Italian Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers
Italian stuffed peppers with lean ground turkey, quinoa, and melted cheese. A healthy, high-protein
Sweet bell peppers are hollowed and filled with a savory mixture of lean ground turkey, fluffy quinoa, and melted cheese, then baked until golden and bubbling.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 500g lean ground turkey
- 4 medium bell peppers (any color)
- 185g cooked quinoa (1 cup)
- 400g can diced tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 112g low-fat mozzarella, shredded
- 25g parmesan, grated
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Method
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Step 1: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Cut tops off bell peppers and remove seeds and white pith. Set aside.
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Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute.
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Step 3: Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink inside, about 6-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 75°C (167°F).
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Step 4: Drain any excess liquid from the pan. Add diced tomatoes, cooked quinoa, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, about 3 minutes.
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Step 5: Stir in half the mozzarella and all the parmesan into the turkey mixture. Reserve remaining mozzarella for topping.
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Step 6: Place hollowed peppers in a baking dish. Divide filling evenly among the 4 peppers, packing gently. Drizzle remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over peppers.
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Step 7: Cover baking dish with foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
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Step 8: Remove foil, top each pepper with remaining mozzarella. Bake uncovered for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. Peppers should be tender when pierced with a fork.
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Step 9: Remove from oven and let rest 3 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 434 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |