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Healthy Turkey and Veggie Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Bowl

healthy turkey and veggie stuffed bell pepper rice bowl - featured image

A quick, easy, and healthy stuffed bell pepper rice bowl featuring lean ground turkey, fresh veggies, and fluffy rice. Perfect for weight loss and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large bell peppers (any color, cored and seeded)
  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 1 ยฝ cups (about 300 g) cooked rice (white or brown, jasmine preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small zucchini, diced
  • 1 medium carrot, grated
  • 1 cup (240 ml) diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ยฝ teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
  2. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Set aside on a baking dish. Trim bottoms if needed to make peppers stand upright.
  3. Cook 1 ยฝ cups of rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  5. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
  6. Add ground turkey and cook, stirring, until no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Break up clumps for even browning.
  7. Stir in diced zucchini and grated carrot. Cook for 5 minutes until veggies soften slightly.
  8. Season with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat evenly.
  9. Add diced tomatoes with juices and cooked rice. Simmer for 3-4 minutes to combine flavors and reduce excess liquid.
  10. Spoon the turkey and veggie mixture into each bell pepper, pressing down lightly. Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top if desired.
  11. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender but hold shape and filling is hot.
  12. Let the peppers rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If peppers brown too fast, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking. Keep an eye on moisture and add a splash of water or broth if dry. Slightly undercooked rice works better as it finishes cooking inside the peppers. Use 93% lean turkey for best texture. This recipe is adaptable for vegetarian, low-carb, and spicy variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy, turkey, stuffed bell peppers, rice bowl, weight loss, easy dinner, meal prep, low fat, gluten-free