Turkey-Stuffed Bell Peppers
Tender bell peppers filled with a savory mix of lean ground turkey, wholesome bulgur, and fresh herbs, baked to perfection and topped with tangy feta. A complete, balanced Mediterranean meal in one.
For 4 servings
Prepare the peppers and preheat the oven.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes.
- Arrange the pepper halves cut-side up in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
TIPFor softer peppers, you can par-bake them for 10 minutes while you prepare the filling.Cook the bulgur.
In a small saucepan, bring 2.5 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the bulgur, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
Cook the turkey and aromatics.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
TIPEnsure the turkey is well-browned for the best flavor development.Combine the filling ingredients.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked turkey mixture, fluffed bulgur, diced tomatoes, chopped parsley, mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add half of the crumbled feta cheese and mix gently until everything is well combined.
Stuff the bell peppers.
- Divide the turkey and bulgur mixture evenly among the bell pepper halves, mounding it slightly.
- Pour 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of the baking dish around the peppers.
- Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the stuffed peppers.
TIPThe water in the dish helps steam the peppers, making them tender as they bake.Bake the stuffed peppers.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining feta cheese over the tops, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
Rest and serve.
Let the stuffed peppers rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with a little extra fresh parsley if desired.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a bit of char, you can broil the peppers for the last 1-2 minutes after adding the feta, but watch them closely to prevent burning.
- 2Choose bell peppers that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
- 3This recipe is great for meal prep. You can assemble the peppers ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
- 4If your peppers won't stand upright, slice a tiny bit off the bottom to create a flat base.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the ground turkey with 1.5 cups of cooked lentils or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version.
gluten freeGluten free
Substitute the bulgur with an equal amount of cooked quinoa or brown rice to make this recipe gluten-free.
low carbLow carb
For a low-carb option, replace the bulgur with 2 cups of cauliflower rice. Add it to the skillet with the turkey for the last few minutes of cooking.
dairy freeDairy free
Omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative to make the dish dairy-free.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Ground turkey is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Fiber
Bulgur is a whole grain packed with dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and supports heart health.
High in Vitamins and Antioxidants
Bell peppers are loaded with Vitamin C and other antioxidants, while tomatoes provide lycopene. These compounds help protect your cells from damage.
Supports Bone Health
Feta cheese provides a good amount of calcium, which is crucial for maintaining strong and healthy bones.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this is a very healthy and balanced meal. It provides lean protein from turkey, complex carbohydrates and fiber from bulgur, and plenty of vitamins from the bell peppers and tomatoes. It's a great option for a nutritious dinner.
