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Bright Herb and Lemon Turkey Stuffed Peppers

This dish features bell peppers roasted until tender, then filled with a savory turkey mixture infused with fresh herbs, tomato paste, and a splash of lemon juice. It boasts a vibrant balance of acidity and herbal brightness, resulting in a hearty yet fresh-looking final presentation with bubbling cheese on top. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it combines simple roasting and filling techniques for a flavorful, colorful meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large bell peppers preferably red or yellow for sweetness
  • 1 pound ground turkey lean or mixed with a bit of fat for juiciness
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup cooked rice jasmine or your choice
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon cumin
  • a handful fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • ½ cup shredded cheese cheddar or mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Large skillet
  • Spatula
  • Spoon
  • Paring knife
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Slice the tops off the peppers and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for about 15 minutes until they start to soften and develop a slight char. Remove and let cool slightly.
  2. While the peppers roast, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells aromatic.
  3. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with the spatula. Cook until it turns golden brown and is cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Stir in the cooked rice, tomato paste, smoked paprika, and cumin. Mix thoroughly and cook for another 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the mixture thicken slightly.
  5. Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the chopped parsley and lemon juice. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed for a bright, balanced flavor.
  6. Gently stuff each roasted pepper with the turkey mixture, pressing down lightly to pack the filling. Top each with shredded cheese for a gooey finish.
  7. Return the filled peppers to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the filling is hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the peppers rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley or a squeeze of lemon if desired.