Deliciously wholesome Stuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey and Cauliflower Rice, a creative twist on the classic beef-filled peppers. A flavorful combination of seasoned ground turkey, cauliflower rice, and homemade marinara sauce. Healthy, easy, and perfect for any weeknight dinner!
Looking to switch up your stuffed pepper game? These turkey and cauliflower rice stuffed peppers are a delightful departure from the traditional beef-filled version. Packed with seasoned ground turkey, cauliflower rice, and a homemade marinara sauce, they’re destined to become a regular favorite on your menu!
I must admit, these turkey stuffed peppers were an unexpected overwhelming success in my house! The best part? I whipped up this recipe on the fly. I had some ground turkey in the fridge, and a bunch of freshly picked peppers from my garden and it just took off from there.
Elevating Turkey and Cauliflower
To keep things on the healthy side, I decided to swap rice with cauliflower. After all, cauliflower rice is all the rage now, and for good reason! Not only is it a great substitute for rice, but it’s also a healthier option. A little roasting with some oil, salt, and pepper gives it maximum flavor.
A helpful tip: Skip the expensive frozen cauliflower rice and opt for a regular cauliflower head. Roasting it will elevate the taste and texture of your dish without the excess water found in the frozen version.
HOW TO MAKE TURKEY STUFFED PEPPERS:
There looks like there are a lot of steps to these peppers, but I assure you if you follow these instructions you will be done in no time.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAR BOIL THE PEPPERS. They will be so soft and tender you won’t believe it!
- Prepare the cauliflower rice: Break up the cauliflower florets in a food processor until they resemble couscous. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper, then bake for 15 minutes at 350°F.
- Make the marinara sauce: In a saucepan, sauté onions until soft, then add garlic, tomatoes, oregano, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 30-45 minutes, crushing the tomatoes occasionally. Blend the sauce in a food processor, leaving it chunky or smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the filling: Sauté onions, garlic, and ground turkey in olive oil until the turkey is browned. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. Stir in the cauliflower rice and marinara sauce. Mix in cheese for a creamy touch.
- Stuff the peppers: Fill each hollowed-out pepper with the turkey and cauliflower mixture. Add cheese between the layers for a gooey delight.
- Bake the peppers: Bake for 30-45 minutes until the peppers turn tender.
- Serve and enjoy: Let the peppers cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
FAQs:
- Is cauliflower rice easy to make at home, and how can I ensure it’s not too watery? Cauliflower rice is simple to make at home. Start by cutting the cauliflower into florets and pulsing them in a food processor until they resemble couscous or rice grains. Be sure not to over-process, as it can become mushy. Toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper, spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
- Can I make the marinara sauce ahead of time and store it for later use? Absolutely! Making the marinara sauce ahead of time can save you time during meal preparation. Once the sauce is done simmering and you’ve achieved the desired consistency, allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or jar and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freezer up to 3 months.
- Can I freeze the stuffed peppers for later meals? Yes, you can freeze the stuffed peppers for convenient make-ahead meals. After baking the stuffed peppers, let them cool completely. Then, individually wrap each pepper tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place them in airtight containers. Thaw the peppers in the refrigerator overnight and reheat them in the oven or microwave.
- Can I add cheese to the filling, and which type of cheese works best? Yes, you can certainly add cheese to the filling for extra creaminess and flavor. A mild cheese like Monterey Jack or mozzarella works well and complements the turkey and cauliflower. Simply stir in about 1 cup of shredded cheese into the filling mixture before stuffing the peppers.
So there you have it – a delicious twist on stuffed peppers that’s sure to impress your taste buds. The blend of seasoned ground turkey, cauliflower rice, and homemade marinara sauce is simply mouthwatering. Whether you’re looking to try something new or simply aiming for a healthy alternative to red meat, I think you’ll find these surprisingly delicious!
OTHER GREAT GROUND TURKEY RECIPES:
- One Skillet Cheesy Turkey Pasta
- Weeknight Turkey Chili
- Turkey Lettuce Wraps (PF Chang copycat)
- Turkey Burgers
TURKEY & CAULIFLOWER RICE STUFFED PEPPERS
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Stuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey and Cauliflower Rice
Description
A spin on the classic beef filled peppers with seasoned ground turkey, cauliflower rice and a homemade marinara sauce. Sure to become a regular in your menu!
Ingredients
FOR THE MARINARA SAUCE:
- 1 Can (28 ounces) Whole Peeled Tomatoes (nothing beats San Marzano)
- 1 Medium Sized Onion, diced
- 3 LARGE Cloves Garlic, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon ea Dried Oregano, Sea Salt and Sugar
- Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes
- 5–6 Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped
FOR THE FILLING:
- 6 Bell Peppers, tops chopped off, rims and seeds removed
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, divided
- 1 lb. Ground Turkey
- Âľ Cup Onion, diced
- 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ea Cumin, Chili Powder, Sea Salt
- ÂĽ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 ½ Cups Mariana Sauce (see below)
- 2 Cups Cauliflower Rice (see below)
- Monterey Jack Cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower Rice: Trim the cauliflower florets and pulse them in a food processor until they resemble couscous. Toss with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Marinara Sauce: In a medium saucepan, sauté diced onions in olive oil until softened. Add garlic, tomatoes, oregano, salt, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 30-45 minutes, occasionally crushing the tomatoes with a spoon. Remove from heat, discard the onion, and pulse the sauce in a food processor for desired consistency. Stir in chopped basil.
- Prepare the Filling: Sauté diced onion, ground turkey, and garlic in olive oil until the turkey is browned and cooked through. Add cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Combine with cauliflower rice and 1 ½ cups of marinara sauce. Stir in approximately 1 cup of cheese.
- Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling into each bell pepper, adding chunks of cheese if desired. Place the stuffed peppers in a loaf pan, pour about ¼ cup of water in each pan, cover with aluminum foil, and bake at 350°F for 30-45 minutes or until peppers are soft and easily pierced with a knife.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the stuffed peppers cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Savor the delightful flavors of seasoned turkey and cauliflower rice, complemented by the rich and comforting marinara sauce. These stuffed peppers are perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or for preparing ahead and freezing for later enjoyment.
We have been trying to eat healthier, however I’ve been craving some stuffed peppers but was staying away because of the rice. Made this tonight it was pretty yummy. My husband even loved it!! Going to look on your site for something else to cook for tomorrow.
Thanks!!
thanks Kimie !!
DELICIOUS!!!!