These turkey stuffed peppers are a quick and easy dinner everyone will love! Made with ground turkey, marinara sauce, and topped with melted cheese, they’re full of flavor and ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights when you need something simple and delicious!
Ground turkey stuffed peppers are a healthy, keto-friendly, and family-friendly meal that’s packed with flavor. If you love stuffed peppers but think they’re off-limits on a low-carb or keto diet, think again! I’ll show you just how easy it is to make keto stuffed peppers with ground turkey, and trust me—this recipe might just become a new family favorite.
- 1 What Are Stuffed Peppers?
- 2 Are Stuffed Peppers Keto-Friendly?
- 3 Are Peppers Keto-Friendly?
- 4 Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Peppers
- 5 Ingredients For Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers
- 6 How To Make the Best Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
- 7 Tips For Making The Best Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
- 8 Delicious Ways to Customize Your Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
- 9 Different Ways to Cook These Keto Stuffed Peppers
- 10 What To Serve With This Recipe
- 11 How To Store
- 12 More Delicious Dinner Recipes
- 13 Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
What Are Stuffed Peppers?
Stuffed peppers are a classic dish enjoyed in many cultures around the world. They are typically made with bell peppersfilled with a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and tomato sauce, then baked to perfection. While the traditional version is hearty and satisfying, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can swap out the protein for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options to make vegetarian stuffed peppers or a completely vegan stuffed peppers recipe.
What makes homemade stuffed peppers so great is how easy they are to customize. You can adjust the seasonings, use different types of cheese, or even make a low-carb stuffed pepper recipe by skipping the rice. Whether you prefer a classic stuffed pepper recipe or want to experiment with different flavors, this dish is a simple and delicious option for any meal.
Are Stuffed Peppers Keto-Friendly?
Traditional stuffed peppers aren’t typically keto-friendly because they often include rice or other high-carb ingredients. But the good news? It’s easy to make a low-carb stuffed pepper recipe by skipping the rice or swapping it for a keto-friendly alternative. For example, chopped zucchini adds great texture while keeping the dish flavorful and satisfying—without the extra carbs.
The best part? Keto stuffed peppers are just as easy to make as the classic version, and they taste even better the next day. Plus, they’re packed with fresh, colorful vegetables, making them both nutritious and delicious.
Are Peppers Keto-Friendly?
Because red peppers are low in carbohydrates and have excellent macros, they are acceptable on a ketogenic diet. According to the USDA website, one cup of sliced peppers has the following nutrients:
- Carbohydrates: 5.5g
- Fiber: 1.8g
- Calories: 24 kcal
- Protein: 0.91g
- Fats: 0.28g
Watch this quick video to see how to make the best turkey stuffed peppers.
Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Peppers
- Easy to Make – These turkey stuffed peppers come together quickly with simple ingredients, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Made with lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and no unnecessary fillers, this is a healthy stuffed pepper recipe you can feel good about.
- Keto & Low-Carb Option – Skip the rice or swap it for chopped zucchini or cauliflower rice to make low-carb stuffed peppers without sacrificing flavor.
- Family-Friendly – A meal that both kids and adults will love! You can easily customize the seasoning and toppings to suit everyone’s taste.
- Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Friendly – These homemade stuffed peppers store well and taste even better the next day, making them perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients For Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers
The ingredient list might look long at first, but you’ll find that most of these are simple, everyday staples—some you may already have in your kitchen!
- Bell Peppers- Choose large, wide bell peppers in any color—red, yellow, or green all work great. Avoid thin or small peppers since they won’t hold the filling as well.
- Ground Turkey- This type of meat is used for a lighter version. You can also swap it for ground chicken or ground beef if you prefer.
- Onion- Make sure you chop them extremely well.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is best for this recipe! I prefer using fresh over garlic powder, as it enhances the overall flavor. Feel free to add extra if you love a stronger garlic taste.
- Zucchini – This is one of my favorite vegetables. Either grate it or chop it. It will taste delicious in the stuffed mixture while adding some extra nutrients.
- Marinara Sauce– Look for a pasta sauce that has no sugar added or replace with fire-roasted tomatoes.
- Italian Seasoning – You can make this mix at your home by using our recipe for homemade Italian seasoning and use it whenever you want it.
- Mozzarella Cheese – The perfect choice for a melty, cheesy topping. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
How To Make the Best Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
I used to think that stuffed peppers were complicated to make, but after trying them once, I realized how simple and easy they actually are! Now, they’re one of my go-to meals whenever I need a quick and delicious dinner. Here’s how to make them step by step:
- Prepare the peppers – First, cut the bell peppers in half and remove any seeds and membranes. Microwave them for about two minutes until they are slightly softened. Alternatively, you can boil them for three minutes, then drain them well and set them aside.
- Make the stuffing- Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, diced onion, and minced garlic, cooking until the meat is no longer pink. Stir in the diced zucchini and cook for another four minutes, allowing it to soften slightly.
- Next, pour in 2 cups of marinara sauce, season with Italian seasoning and salt to taste, and stir everything together. Let the mixture simmer for about five minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
- Assemble the stuffed peppers– Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange the softened bell pepper halves in the dish and fill them generously with the meat mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil, sprinkle the stuffed peppers with shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Once done, remove the stuffed peppers from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, healthy meal!
Tips For Making The Best Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
- Keep Your Peppers from Tipping Over – If your stuffed peppers won’t stand up straight, slice a tiny bit off the bottom to level them out. Just be careful not to cut too much, or the filling might spill out while baking.
- Try a Different Cut – Instead of slicing the peppers in half lengthwise, you can cut off the top where the stem is. After stuffing them, place the tops back on like little hats—it helps keep the filling moist and looks great when serving!
- Prevent the Cheese from Sticking – If you’re covering the peppers with foil while baking, spray the underside of the foil with nonstick cooking spray first. This way, the melted cheese won’t stick when you pull the foil off.
- Keep the Bottoms from Getting Soggy – If you have a wire rack that fits inside your baking dish, place the peppers on top. This helps air circulate, so they cook evenly without getting too soft at the bottom.
- Make Them Ahead – Save time by prepping the filling a day in advance and storing it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just fill the peppers and bake—perfect for busy nights!
- Customize the Filling – You can mix in cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or throw in extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach for more flavor and nutrients.
Delicious Ways to Customize Your Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
- Want to Add “Rice” Without the Carbs? – If you love the texture of rice but want to keep things low-carb, try mixing in cauliflower rice. It blends right in with the filling and adds a little extra heartiness.
- Make It Vegetarian – Skip the meat and load up on hearty veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or eggplant. If you want more protein, crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat substitute works great too.
- Boost the Flavor with Sausage – Adding some ground sausage to the mix gives the filling a deeper, more savory flavor. Italian sausage is a great choice if you like a little extra seasoning!
- Spice Things Up – If you love a little heat, top your stuffed peppers with Jalapeño Monterey Jack cheese or mix in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to bring the spice.
Different Ways to Cook These Keto Stuffed Peppers
Another reason why I love this recipe is that it can be cooked in other ways.
- Air Fryer – For a quick and easy option, place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer and cook them at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. The air fryer gives them a slightly crispy edge while keeping the filling juicy.
- Instant Pot – If you’re in a hurry, the Instant Pot is the fastest way to cook them. Just add a cup of water to the pot, place the stuffed peppers on the trivet, and pressure cook for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for a few minutes before opening the lid.
- Grilling Method (My Favorite!) – Grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor, making this method perfect for summer. Place the stuffed peppers on a medium-heat grill and cook for 15-20 minutes, covered, until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
What To Serve With This Recipe
This recipe is delicious as well as quite filling. But if you want to add something to these peppers, here are some great ideas:
- Cauliflower Rice – A classic low-carb substitute for rice, cauliflower rice is light, fluffy, and soaks up all the delicious flavors from the stuffed peppers.
- Turnip Au Gratin – If you’re craving something creamy and cheesy, turnip au gratin is a perfect choice. It has the rich, comforting texture of traditional au gratin but without the extra carbs.
- Cauliflower Mashed “Potatoes” – Creamy, buttery, and smooth, cauliflower mash is a fantastic low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes and pairs beautifully with the flavors of stuffed peppers.
- Roasted Asparagus – Lightly seasoned and roasted until crispy, asparagus adds a fresh and flavorful contrast to the rich stuffed peppers.
- Steamed Broccoli with Garlic Butter – Simple but delicious, broccoli tossed in garlic butter is an easy side that adds extra greens to your meal.
- Side Salad – A fresh salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, makes for a light and refreshing addition to the meal.
- Zucchini Noodles – If you love a pasta-like side, zucchini noodles (zoodles) tossed with olive oil and parmesan cheese are a great low-carb option.
How To Store
- Fridge: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Freezer: These stuffed peppers freeze well, making them a great make-ahead meal. Place them in an airtight containeror wrap each pepper individually in plastic wrap before freezing for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
More Delicious Dinner Recipes
- Low Carb Keto Crack Slaw – Easy Egg Roll in a Bowl
- Easy Baked Keto Chicken Meatballs
- Ground Beef Zucchini Boats
- Pork Chops with Creamy Garlic Mushroom Sauce – 30 Minute Recipe
- Cheesy Roasted Cabbage Burgers
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Description
Ingredients
- 4 bell peppers medium, *see notes
- 1 lb ground turkey lean, or ground chicken
- 1 onion small, diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 zucchini small, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 ½ cups marinara sauce divided
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded or cheddar cheese
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Peppers – Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. To soften, microwave for 2 minutes or bake for a few minutes until slightly tender. Set aside.
- Cook the Filling – Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic for a few minutes until fragrant. Add the ground turkey, season with salt to taste, and cook until the turkey is no longer pink. Stir in the chopped zucchini and cook for another 4 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add Sauce & Seasoning – Stir in 2 cups of marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and adjust salt if needed. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Peppers – Arrange the pepper halves in the baking dish, cut side up, over the sauce. Fill each pepper with about ½ cup of the turkey mixture, packing it in evenly.
- Bake – Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the stuffed peppers with shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve – Enjoy hot, garnished with fresh parsley, Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
Notes
** If you have any leftover mixture, you can cook it separately and serve it over zucchini noodles.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.