If you’re craving a delicious, wholesome meal that packs a punch without the fluff, you have to try the Best Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers No Rice Recipe. This dish is a vibrant celebration of flavors and textures, loaded with juicy ground turkey, rich tomato paste, and gooey mozzarella, all nestled perfectly inside tender bell pepper “boats.” It’s an absolute game changer for anyone who wants a hearty dinner without relying on rice or grains. Trust me, once you dive into this recipe, it’ll become one of your go-to dishes for weeknights or anytime you want comfort food without the carb overload.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the Best Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers No Rice Recipe shine, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the savory ground turkey to the sweet and slightly smoky bell peppers, every item plays a pivotal role in layering the flavors and textures.
- 1 lb ground turkey: Lean and flavorful, turkey keeps this dish light yet satisfying.
- 8 oz tomato paste: Adds a deep, tangy richness that binds the filling together beautifully.
- 1/3 cup water: Helps to loosen the tomato paste and create a perfect consistency inside the peppers.
- 1 tbsp poultry seasoning: Brings warmth and herbaceous notes to elevate the turkey without overpowering it.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: A little kick of garlic adds incredible depth and aroma.
- 4 bell peppers: Halved lengthwise and carefully hollowed, they act as colorful, edible bowls that crisp up nicely.
- 1.25 cup mozzarella: Freshly shredded, it melts into a creamy topping that makes every bite decadently gooey.
How to Make Best Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers No Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bell Peppers
Start by slicing the bell peppers in half lengthwise and carefully removing their seeds and membranes to create hollow bowls. This simple prep sets the stage for stuffing and roasting, ensuring the peppers cook evenly without turning mushy.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until it’s browned and crumbled, about 7-8 minutes. This is where you build flavor, so breaking up the meat allows even cooking and seasoning absorption.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
Once the turkey is cooked, stir in the tomato paste, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, and water. Combine everything well to create a rich, hearty filling that coats every morsel of meat with vibrant tomato flavor.
Step 4: Stuff the Peppers
Generously fill each pepper half with the turkey mixture, pressing it down gently to fit as much filling as possible without bursting the pepper skin.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over each stuffed pepper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden. This final step creates a luscious, cheesy crust that makes these peppers irresistible.
How to Serve Best Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers No Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Top your stuffed peppers with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a fresh herbal lift and a pop of color. A drizzle of balsamic glaze can add a touch of sweetness and sophistication if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
Since this recipe is “no rice,” consider pairing it with a crisp mixed green salad or roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini to complement the richness of the stuffed peppers without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these peppers on a rustic wooden board or a colorful platter to highlight their vibrant hues. For a fun twist, try halving mini bell peppers as bite-sized appetizers using the same filling, perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They keep well for up to 3 days, making them convenient for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead in bulk, you can freeze the stuffed peppers unbaked. Wrap each pepper individually and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready, just bake directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is bubbly again. Microwave works in a pinch but can make the peppers a bit soggy—oven reheating keeps that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef work well, but turkey is great here for its lightness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Why no rice in this stuffed pepper recipe?
This recipe skips rice to keep things low-carb and streamline the ingredients. The tomato paste and cheese provide enough moisture and body, making rice unnecessary.
What if I don’t like mozzarella cheese?
You can swap mozzarella for cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a different cheesy flair that melts beautifully over the stuffed peppers.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, substitute ground turkey with cooked lentils or a plant-based crumbled meat alternative, keeping the same seasoning and baking instructions.
How spicy is this recipe?
This dish is mild and savory with subtle herbal notes from the poultry seasoning and garlic powder. For heat lovers, adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce can easily spice it up.
Final Thoughts
This Best Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers No Rice Recipe is a brilliant way to enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal that feels both comforting and fresh. It’s quick to make, bursting with natural flavors, and perfect for anyone looking to shake up their dinner routine with something healthy but indulgent. Give it a try and watch how it quickly earns a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
Print
Best Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers No Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Delicious and healthy ground turkey stuffed bell peppers without any rice. These stuffed peppers are packed with flavorful ground turkey, tomato paste, and spices, topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, making for a low-carb, protein-rich meal perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 8 oz tomato paste
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 tbsp poultry seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Peppers and Topping
- 4 bell peppers (halved lengthwise and hollowed out to create a bowl shape)
- 1.25 cup mozzarella (freshly shredded)
Instructions
- Prepare Peppers: Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and carefully remove the seeds and membranes, creating bowl-shaped halves to hold the filling.
- Make Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add Sauce and Seasoning: Stir in the tomato paste, water, poultry seasoning, and garlic powder into the cooked ground turkey. Mix well and let simmer for about 5 minutes to combine flavors and slightly thicken.
- Stuff Peppers: Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into each hollowed bell pepper half, filling them generously.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the stuffed peppers to cover the filling.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Choose bell peppers of similar size for even cooking.
- Feel free to swap mozzarella with cheddar or a cheese of your preference.
- For extra moisture, cover the baking dish with foil for the first 10 minutes of baking.
- This recipe is naturally low-carb and does not include rice to keep it light.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if refrigerated.
