Ground turkey stuffed peppers are a delicious meal that combines the savory flavors of seasoned ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs—all wrapped in a vibrant bell pepper. Cooked in the Instant Pot, the cooking time is cut to half. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or a dish to impress your guests, stuffed peppers are an easy go-to that packs flavor and nutrition. Here’s everything you need to know about making ground turkey stuffed peppers, why you should consider adding them to your meal plan, and how to store them for later enjoyment.
For more delicious recipes for pack lunch, try my Chicken Pastil Recipe, which is chicken cooked in the Instant Pot.
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers: A Healthy, Delicious Meal for Any Occasion
I have made this meal several times, and it’s always part of my dinner menu, but before, I tend to bake them, which takes longer to cook, which can be inconvenient when you have family who are hungry and ready to eat. As a busy family, I try to meal prep and make a massive batch of any meal to pack for lunch the next day- and this ground turkey stuffed pepper fits the bill. It is easy, meal prep friendly, and freezable, too. So let me tell you why you need to make them ASAP.
Why Make Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers?
- Customizable and Versatile- Stuffed peppers are highly customizable. You can easily swap out ingredients based on your dietary preferences. If you’re following a low-carb diet, replace rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for added texture. For a more indulgent option, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top. The endless possibilities make this dish adaptable to different tastes and dietary needs.
- Meal Prep Friendly—Stuffed peppers are perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare a batch and store it in the fridge for several days or freeze it for a quick meal later. They hold up well, so you can make them in advance and enjoy them throughout the week without compromising flavor.
- Family-Friendly- This dish is a hit with both adults and kids. The colorful presentation, combined with the savory filling, appeals to even the pickiest eaters. You can involve your children in preparing by letting them stuff the peppers, making it a fun family activity.
How to Make Ground Turkey Stuffed Pepper
Ingredients:
These Ground turkey Stuffed Peppers Use only staple ingredients, so you can make them quickly and easily. Here are its ingredients:
How to cook ground turkey stuffed pepper in Conventional Oen
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Peppers: Slice the top off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. If needed, slice a small portion off the bottom of each pepper to make it stand upright. Set aside.
- Cook the Turkey Mixture: Heat some oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the diced onion and a small amount of bell pepper, cooking until softened. Add the ground turkey, cook until browned, and break it up with a spoon. Add the rice and stir in the diced tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the Peppers: Let the mixture cool down, then spoon it into each bell pepper, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
How to cook ground turkey stuffed pepper in the Instant Pot
As I mentioned, cooking ground turkey stuffed peppers in the Instant Pot cuts the cooking time in half, and just like the other Instant Pot meal I serve on this blog, this is delicious and so easy to make!
I am using my Instant Pot duo crisp in this post to steam or bake the Stuffed Pepper
- Steaming: Add to cups of water in the inner pot and place the steam rack inside Arrange the Ground Turkey stuffed peppers on top. Cover with the pressure cooker lid and push the steam function. Set the time to 5 minute, add more if you want the peppers super tender.
- Baking: Don’t add water. Set the steaming tray and line the Stuffed pepper. Cover with Air fryer lid and push the bake button. Set the timer to six to ten minutes.
- Conventional Oven: Line the stuffed pepper in a pan and bake the stuffed pepper in a preheated 375 F oven for thirty to forty minutes.
- Cook in the Instant Pot Vortex Plus: Arrange the stuffed pepper in the air fryer basket. Push the bake button and set the temperature to 350 F. Set the timer to eight to ten minutes. Shorten the time if you want the peppers crunchier.
How to Store
Ground turkey stuffed peppers are perfect for storing and enjoying later. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
Refrigerating this ground turkey stuffed pepper
- Allow the stuffed peppers to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container.
- Place the peppers in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- To reheat, microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 2-3 minutes, or heat them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Freezing
- Fill the pepper with the filling and wrap them individually with plastic wrap. Put in the freezer for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature and bake or, cook in the Instant pot per instructions.
You can Serve this with
Ground turkey stuffed peppers are already a well-rounded meal on their own, but if you’re looking for some side dishes to complement them, here are a few great options to serve alongside:
- Simple Green Salad –A fresh, crisp green salad is always a great way to balance out the richness of the stuffed peppers. Add mixed greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. You can even toss some avocado or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread–If you want to add a comforting carb, garlic bread or a nice crusty baguette is an excellent choice. The bread soaks up any extra juices from the stuffed peppers, making the meal more indulgent.
- Cauliflower Rice–For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice is a perfect pairing. It’s light and fluffy and can help bulk up the meal without adding extra carbs. To bring out the flavors, you can sauté it with olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
- Roasted Vegetables–Roasted vegetables like zucchini, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts would pair nicely with the stuffed peppers. The natural sweetness of the roasted veggies complements the savory turkey filling in the peppers.
- Quinoa or Couscous–If you want to stick with a grain-based side, quinoa or couscous is an excellent choice. Both are light but still hearty enough to complement the stuffed peppers. You can cook them with some vegetable broth or season them with herbs to add more flavor.
- Sautéed Spinach or Kale–Sautéed leafy greens such as spinach or kale with a touch of garlic and olive oil make for a nutritious and flavorful side. They’re quick to prepare and add a nice contrast to the peppers.
- Corn on the Cob-Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a fun and flavorful addition for a summery touch. The sweetness of corn pairs well with the savory stuffing in the peppers, and it’s a great way to enjoy seasonal produce.
- Tzatziki Sauce or Yogurt–A creamy side like tzatziki or a simple Greek yogurt drizzle can add some tangy freshness to the dish. The yogurt balances out the spices in the stuffed peppers and offers a creamy texture to each bite.
- Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer–Pair the stuffed peppers with crispy baked sweet potato fries if you want something different. The sweetness of the fries beautifully contrasts with the savory turkey filling.
- Sautéed Mushrooms–If you love mushrooms, sautéed mushrooms with onions and garlic make a delicious side. Their earthy flavor complements the savory turkey stuffing and adds a rich depth to the meal.
Ingredient Substitution:
- Cheese– in this post, I used Parmesan cheese since that’s what I have available; but you can substitute it with Mozzarella cheese, or your favorite cheese.
- Seasoning– I added a little bit of pepper flakes here and season with just salt and pepper. Make this recipe yours by adding your favorite seasoning.
- Rice filling– I used brown rice in this recipe; but if you are in a carb diet, sub it with quinoa, couscous or cauliflower rice.
- Ground Meat– sub it with beef, chicken or venison.
Get Cooking Now!
Ground turkey stuffed peppers are tasty and a healthy, versatile meal option that can be customized to fit your dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious dinner, a meal prep solution, or a family-friendly recipe, stuffed peppers are an easy and satisfying choice. Plus, with proper storage, you can enjoy leftovers for several days or freeze them for a convenient meal later. So, next time you plan your meals, consider adding this hearty dish to your menu—it’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
Ground turkey stuffed peppers
Equipment
- 1 Oven
- 1 Instant Pot Duo
- 1 Pan
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 8 pieces Bell Pepper
- 2 tbsp Avocado Oil
- 1/4 cup Bell Pepper in the video, I used frozen bell pepper, but you can use the top of the bell pepper
- 1/4 cup Onion
- 1/2 lb Ground Turkey
- 1 can Crush Tomato
- 1 1/2 cups Brown Rice
- salt, pepper,onion and garlic powder to taste
- Pepper Flakes, optional
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Cut the top of the bell pepper and remove the seeds. Set it aside.
- Chop the removed top part of the pepper and set it aside. Chop the onions and set it aside.
- Into the pan, heat oil and saute' onion and the bell pepper. Cook until wilted. Add the ground turkey and let it cook through; or until it changes its color.
- Add the rice and stir in the crushed tomatoes. Mix and season with salt, pepper, onion and garlic powder. Remove from the heat and immediately add the cheese.
- Let the filling cool down and fill the prepared peppers.
Cook the Stuffed Pepper in the Instant Pot
- I am using my Instant Pot duo crisp in this post to steam or bake the Stuffed PepperSteaming: Add two cups of water in the inner pot and place the steam rack inside it. Arrange the Ground Turkey stuffed peppers on top. Cover with the pressure cooker lid and push the steam function. Set the time to 5 minutes. Quick release. Add more if you want the peppers super tender.Baking: Don't add water. Set the steaming tray and line the Stuffed pepper. Cover with Air fryer lid and push the bake button. Set the timer to six to ten minutes. Conventional Oven: Line the stuffed pepper in a pan and bake the stuffed pepper in a preheated 375 F oven for thirty to forty minutes. Cook in the Instant Pot Vortex Plus: Arrange the stuffed pepper in the air fryer basket. Push the bake button and set the temperature to 350 F. Set the timer to eight to ten minutes. Shorter time if you want the peppers crunchier.
Video
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