Introduction
Get ready to spice up your dinner with these colorful and delicious Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers! Packed with flavor and perfect for a fun family meal or a gathering with friends, these vibrant beauties are sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or your favorite)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large bell peppers, any color, halved and seeds removed
- Olive oil for brushing
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get ready to dive into deliciousness.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onion is translucent.
4. Stir in the cooked quinoa, drained tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let all those flavors mingle.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the cheese because who doesn’t love cheesy goodness.
6. Brush the cut sides of the bell peppers with olive oil and arrange them in a baking dish, ready for their tasty makeover.
7. Spoon the turkey mixture into each pepper half, filling them generously. Top with the remaining cheese for an irresistible finish.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
9. Let the peppers cool a bit before serving because patience is key to savoring this flavorful fiesta.
Nutritional Information
Each stuffed pepper serving features approximately:
Calories: 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Get ready to enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal that packs a punch of flavor and color! 🍴🌈
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for the baking process.
Step 2: Cook Ground Turkey
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until the garlic is fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the cooked quinoa, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 5: Add Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the shredded cheese for added creaminess.
Step 6: Prepare the Peppers
Brush the cut sides of the bell peppers with olive oil and arrange them upright in a baking dish, preparing them for the filling.
Step 7: Fill the Peppers
Generously spoon the turkey mixture into each pepper half, ensuring they are well-filled. Top each one with the remaining cheese for a delicious topping.
Step 8: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 30 minutes.
Step 9: Bake Uncovered
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Allow the peppers to cool slightly before serving, as this will help enhance the flavors for your meal.
Notes
Storage Tips
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed peppers pair well with a fresh salad or crusty bread for a complete meal experience.
Variations
Feel free to customize the filling by incorporating other vegetables, beans, or different types of cheese according to your taste preference.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing the onions and garlic enhances their flavors, creating a fragrant base for the filling. Cook them until they are translucent to achieve the best results.
Mixing
Combine the ground turkey, quinoa, tomatoes, and seasonings thoroughly to ensure that each bite is packed with flavor. This step is crucial for balancing the seasonings.
Cheese Incorporation
Incorporating half of the cheese into the turkey mixture adds creaminess and ensures even distribution of cheesy goodness throughout the filling.
Brushing
Brushing olive oil on the cut sides of the bell peppers not only adds flavor but also helps prevent sticking during the baking process.
Baking
Baking covered and then uncovered allows the stuffed peppers to cook thoroughly while ensuring that the cheese on top gets beautifully golden and bubbly.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and stuff the peppers ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator and bake when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with stuffed peppers?
Stuffed peppers pair well with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I freeze stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can freeze stuffed peppers. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking.
Conclusion
Get ready to enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal that packs a punch of flavor and color!
