Name: Italian Stuffed Peppers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 medium bell peppers, halved and seeded; 2 Tbsp olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 1 lb ground turkey (or chicken); 2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp ground black pepper; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 cup cooked brown rice; 1 cup shredded low‑moisture mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 Tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Stuffed bell peppers filled with savory turkey, rice, cheese, and zesty tomatoes—baked until melty and garnished with fresh herbs. A comforting, wholesome one-dish meal with bold Italian flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Italian Stuffed Peppers bring together lean ground poultry, hearty grains, and gooey cheese into a vibrant, handheld package. They’re easy to adapt—use chicken or beef, switch up the cheese, or make them vegetarian with beans. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep since they hold up beautifully in the fridge and freezer.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Peppers & Prep
- 3 medium bell peppers (any color), halved and seeded
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
Filling
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 lb ground turkey or ground chicken
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 cup shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 Tbsp freshly chopped basil or parsley

Directions

1. Roast the Peppers

Preheat oven to 350 °F (180 °C).
Brush pepper halves with olive oil and place cut-side up on a baking sheet. Roast for 10 minutes to soften slightly.

2. Prepare the Filling

In a skillet, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Add ground turkey (or chicken), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
Stir in diced tomatoes with juices and simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Remove from heat and mix in cooked rice, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until well combined.

3. Stuff and Bake

Fill each roasted pepper half generously with the turkey-rice filling.
For extra cheesiness, add a sprinkle of mozzarella on top.
Bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese has melted.

4. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley over the stuffed peppers. Serve hot as a satisfying main dish.

Servings And Timing

Makes: 6 stuffed pepper halves (serves 3–4)
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Roast time (peppers): 10 minutes
Cook time (filling + bake): ~25 minutes
Total time: ~50 minutes

Variations

Ground meat swap: Use ground beef, Italian sausage, or plant-based meat.
Veggie option: Omit meat and add black beans or lentils instead.
Grain alternatives: Use quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice.
Cheese changes: Substitute mozzarella with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or vegan cheese.
Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for heat.

Storage/Reheating

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual stuffed peppers and reheat at 350 °F for 20–25 minutes.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350 °F for 10–15 minutes or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes—prepare filling and roast peppers, then assemble and bake just before serving.

2. How do I know peppers are done?

They’re tender but still hold their shape—soft but not mushy.

3. Can I use white rice instead of brown?

Sure—use 1 cup cooked white rice; flavor remains great.

4. Are they gluten-free?

Yes, naturally. Just check your canned tomatoes and seasonings for gluten.

5. Can I omit cheese?

You can, but cheese adds texture and flavor—try nutritional yeast for dairy-free.

6. What if peppers burn?

Tent loosely with foil during baking if they brown too quickly.

7. How to thaw frozen ones?

Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes—bake in batches or use a larger oven rack to accommodate more peppers.

9. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried Italian seasoning?

Definitely—use 1 tsp each of chopped rosemary, thyme, basil, and oregano.

10. What sides pair well?

Serve with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Italian Stuffed Peppers are a delicious, all-in-one dish that’s easy to customize and satisfying every time. With flavorful turkey, rice, and melty cheese wrapped in tender roasted peppers, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners and leftovers that shine. Make, bake, and enjoy a taste of comfort food with Mediterranean flair!

Maggie

Italian Stuffed Peppers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients