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Mediterranean Ground Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers

Mediterranean ground turkey stuffed bell peppers - featured image
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A quick and easy Mediterranean-inspired recipe featuring lean ground turkey, vibrant bell peppers, and tangy feta cheese, perfect for a healthy and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color, red or yellow preferred for sweetness)
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup canned diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 150g)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup cooked rice or quinoa (optional, about 90g)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the peppers by cutting off the tops and removing seeds and ribs carefully. Set aside the tops if you want to use them as lids.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Increase heat to medium-high, add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  5. Stir in tomato paste, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  6. Add the canned diced tomatoes with juice and lemon zest. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
  7. If using, fold in the cooked rice or quinoa.
  8. Remove skillet from heat and gently stir in crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley.
  9. Drizzle the inside of each bell pepper with the remaining olive oil.
  10. Spoon the turkey mixture evenly into each hollowed bell pepper, packing gently but not overfilling. Arrange upright in a baking dish. Place pepper tops back on if reserved.
  11. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  12. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until peppers are tender and filling is golden on top.
  13. Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Toasting dried oregano before adding meat enhances flavor. Be gentle when hollowing peppers to keep walls thick. Parboiling peppers for 2-3 minutes can speed cooking but baking alone keeps a slight crunch. Avoid overfilling peppers to prevent spilling and drying. For a crispier top, broil 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely. Let peppers rest 5 minutes before serving to set filling. Leftovers reheat best in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes; avoid microwaving to preserve texture. Freeze unbaked peppers for up to 2 months; thaw before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean, ground turkey, stuffed bell peppers, healthy dinner, feta cheese, easy recipe, quick meal

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/mediterranean-ground-turkey-stuffed-bell-peppers-easy-healthy-recipe/