Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Turkey: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish

Stuffed peppers have long been a comfort food favorite, known for their hearty combination of meat, rice, and vegetables all tucked into a flavorful pepper shell. But have you ever tried Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Turkey? This easy, healthy casserole takes all the best elements of the traditional stuffed peppers but simplifies the process, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or meal prep. With lean ground turkey as the star ingredient, this dish is not only flavorful but also a great source of protein.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of the recipe, share advanced cooking techniques, and give you some handy tips for storage and dietary adaptations. Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions to ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time!

Before we dive in, you might find these articles useful: The Health Benefits of Ground Turkey and How to Make the Perfect Casserole.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Turkey

Author: Jennifer Mitchell
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Turkey is a hearty, healthy, and flavorful dish that combines all the delicious flavors of stuffed peppers into one easy-to-make casserole. With lean ground turkey, bell peppers, tomatoes, spinach, and mozzarella, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be customized with your favorite seasonings and toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds lean ground turkey
1 yellow onion, finely diced
3–4 bell peppers (any color), chopped
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
15 ounces fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices (1 can)
24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
3 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
1 cup quick cooking rice (see note)
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish (optional): chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Casserole Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or lightly coat it with cooking spray.
Cook Ground Turkey:
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 6-7 minutes.
Once browned, remove the turkey from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion, chopped bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
Combine Ingredients:
Return the ground turkey to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Add the chopped spinach and mix well, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Cook Rice:
While the turkey and vegetable mixture is cooking, prepare the quick-cooking rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, add it to the skillet and stir to combine.
Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake:
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy!

Notes

Rice Option: For a lower-carb version, you can substitute the quick-cooking rice with cauliflower rice or omit it entirely.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, swap the ground turkey for plant-based ground meat or lentils.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Toppings: Feel free to top with additional grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of the casserole
Calories: 380
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Turkey

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole.
Cook the Ground Turkey: In a large skillet, cook the lean ground turkey over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Break the turkey into small crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet with the turkey. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 5 minutes.
Add Spinach and Rice: Stir in the chopped spinach and uncooked quick-cooking rice. Let the mixture cook for 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the rice begins to soften.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, and then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, garnish the casserole with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot, and enjoy your Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Turkey!

Advanced Techniques

While the basic recipe is straightforward, you can elevate your Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Turkey using some advanced techniques that will add more depth of flavor and texture.

1. Roasting the Peppers Beforehand

For a deeper flavor, consider roasting the bell peppers before adding them to the casserole. Slice the peppers into strips, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until they’re slightly charred. This step will bring out the natural sweetness of the peppers and add an additional layer of complexity to the dish.

2. Use of Herbs and Spices

You can boost the flavor profile by experimenting with additional herbs and spices. Try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat, or sprinkle in some fresh basil and oregano for a Mediterranean twist. Fresh herbs can also be sprinkled on top before serving to add a burst of brightness.

3. Make it a One-Pan Dish

If you prefer a truly one-pan experience, you can skip the baking dish and cook everything directly in a large oven-safe skillet. After cooking the turkey and vegetables, just add the rice and sauce to the skillet, top with cheese, and transfer the entire pan into the oven.

4. Boosting Protein with Beans

To add more protein and fiber, mix in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or kidney beans. They’ll add heartiness to the casserole and complement the ground turkey well.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers of this delicious Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Turkey, here’s how to store it and keep it fresh:

Storage:

In the Refrigerator: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to let the casserole cool completely before sealing the container.
In the Freezer: If you want to keep it for longer, freeze individual portions of the casserole. Place the portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F until heated through.

Reheating Tips:

Microwave: Reheat individual servings in the microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
Oven: For the best texture, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Turkey is quite versatile, and you can easily adapt it to meet different dietary needs:

Low-Carb Version:

If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can skip the rice and substitute with cauliflower rice. You can either buy pre-made cauliflower rice or pulse fresh cauliflower florets in a food processor to make your own.

Gluten-Free:

The recipe as written is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check the marinara sauce and any pre-packaged ingredients for hidden gluten.

Vegetarian Option:

For a vegetarian twist, swap the ground turkey for a plant-based protein, such as lentils or crumbled tempeh. You can also add more veggies like zucchini or eggplant to enhance the dish.

Dairy-Free:

To make this casserole dairy-free, simply omit the mozzarella cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast can also provide a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use regular ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can use ground beef if you prefer. However, ground turkey is leaner, so using beef will result in a slightly richer and fattier dish.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep.

Can I use brown rice instead of quick-cooking rice?

You can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will take longer to cook. Be sure to pre-cook the rice before adding it to the casserole to ensure it cooks evenly with the other ingredients.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own. However, you could serve it with a side salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Turkey is a delicious and healthy take on a classic comfort food. With lean ground turkey, bell peppers, spinach, and mozzarella, it’s a flavorful, filling meal that’s easy to make and even easier to customize. Whether you’re looking to make it low-carb, vegetarian, or dairy-free, this dish can easily be adapted to suit your dietary preferences.

By following the basic recipe and experimenting with advanced techniques, you can create a casserole that’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to meal prep. Don’t forget to store leftovers properly to enjoy the dish for days to come!

Enjoy the process, and more importantly, enjoy every bite of this flavorful casserole!

Stuffed Pepper Casserole with Ground Turkey: A Healthy and Easy Recipe