Introduction
Pansy’s Turkey & Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers are a colorful, satisfying meal made with lean ground turkey, fresh spinach, tomatoes, brown rice, and flavorful seasonings. Baked inside tender bell peppers, this wholesome dish delivers plenty of flavor without feeling heavy. It’s perfect for an easy family dinner or preparing ahead for busy days.
Ingredients
For the Bell Peppers
- 4 large bell peppers, any color
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 cup diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish, optional
Directions
1. Preheat the oven.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the peppers.
Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Arrange them cut-side up in the baking dish.
3. Cook the turkey.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about 2–3 minutes. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir in the garlic.
4. Add the vegetables and seasonings.
Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in the brown rice, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
5. Stuff the peppers.
Divide the turkey mixture evenly among the bell pepper halves. Cover the baking dish loosely with foil.
6. Bake.
Bake for approximately 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella over the peppers, and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese has melted.
7. Serve.
Allow the stuffed peppers to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Cooking Tips
Choose peppers that are similar in size so they cook evenly. You can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the peppers. For a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted vegetables. Because the filling already contains brown rice, the stuffed peppers can also be enjoyed as a complete meal by themselves.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat them in a 350°F oven until thoroughly heated or microwave individual portions.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving — 4 servings
Calories: approximately 390–430
Protein: approximately 32–36 g
Carbohydrates: approximately 30–35 g
Fat: approximately 14–17 g
Fiber: approximately 6–8 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and portion sizes used.