Why Make This Recipe
Healthy stuffed peppers are a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal packed with flavor. This dish combines lean protein from ground turkey, fresh greens, and a variety of spices, all nestled in a colorful pepper. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a meal prep option that you can enjoy throughout the week.
How to Make Healthy Stuffed Pepper
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 5 whole peppers
- 1 Tbsp crushed pine nuts
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
- Cook the ground turkey in a skillet until browned.
- While the turkey is cooking, cut the peppers in half and clean out the middle of each one.
- Set one pepper half aside and finely chop it.
- When the turkey is nearly finished cooking, add in the spinach and the finely chopped pepper.
- Add ground pepper, cayenne, paprika, chili powder, garlic, and cumin to the mixture.
- Stuff each pepper half with the turkey mixture and sprinkle crushed pine nuts on top.
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the peppers are soft.
- Serve hot and enjoy your healthy meal!
How to Serve Healthy Stuffed Pepper
Healthy stuffed peppers are delicious on their own but can also be served with a side salad or a simple grain like quinoa or brown rice. You can add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for some creaminess or garnish with fresh herbs for extra flavor.
How to Store Healthy Stuffed Pepper
If you have leftovers, store the stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.
Tips to Make Healthy Stuffed Pepper
- Make sure to finely chop the pepper you set aside to enhance the flavor of the turkey mixture.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste. If you prefer it spicier, you can add more cayenne.
- Experiment with different types of peppers, such as bell peppers or poblano peppers.
Variation
You can easily make vegetarian stuffed peppers by replacing the ground turkey with cooked quinoa or lentils. Add more veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for a hearty filling.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat instead of turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for this recipe.
Can I prepare these peppers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing and stuff the peppers a day in advance. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to know when the peppers are done?
The peppers are done when they are nearly soft. You can test them by poking them with a fork. If it easily pierces through the skin, they are ready.
