These Easy, 190-Calorie Turkey Stuffed Peppers are exactly what your weeknight dinner routine needs: vibrant, healthy, and absolutely packed with savory flavor in every bite. Juicy bell peppers cradle a hearty, boldly seasoned turkey and brown rice filling, all brought together under a bubbly blanket of sharp cheddar. The best part? Each stuffed pepper is satisfying while staying light—perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome, delicious meal that won’t weigh them down. Once you try these, they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Easy, 190-Calorie Turkey Stuffed Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Easy, 190-Calorie Turkey Stuffed Peppers is a breeze, and each one has a special job to do. These building blocks come together to create a dish bursting with hearty texture, vibrant color, and bold, crave-worthy flavor.

Bell peppers: The colorful base that holds everything together and brings natural sweetness and crunch to every serving.
Ground turkey: A lean, protein-packed option that soaks up all the seasonings beautifully and keeps things light.
Garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlicky depth to the filling without overpowering other flavors.
Onion powder: Delivers a subtle warmth that rounds out the savory notes.
Basil: Brings a fresh, slightly sweet and herby kick that complements the tomato sauce perfectly.
Red pepper flakes: A pinch here offers gentle heat and complexity—adjust to your spice preference!
Cumin: Infuses each bite with earthy, aromatic undertones for true depth.
Salt: Essential for waking up all the seasonings and tying the flavors together—taste as you go.
Chicken broth: Provides moisture and richness, keeping everything deliciously juicy.
Tomato sauce: Gives the filling a luscious, tangy base and helps bring all the ingredients together.
Cooked brown rice: Adds wholesome heartiness and helps the filling hold its shape, with a pleasant nutty bite.
Shredded sharp cheddar: A sprinkle on top melts into an irresistible cheesy finish that nobody can resist.

How to Make Easy, 190-Calorie Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Set your oven to preheat at 400°F while you get started on the magic. In a large skillet, start by browning the ground turkey alongside the onion powder, garlic powder, parsley (if using), salt, and cumin. Break up the turkey as it cooks so it stays tender and crumbles nicely, letting all those seasonings cling to every morsel. There’s so much satisfaction in watching the rich aromas start to build!

Step 2: Simmer with Sauce

Once the turkey has browned, pour in the tomato sauce and chicken broth. Stir well, letting the vibrant red sauce coat all the turkey and pick up that gentle heat from the red pepper flakes and brightness from the basil. Lower the heat, and let everything simmer gently for about 5 minutes. This quick simmer helps meld the flavors and slightly thickens the sauce for the perfect consistency.

Step 3: Combine with Rice

Stir the cooked brown rice into your seasoned turkey mixture. The rice soaks up that savory, aromatic sauce and gives the filling extra heartiness and structure. Each spoonful will be a beautiful mix of meat, rice, and a little saucy goodness, ready to stuff into those waiting peppers.

Step 4: Prepare the Peppers

Slice each bell pepper in half lengthwise, removing stems and seeds to make tidy “boats” for your filling. Nestle the pepper halves, cut side up, into a spacious casserole dish. They should fit snugly but not too tightly—the idea is to let each portion hold its shape while baking.

Step 5: Stuff and Fill

Spoon the turkey and rice mixture generously into each pepper half, making sure to mound them up for a truly satisfying portion. If your skillet has any flavorful juice left, pour it right into the base of the dish for extra moisture that will help the peppers stay juicy as they roast.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. The peppers will soften and sweeten as the filling melds together. Once the timer dings, remove the dish—now for the best part. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar evenly over the tops and return to the oven for just 3 minutes more. The cheese will melt into a bubbly, golden topping that’s nothing short of irresistible.

How to Serve Easy, 190-Calorie Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Garnishes

Finish your Easy, 190-Calorie Turkey Stuffed Peppers with a flourish! A little freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds color and a pop of freshness. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a squeeze of lime can brighten everything up, offering a cool contrast to the savory, warm filling. Don’t be shy—let each plate look as joyful as it tastes!

Side Dishes

These stuffed peppers are lovely on their own, but even better with simple sides. Try them with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad drizzled with a lemony vinaigrette, or garlic-sautéed green beans. If you want even more comfort vibes, serve them alongside a slice of crusty whole-grain bread to soak up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate the Easy, 190-Calorie Turkey Stuffed Peppers by arranging them in a cast iron skillet for a rustic, family-style look or serve them individually on colorful plates for a dinner party. For a playful weeknight twist, top each pepper with a different garnish—try avocado slices, sliced olives, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a bit of herby yogurt sauce over each pepper right before serving!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cooled Easy, 190-Calorie Turkey Stuffed Peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully for quick lunches or dinners. In fact, the flavors only deepen as they rest, making the leftovers just as appetizing as the day you made them!

Freezing

Want to meal prep? These stuffed peppers freeze like a dream. Once cooled, wrap each individually in plastic wrap then tuck them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat straight from frozen if you’re in a hurry—they’ll still taste fabulous.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place your Easy, 190-Calorie Turkey Stuffed Peppers in a baking dish and warm them in a 350°F oven for 15–18 minutes, or until heated through. For a quick option, microwave on medium power until piping hot. If reheating from frozen, cover with foil and bake a little longer, then uncover for the final few minutes to let the cheese get bubbly again.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works beautifully in this recipe and will keep the Easy, 190-Calorie Turkey Stuffed Peppers just as lean and flavorful. You might notice a slightly different texture, but all the spices and seasonings will shine through just the same.

What’s the best way to cook brown rice for the filling?

The easiest route is to cook your brown rice ahead of time, either in a rice cooker or on the stovetop. If you’re short on time, look for packages of ready-to-eat brown rice at the grocery store—they’re perfect for this recipe and make prep even faster.

Can I make Easy, 190-Calorie Turkey Stuffed Peppers ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the peppers up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes since they’ll be starting cold. This makes them a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy nights or entertaining.

How do I prevent the peppers from becoming too soggy?

Be sure not to over-fill the baking dish with excess liquid, and bake the peppers just until they’re tender, not mushy. Pouring any extra liquid from the filling into the bottom of the dish helps keep the peppers juicy but still nicely structured.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Simply skip the cheddar or use your favorite non-dairy shredded cheese alternative. The Easy, 190-Calorie Turkey Stuffed Peppers will still be bursting with flavor and totally satisfying without the dairy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a hearty, wholesome meal that’s every bit as satisfying as it is simple, these Easy, 190-Calorie Turkey Stuffed Peppers are about to become your new favorite. They’re colorful, customizable, and come together with minimal fuss—perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a little comfort food with a healthy twist. Give them a try and prepare to fall in love with every flavorful bite!