Turkey Spinach & Feta Stuffed Bell Peppers with Citrus Tomato Sauce
Looking for a protein‑packed dinner that’s quick and flavorful? These turkey stuffed peppers combine lean ground turkey, fresh spinach, and creamy feta, topped with a zesty citrus tomato sauce. It’s a crowd‑pleasing, meal‑prep friendly dish for any weeknight.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean)
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa (or 1 cup brown rice)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; sauté onion and garlic until translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Add ground turkey, cooking until browned and crumbly, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika.
- Stir in cooked quinoa, spinach, and feta until spinach wilts and feta melts slightly (2‑3 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Dip the tops of the peppers in a shallow dish of water and then carefully scoop the turkey‑quinoa mixture into each pepper until snugly filled.
- Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish. Mix crushed tomatoes, broth, and lemon juice; pour evenly into the dish, covering the pepper bottoms.
- Bake for 25‑30 minutes, or until peppers are tender and the sauce is bubbling.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
- Optional: Drizzle a thin slice of extra virgin olive oil before serving for added richness.
Chef's Note
For a dairy‑free version, replace feta with crumbled tofu or a plant‑based cheese.
Make-Ahead Tips
Fill and bake the peppers at least 2 days ahead. Refrigerate individually; reheat in the microwave or a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Substitutions
Use ground chicken, beef, or tempeh instead of turkey. Swap spinach for arugula or kale for a different flavor profile.