🫑 Cheesy Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

/

When you want a hearty, healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, these Cheesy Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers hit the sweet spot. Juicy bell peppers filled with seasoned ground turkey, melty cheese, and a touch of basil come together for a dish that’s simple, satisfying, and easy enough for any weeknight.

This one’s a go-to for family dinners — comforting, wholesome, and packed with protein and veggies in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

🦃 Lighter but Flavorful: Ground turkey keeps it lean without losing that rich, savory taste.
🧀 Cheesy Comfort: Every layer is packed with gooey, melty cheese goodness.
🌶️ Family Favorite: A dish even picky eaters will love.
🔥 Versatile Cooking: Works perfectly in your oven or on the smoker for that hint of wood-fired flavor.

Cheesy Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min ⏱ Cook Time: 25 min ⏳ Total Time: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 6

Ingredients

  • 6 Bell Peppers

  • 1 lb Ground Turkey

  • 3.5 oz Rice (cooked)

  • 1 tsp Salt

  • 1 tsp Black Pepper

  • 1 tsp Onion Powder or Minced Onion

  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder

  • 12 Cherry Tomatoes (sliced)

  • 1 tsp Dried Basil

  • Handful of Bean Sprouts

  • Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Mozzarella, or Monterey Jack)

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat Your Oven or Smoker
Set your oven or smoker to 325°F (162.7°C).

2️⃣ Prep the Peppers
Rinse the bell peppers, slice a small section off the bottom so they sit flat, and remove the tops and seeds. Give them a quick rinse inside to remove any leftover seeds.

3️⃣ Cook the Rice
Prepare rice according to the package directions and set aside.

4️⃣ Cook the Meat
Heat a skillet over medium. Add ground turkey and break it apart as it cooks. Season generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and basil. Cook until fully browned.

5️⃣ Add Flavor
Toss in the sliced tomatoes (or a few spoonfuls of marinara sauce) and the bean sprouts. Stir everything together and cook for another minute before turning off the heat.

6️⃣ Stuff the Peppers
Line the cleaned peppers on a baking dish or foil tray. Fill each halfway with the turkey mixture, add a layer of cheese, then fill the rest of the way and top with another handful of cheese.

7️⃣ Bake or Smoke
Place in the oven or smoker and cook for 25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the peppers are tender.

8️⃣ Rest and Serve
Let cool for about 10 minutes, then dig in!

Pro Tips for the Best Stuffed Peppers 💡

🫑 Pick Firm Peppers: Choose ones that can stand up on their own — they’ll hold the filling better.
🔥 Pre-Cook Option: For softer peppers, boil them for 2–3 minutes before stuffing.
🧂 Season Boldly: Ground turkey is mild — go heavy on your spices for deeper flavor.
🌾 Bulk It Up: Add extra rice, quinoa, or couscous for a heartier meal.
🧀 Top It Your Way: Mix cheeses, sprinkle breadcrumbs, or finish with chopped herbs after baking.
🍽 Bake Covered First: Tent with foil for even cooking, then uncover near the end to brown the cheese perfectly.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish checks every box — easy, balanced, and packed with comfort. It’s got that old-school stuffed pepper vibe but lightened up with turkey and a few modern touches. You can bake it in the oven, smoke it on your pellet grill for a hint of wood-fired flavor, or prep it ahead for busy weeknights.

FAQ

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
A: Absolutely — ground beef adds a richer flavor if you prefer.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prep them a day or two in advance. Just store covered in the fridge and bake when ready.

Q: What’s the best cheese for stuffed peppers?
A: Cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack all work great. Try a mix for the best melt and flavor.

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or reheat in the microwave for a quick meal.

Q: Can I make these low-carb or keto-friendly?
A: Definitely — skip the rice or swap in cauliflower rice to keep it lighter while still filling.