Dinner

Cheesy Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers with Turkey and Rice Recipe

Name: Cheesy Baked Stuffed Bell Peppers with Turkey and Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 bell peppers (any color); 1 medium onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish); 1 pound lean ground turkey; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 14.5-ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes (or diced tomatoes); 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika; Kosher salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup cooked brown rice

ByElena Hart September 12, 2026September 12, 2026

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Introduction

Stuffed peppers are a colorful and satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week. Filled with a flavorful mixture of ground turkey, rice, and spices, then baked with melted cheese on top, they offer a comforting and nutritious meal.

The image shows five stuffed bell peppers, each standing upright in a white rectangular baking dish placed on a white marbled surface. The peppers are of three colors: yellow, green, and red. Each pepper is filled with a layer of cooked rice mixed with other ingredients and topped with a golden-brown melted cheese layer that has a slightly crispy texture. Green cilantro leaves are sprinkled on top of the cheese and around the peppers, adding a touch of fresh green color. The peppers have a smooth, slightly wrinkled texture on the outside, showing they have been baked. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

5 bell peppers (any color)
2 teaspoons olive oil

1 medium onion (chopped)
4 cloves garlic (minced)

1 pound lean ground turkey
1 14.5-ounce can fire-roasted tomatoes (or diced tomatoes)

3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

1 cup cooked brown rice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh cilantro (chopped, optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Wash the bell peppers, cut off the tops, and remove the seeds and membranes. Blanch the peppers in a pot of boiling water for 5 minutes to lightly soften them, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 3: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried basil, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cooked brown rice. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 4: Spoon the meat and rice mixture into each pepper. Top each filled pepper with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 15–20 minutes until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground turkey with cooked lentils or black beans.

Add cooked corn or black beans to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist instead of cheddar.
Make ahead by preparing the filling and stuffing the peppers, then refrigerate before baking.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the pepper’s texture.

How to Serve

The image shows stuffed bell peppers arranged in a white dish on a white marbled texture. Each pepper is cut in half and filled with three layers: the bottom layer is the hollowed-out pepper itself, with green, red, and yellow bell peppers visible; the middle layer is a mix of cooked rice and small pieces of meat, light brown with bits of red tomatoes and herbs; the top layer is melted golden-brown cheese, slightly crispy around the edges. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled on top of the cheese for garnish. In the background, a white bowl with chopped green herbs can be seen slightly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground beef, chicken, or sausage can be used instead of ground turkey. Adjust cooking time as needed to fully cook the meat.

How do I prevent the peppers from getting soggy?

Blanching the peppers before stuffing helps them stay tender but not mushy. Also, avoid overbaking by monitoring the peppers during the last few minutes of baking.