Brown Rice Stuffed Peppers: My Foolproof Recipe!

Growing up in Asheville, stuffed peppers weren’t exactly a staple. It was all about biscuits and gravy, fried chicken, and collard greens, you know? But I remember this one church potluck… Mrs. Henderson, bless her heart, brought these vibrant, beautiful peppers, stuffed to the brim. I was a picky kid, but something about them just called to me. Turns out, they were her famous Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers, and wow, were they good! Not like anything Grandma ever made, but good in its own right, haha!

Over the years, I’ve tweaked Mrs. Henderson’s recipe (hope she doesn’t mind!). I’ve made it healthier, easier to customize, and perfect for meal prepping. And trust me, even my kids, who are the pickiest eaters on the planet, gobble these down. The secret? Using quality ground turkey and perfectly cooked brown rice. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a weeknight lifesaver. Trust me on this one!

Why You’ll Love These Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Seriously, you NEED these in your life. I’m not even kidding. Why? Well, let me tell ya:

• Super healthy – feel good about what you’re eating!
• Crazy customizable – swap stuff in and out, no problem!
• Meal-prep WINNER – make ’em ahead and relax later.
• Easy peasy – even *I* can’t mess this one up (usually!).
• Downright delicious – flavor explosion in every bite.

Healthy and Delicious Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Yep, you read that right! Healthy *and* delicious. Who knew?!

Customizable Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers for Any Taste

Got picky eaters? Dietary restrictions? No sweat! This recipe bends over backwards to please.

Meal-Prep Friendly Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers for Busy Weeknights

Weeknights are hectic enough, right? Make these on Sunday, and you’re golden all week long. You’ll thank me later!

Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Ingredients

Alright, gather ’round! Here’s what you’ll need. Don’t skimp on the good stuff, okay?

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked brown rice (already cooked, folks!)
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
• 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color – I like red!)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste (be generous!)
• 4 large bell peppers (any color), halved lengthwise and seeded
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

How to Prepare Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Okay, time to get cooking! Don’t be scared; it’s easier than it looks, I promise. Just follow along, and you’ll have a pan of these beauties in no time.

Preparing the Filling for Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

First, crank that oven to 375°F (190°C). Get that preheating! Now, grab your biggest skillet and toss in that ground turkey. Cook it over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon until it’s all browned. Don’t forget to drain off any extra grease – nobody wants greasy peppers!

Next, throw in the chopped onion and that one chopped bell pepper (any color you like!). Cook ’em until they’re soft, about 5 minutes or so. This is where the magic starts to happen, folks. Mmm, that smell!

Now, stir in the cooked brown rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies (don’t drain ’em!), chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good mix. This is your flavor base, so taste it and adjust as needed. Need more spice? Add a pinch of cayenne! Not salty enough? You know what to do!

Assembling the Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Alright, grab those halved and seeded bell peppers. Time to get stuffing! Spoon that delicious ground turkey mixture into each pepper half, packing it in there nice and snug. Don’t overfill them, though; you want the cheese to melt nicely on top!

Arrange the stuffed peppers in a baking dish. I like to add a splash of water to the bottom of the dish to keep them from drying out, but that’s just me.

Baking the Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers to Perfection

Top each pepper with that shredded cheddar cheese. Now, slide the baking dish into that preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and maybe even a little browned. Yum!

Careful when you take ’em out – they’re hot! Let them cool slightly before serving. And seriously, try not to eat them all at once. It’s tempting, I know!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Okay, let’s talk swaps! This recipe’s pretty flexible, so don’t be afraid to get creative. No brown rice? Use quinoa! Hate black beans? Pinto beans work great, too. Just make it your own, you know?

Vegetarian Brown Rice Stuffed Peppers

Wanna skip the meat? No problem! Lentils or crumbled tofu are fantastic substitutes for the ground turkey. Just cook ’em up with the veggies like you would the turkey, and you’re good to go. Seriously, you won’t even miss the meat!

Cheese Variations for Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Cheddar’s my go-to, but hey, live a little! Monterey Jack, pepper jack (for a kick!), or even a sprinkle of parmesan would be delish. Or, skip the cheese altogether! It’s your pepper, do what you want!

Tips for the Best Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Want stuffed peppers that are *amazing*? Here’s the lowdown! Don’t overstuff those peppers – nobody likes a pepper explosion in the oven. Also, I swear by using long-grain brown rice; it holds its shape better. And if you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of marinara sauce over the top before baking adds a little something extra! Trust me.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Can I make Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! That’s the beauty of these babies. Just assemble them, cover ’em tightly with foil, and pop ’em in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Easy peasy!

Can I freeze Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers?

Yep, you sure can! Let the assembled peppers cool completely, then wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat ’em, thaw them overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. You might need to add a little extra baking time, so keep an eye on ’em!

What can I serve with Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers?

Oh, the possibilities! I love serving these with a simple side salad – something light and fresh to balance out the heartiness of the peppers. Cornbread is also a classic choice. Or, if you’re feeling extra healthy, steamed broccoli or green beans are always a good bet!

Serving Suggestions for Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Okay, so you’ve got these amazing stuffed peppers… now what? I’m a big fan of a simple side salad – something with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Cornbread? Always a good idea! Or, if you’re trying to be good, some steamed green beans or broccoli works wonders. Just sayin’!

Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers: Nutritional Information

Now, listen, I’m no nutritionist! Keep in mind that nutritional info varies based on brands and ingredients. Consider this a rough estimate, okay?

Enjoy Your Homemade Brown Rice & Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers!

Alright, dig in! I hope you love these as much as my family does. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you think. And hey, share a pic on social media! I’d love to see your creations!

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