Moroccan turkey bell peppers
Have you tried microwaved turkey stuffed bell peppers? These flavorful peppers are incredibly quick to prepare in the microwave, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Not to mention, they’re wonderfully aromatic!
Turkey stuffed bell peppers are my go-to when I’m short on time but still want a meal that tastes like it took hours to make. Quick to prepare, fast to cook, and packed with flavor, these sweet stuffed peppers are sure to become a family favorite from the very first bite! These delicious ground turkey stuffed peppers are light, juicy, refreshing and taste great served warm or just straight from the fridge!
My family absolutely loves stuffed peppers, and they’ve become a regular dish in our home. However, I occasionally find them a bit too heavy, especially when filled with pork or a mix of ground beef and pork. To lighten things up, I decided to switch to turkey and create these delicious Moroccan style turkey stuffed bell peppers instead.
These microwave-friendly stuffed peppers are the perfect quick and easy meal, ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish. Made with hearty brown rice for a nutritious boost and a touch of sweetness from raisins, they strike a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. Packed with seasoned turkey and infused with vibrant Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, these stuffed bell peppers are a delicious, wholesome dish you’ll love!
How to make turkey stuffed bell peppers
Ingredients needed:
You’ll need 7 key ingredients for a perfect stuffed peppers with ground turkey:
- Red, Orange, and Green Bell Peppers – Red bell peppers are the most savory option, packing a sweet and rich flavor. Orange and green peppers are milder, making them great for variety in both taste and color. For this recipe I wasn’t able to find any so I opted for yellow peppers.
- Ground Turkey – This lean protein is the heart of the dish. Its mild flavor pairs perfectly with the spices and other ingredients, creating a healthy and satisfying meal.
- Vegetable Stock – Adds depth and moisture to the stuffing, ensuring the rice and turkey stay flavorful and tender.
- Brown Rice – A wholesome base for the stuffing, brown rice provides a nutty flavor and added fiber. You can easily substitute it with white rice for a lighter texture.
- Flavorful Herbs and Spices – Garlic, caraway, ground cinnamon, dry mint, fresh orange zest, plus salt and pepper bring bold, aromatic notes. These spices elevate the dish to a whole new level of complexity.
- Golden Raisins – A sweet, tangy addition that adds bursts of flavor and texture, making the dish more dynamic and interesting.
- Olive Oil – Used to cook the ground turkey, olive oil provides a rich, smooth base and enhances the overall taste of the filling. It’s always a go-to cooking oil!
How do you make turkey stuffed bell peppers?
The cooking process was super easy and quick too. I cut the tops of the bell peppers, seeded and washed them well. I cooked the rice as instructed on the package so check yours for instructions too.
To roast the peppers I heated a large skillet and roasted them lightly, on high heat, on each side, while waiting for the rice to cook.
I then placed the peppers in a microwave dish, bottoms up, added water and covered with a lid. This recipe is super speedy because I microwaved the peppers until just a little tender but still holding their shape. After draining the water, I turned the peppers right side up, keeping them in the dish.
Then it was time to cook the turkey with garlic in olive oil. I did this in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a bamboo spatula. The turkey doesn’t need a lot of time to cook, just until no longer raw. I added raisins, caraway and cinnamon and cooked a little more. After stirring the cooked rice I cooked again for 1 more minute.
I remove everything from the heat and added some vegetable stock, mint, orange zest, salt and pepper. Using a spoon, I filled the peppers with the turkey mixture. Then I poured the rest of the vegetable stock into the microwave dish and covered. I microwaved again on high.
We served the peppers without the sauce, with low fat yogurt.
Note: If you happen to end up with extra turkey mixture (because bell peppers are not all the same size, yours might be a little smaller than mine), store this filling in an airtight container and serve later, tossed in a mixed greens salad.
Tips
- To add more flavor, consider mixing in your favorite herbs or spices with the turkey mixture. Fresh cilantro, parsley, or even a pinch of smoked paprika can elevate the taste.
- If you prefer an alternative to turkey, try using lean ground chicken or a vegetarian substitute such as crumbled tofu or cooked lentils for a plant-based version.
- For a slightly crispier texture, transfer the stuffed peppers to an oven-safe dish after microwaving and broil them for a few minutes until the tops are golden.
- Don’t forget to garnish before serving! A sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a drizzle of hot sauce can add the perfect finishing touch.
Recipe variations
- For a spicy kick, add diced jalapenos or chili flakes to the filling mixture.
- Experiment with different types of cheese for added flavor – try feta, goat cheese, or even blue cheese.
- You can also use bell peppers in other colors such as red, green or orange to add more variety to your presentation.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or black beans.
- Instead of baking the peppers in the oven, you can also cook them on a grill for a smoky flavor. Just make sure to lightly oil the peppers beforehand so they don’t stick.
- Add some diced vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms or carrots to the filling for added nutrition and texture.
- For a Mediterranean twist, use couscous or quinoa instead of rice in the filling mixture and top with crumbled feta cheese before baking.
- If you prefer a creamier filling, mix in some cream cheese or ricotta cheese with the meat and rice mixture before stuffing.
What to pair with
Stuffed peppers are versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes to create a complete meal.
- A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the peppers, balancing the flavors with crispness and acidity.
- For a heartier option, serve them alongside garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up any delicious juices.
- Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, make excellent accompaniments as well.
- If you’re leaning toward a Mediterranean-inspired meal, consider serving them with a side of tzatziki or hummus for added flavor and creaminess.
- Don’t forget to pair your meal with a refreshing beverage, such as sparkling lemonade.
More turkey recipes you will enjoy
- Sweet & spicy turkey breast with vegetables
- Turkey soup with roasted veggie
- Turkey breast stew with peas
- One sheet pan turkey & vegetables
- Butternut squash turkey veggie bake
- Brined roasted turkey breast
- Bacon wrapped turkey breast
Frequently asked questions
Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with chicken, pork, or even beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type and size of meat used. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the turkey with a plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh. You can also add in some hearty vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes for added flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and use a meatless alternative for basting.
Storing and reheating leftover stuffed bell peppers
Leftover turkey stuffed peppers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the peppers in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for 2-3 minutes on high heat. Just be sure to check the temperature of the filling before consuming to ensure it is fully reheated.
If you have leftover turkey that has not been stuffed into peppers, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 6 months. To freeze, wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheated turkey can be used in a variety of dishes, such as soups, casseroles, or sandwiches, making it a versatile option for meal planning.
Can I freeze leftover turkey stuffed bell peppers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. After cooking, allow the peppers to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label and date the package for easy identification. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Stuffed bell peppers are an ideal dish for freezing because they hold their shape and texture well when reheated. Plus, you can easily freeze individual servings for a quick and convenient meal option.
These ground turkey stuffed peppers are the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and nutrition – a quick, satisfying meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they’re both filling and delicious, making them a hit with the whole family. Give them a try – you’re sure to love them!
Moroccan style turkey stuffed bell peppers
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cooked brown rice
- 4 medium large bell peppers
- 1 lbs ground turkey
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup raisins
- 2 teaspoons ground caraway
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2½ cups low salt vegetable stock
- 2 teaspoons dry mint
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest grated
- pinch of salt
- pinch of ground pepper
Equipment
- microwave dish
- non stick pan
Instructions
- Cut the tops of the bell peppers, seed and wash well
- Cook rice as instructed on the package.
- Meanwhile heat a large skillet and roast the peppers lightly, on high heat, about 1 minute on each side.
- Then place peppers in a microwave dish, bottoms up.
- Add ½" water to the dish and cover with a lid. Microwave on high until the peppers are just a little tender but still hold their shape, 3-5 minutes.
- Drain the water and turn the peppers right side up, keeping them in the dish.
- Meanwhile, cook turkey with garlic in olive oil, in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat with a bamboo spatula, until no longer raw, about 4 minutes.
- Add raisins, caraway and cinnamon and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the cooked rice and cook for 1 more minute.
- Remove from the heat and add ½ cup vegetable juice, mint, orange zest, salt and pepper.
- Using a spoon, fill the peppers with the turkey mixture.
- Pour the rest of the vegetable juice into the microwave dish and cover.
- Microwave on high about 4 minutes.
- Serve the peppers with or without the sauce and/or low fat yogurt.
Nutrition
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ABOUT PETRO
Hi, I’m Petro, author and founder of Easy Peasy Creative Ideas. Sewist, crafter, avid DIY-er, foodie, photographer, homemaker and mommy to one. I’m an expert at coming up with quick, clever sewing tips, recycling crafts and simple, easy recipes! You can find my ideas featured in reputable publications such as Country Living, Good House Keeping, Yahoo News, WikiHow, Shutterfly, Parade, Brit & Co and more. Thanks for stopping by and hope you’ll stay for a while, get to know me better and come back another time. Stick around for real fun projects! Read more…