peppers not only creates an attractive dish but also adds a fresh crunch to complement the tender filling. This recipe, perfect for a hearty dinner, is an excellent choice for anyone looking to prepare a balanced and nutritious one-dish meal that’s both satisfying and low in cholesterol. With the combination of turkey, brown rice, corn, and a hint of spice, this meal will become a family favorite in no time.
Recipe Details
| Category | One Dish Meal |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Prep Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Servings | 6-8 servings |
| Calories per Serving | 558.4 |
| Nutritional Info | See table below |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bell peppers (green, red, or yellow) | 6-8 |
| Onion, chopped | 1 |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Butter or margarine | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh sage, chopped | 1/2 tsp |
| Fresh basil, chopped | 1 tsp |
| Ground turkey | 1 lb (450 g) |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Cooked brown rice | 1 cup |
| Frozen corn kernels | 1 cup |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 1 1/2 cups |
| Tomato sauce | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 558.4 |
| Fat | 26.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 134.6 mg |
| Sodium | 1299.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 49.2 g |
| Fiber | 10.5 g |
| Sugar | 12.8 g |
| Protein | 35.4 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Peppers: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash the bell peppers thoroughly. Cut off the tops of the peppers and remove the seeds, cores, and membranes. Set aside.
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Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter (or margarine) over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced jalapeño (if desired for extra spice). Sauté for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
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Cook the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is fully browned and no longer pink. Stir in the fresh sage, basil, chili powder, cocoa powder, and salt, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
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Add Rice and Veggies: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked brown rice, frozen corn kernels, peas (if desired), and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything well until the filling is evenly combined.
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Assemble the Dish: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Stuff the bell peppers with the turkey and rice mixture and place them upright in the baking dish. Pour any remaining turkey mixture around the peppers for extra flavor.
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Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the stuffed peppers, ensuring an even coating.
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Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a fork or knife into the peppers; they should be tender, and the filling should be heated through.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the peppers from the oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your hearty, spicy stuffed bell peppers as a perfect one-dish meal.
Cooking Tips:
- Spice level: If you prefer a milder version, you can skip the jalapeño or reduce the amount of chili powder.
- Cheese variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
- Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground turkey with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
These Yummy Spicy Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers offer the ideal blend of nutrition, flavor, and texture, making them a perfect choice for a cozy family meal or a weekend dinner. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and full of healthy ingredients, ensuring that you can enjoy a satisfying and guilt-free dish.
