It all began on a Sunday night. After being outside all day, I was hungry for something filling, healthy, and low-carb. I wanted a tasty meal that wouldn’t throw off my nutrition plans for the week. That’s when I thought of peppers stuffed with cheese. This time I wanted to try making stuffed peppers that were lighter and lower in carbs. They’ve always been family favorites.
I chose quinoa instead of rice because it is higher in protein. When I added lean ground turkey, it became a meal that was both filling and healthy when I added lean ground turkey to it. The best part? The colorful bell peppers were the perfect bowls to eat, making this meal look and taste great. That night, I made stuffed bell peppers with quinoa and turkey. It’s a quick and healthy way to make dinner, and it’s now a regular on my meal plan.
Let’s dive into how you can recreate this mouthwatering recipe.
Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Bell Peppers
If you want a quick, healthy, and filling dinner that is low in carbs, this stuffed bell pepper dish is it. Lean ground turkey and quinoa make a delicious dish for people trying to eat a balanced diet because they have a beneficial mix of protein and complex carbs.
Quinoa is beneficial for you in many ways, even though it has a few more carbs than some other low-carb foods. It doesn’t have any gluten, is full of fiber, and has all nine necessary amino acids. In contrast, bell peppers are full of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, which makes this food both tasty and healthy.
Plus, it’s easy to customize. You can make a vegetarian version, swap in ground chicken, or even add extra spices to suit your taste preferences.
Low-Carb Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Turkey
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes30
minutes250
kcalTo create this tasty dish, gather the following ingredients:
Ingredients
4 large bell peppers (Red, yellow, or green)
1 lb (450g) ground turkey (Lean, about 93% fat-free)
1/2 cup quinoa (Uncooked, then cooked according to package instructions)
1 medium onion (Diced)
2 cloves garlic (Minced)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (Canned or use 2 large fresh tomatoes, diced)
1 tsp cumin (Ground)
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded cheese (Optional, for topping)
Directions
- Prepare the Quinoa: Begin by cooking quinoa according to the instructions on the package. This typically involves simmering it in water or broth for about 15 minutes until it’s light and fluffy.
- Cook the Turkey: In a skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, sautéing them until translucent. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once the turkey is browned, stir in diced tomatoes and seasonings.
- Combine the Filling: Mix the cooked quinoa into the skillet with the turkey mixture. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Stuff the Peppers: Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Place them upright in a baking dish. Spoon the quinoa and turkey filling into each pepper until they are packed full.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the stuffed peppers for about 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
- Optional Topping: If you’re a fan of cheese, sprinkle a little over the top during the last five minutes of baking for a delicious, melted finish.
Notes
- Cooking Time: This recipe takes approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and the remaining 30 minutes is dedicated to baking.
- Servings: The recipe serves 4 people. Each person gets one stuffed bell pepper, but you can easily double the recipe if you want to prepare more.
- Storage: These stuffed bell peppers are stored well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, use the oven or microwave. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Stuff the peppers and bake them just before serving for the freshest taste.
- Dietary Adaptations: To make this recipe vegetarian, swap the ground turkey for black beans, lentils, or a plant-based protein. For a dairy-free version, skip the cheese topping or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Allergy Information: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free quinoa. Check the labels on your ingredients to ensure they meet any dietary needs.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If quinoa is not available or desired, you can substitute it with cauliflower rice for an even lower-carb option. Ground chicken or lean beef can be used in place of turkey.
- Seasoning Options: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Add chili powder for heat, or swap cumin for Italian seasoning to change the flavor profile.
Each serving of these Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Turkey is packed with essential nutrients:
Nutrition Facts
250
Calories
10g
Fat
30g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving of Quick Banana Bread (1 slice)
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Total Fat 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol 20mg | 7% |
| Sodium 200mg | 9% |
| Total Carbohydrate 30g | 10% |
| Dietary Fiber 4g | 14% |
| Total Sugars 10g | |
| Protein 15g | |
| Calcium 30mg | 3% |
| Iron 2mg | 11% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
By using lean turkey and quinoa, you’re getting a hearty, filling meal that supports your low-carb goals without feeling like you’re missing out on flavor.
More Dinner Recipes You’ll Love:
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- 10 Quick Dinner Recipes You Can Make in Under 30 Minutes
- The Ultimate Guide to Air Fryer Sweet Potato Recipe: Quick and Easy
Why Quinoa is a Great Low-Carb Option
People often think of quinoa as having a lot of carbs, but it’s still a beneficial choice for people on a low-carb diet. While rice and pasta are low in protein and fiber, quinoa is high in both. This makes you feel full for longer. It also has a low glycemic index, which means it won’t make your blood sugar rise as much as some other grains.
If you’re concerned about carbs, consider using a smaller portion of quinoa or even substituting it with cauliflower rice for an ultra-low-carb version of this recipe. Read more about quinoa’s health benefits here.
Bell Peppers: A Nutrient Powerhouse
With bell peppers, you can add bright colors to your food, and they are also very healthy. Because they are high in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants, bell peppers can help your skin stay healthy and your immune system work better. Because they are naturally low in calories and carbs, they are great for people on a keto or low-carb diet.
There is a different taste to each color of bell pepper. Red bell peppers are considered the tastiest, while green ones are slightly more bitter. You can try out different kinds to find the ones that you like best.
Choosing the Right Bell Peppers
Picking the right bell peppers for your Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa and Turkey is important for making a tasty dish with excellent texture. Here are some things to think about:
Color Matters: There are many colors of bell peppers, and each one tastes a little different. Red, yellow, and orange peppers’ natural sweetness adds a touch of sweetness to the dish. Green peppers, on the other hand, taste bitter and earthy. Using a variety of colored peppers is the best way to make the dish look appealing and keep the flavors balanced.
Size and Shape: To find a suitable bell pepper, it should be big, firm, and have smooth skin with no soft spots or cracks. To support the stuffing, the peppers should stand straight. When you go shopping ahead of time, pick peppers with thick walls so they retain their shape better when baked.
Freshness: Freshness is essential. Select bell peppers that feel heavy for their size and have bright, glossy skin. Avoid any peppers with shriveled skin or signs of aging like brown spots.
Organic vs. Conventional: If possible, opt for organic bell peppers. Peppers are often listed on the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” due to their susceptibility to pesticide residues. Organic peppers can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, but if conventional is what’s available, washing the peppers thoroughly before use is always a good practice.
By selecting fresh, high-quality bell peppers, you’ll enhance both the flavor and texture of your stuffed bell peppers, ensuring they are as nutritious as they are delicious!
Variations and Customizations
There are many ways to use stuffed bell peppers, which is one of their best qualities. This recipe is simple to change to fit your nutrition needs or taste preferences.
- Vegetarian Option: Instead of ground turkey, use tofu, black beans, lentils, or another plant-based protein. In this version, quinoa is still a fantastic way to get protein from plants.
- Keto-Friendly: Reduce or eliminate the quinoa and substitute it with cauliflower rice. This substitution not only maintains the same delicious texture but also significantly reduces the amount of carbohydrates.
- Cheesy Goodness: Before baking, mix shredded cheese into the filling to make it creamier. For a golden, bubbly finish, sprinkle mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top of the peppers in the last few minutes of baking.
For more customization ideas, check out this guide on low-carb meal swaps here.
Cooking Variations
It’s great that you can use stuffed bell peppers with quinoa and turkey in a variety of ways. Here are some different cooking methods that you can use depending on your kitchen or personal tastes:
Grilled Stuffed Bell Peppers: Cooking your stuffed peppers can give them a smoky taste. Follow the recipe to make the filling ahead of time. Then, lightly oil the bell peppers and grill them over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them now and then. Once the peppers have a little heat, stuff them and grill them indirectly with the lid on for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Air Fryer Version: Making these stuffed peppers in an air fryer will speed up the cooking process. Warm the air fryer up to 175°F (350°C). Stuff the peppers and set them in the air fry pan. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, and check in the middle to see if it’s done. This way, the outside becomes crispy, but the center stays moist.
Instant Pot Stuffed Peppers: An instant pot makes things go faster. Put the stuffed peppers on the trivet and add 1 cup of water to the pot. Then set the timer to “Manual” for 8 minutes. After the time is up, quickly let go. This method of pressure cooking keeps the peppers soft while the filling’s flavors stay inside.
Slow Cooker Method: You can use a slow cooker to make these stuffed bell peppers if you’d rather not do much. At the bottom of the slow cooker, add about ½ cup of water or broth. Then, cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. With this process, the pepper gets softer and melts in your mouth.
How to Store and Meal Prep
One excellent thing about this dish is that it freezes and reheats well. You can make a lot of stuffed bell peppers at once and keep them in the fridge for three to four days. Also, they freeze well. Just make sure to let them cool all the way down before putting them in a container that won’t let air in. You can put them back in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes or nuke them for a quick meal.
When you’re busy during the week, this makes meal preparation easy and stress-free. You can even make the filling ahead of time, refrigerate it, and fill the peppers before baking.
If you’re new to meal prepping, here’s a helpful meal prep guide here.
Conclusion
Stuffed bell peppers with quinoa and turkey is a meal that has both tasty tastes and ingredients that are beneficial for you. It’s a wonderful dinner choice for people who want to eat something low-carb without giving up taste. This recipe will become a favorite whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or just having a quiet dinner at home.
Try it out, and don’t be afraid to make changes that aren’t the same! Let us know how it turns out, and feel free to add your ideas to the recipe below.
FAQs about Low-Carb Diets and Ingredients
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Is quinoa low-carb?
Quinoa is considered low in carbohydrates compared to traditional grains like rice or pasta, but it’s not completely carb-free. Quinoa does have carbs, but it’s also high in protein, fiber, and important nutrients, so it’s a better choice for people who want to cut back on carbs without giving up all of them. You can use cauliflower rice instead of quinoa to make this dish lower in carbs.
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Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! If you want to make this food more keto-friendly, just leave out the quinoa and add cauliflower rice instead. To meet the macronutrient needs of the keto diet, you can also add more high-fat foods, such as cheese or avocado.
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What can I use instead of ground turkey?
Although ground turkey is a lean protein, you can also use ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives. You can use black beans, lentils, or chopped tofu if you want to make it vegetarian.
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Are bell peppers keto-friendly?
Yes, bell peppers are keto-friendly! They are low in carbs and provide essential vitamins like vitamins C and A. Red bell peppers contain slightly more carbs than green ones, but both are still within the limits of most low-carb or keto diets.
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Can I freeze stuffed bell peppers?
Absolutely! You can freeze stuffed bell peppers by allowing them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.