Description
A quick and healthy low carb stuffed peppers recipe featuring lean ground turkey, fresh herbs, and optional cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to fit various diets.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (100 g) cauliflower rice (optional)
- 1 cup (about 100 g) shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar, optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Lightly brush the outside with olive oil and place them in a baking dish.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink.
- Season the turkey mixture with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and cauliflower rice, and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley or basil and half of the shredded cheese.
- Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into each bell pepper, packing it down gently.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the stuffed peppers.
- Bake the peppers uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Let the stuffed peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Do not pre-boil the peppers to avoid sogginess; roasting them with the filling keeps them tender but firm. You can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate. Adjust baking time for larger or smaller peppers. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives. Ground turkey can be swapped with chicken, lean beef, or plant-based proteins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 325
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
Keywords: low carb, ground turkey, stuffed peppers, healthy meals, quick dinner, keto, paleo, gluten-free