High-Protein Turkey & Cottage Cheese Stuffed Peppers with Zesty Marinara

These vibrant stuffed peppers combine two viral Pinterest protein trends: cottage cheese upgrades and lean turkey bowls. The whipped cottage cheese creates a creamy filling without heavy dairy, while the marinara-turkey mixture delivers big flavor. With golden cheese topping and zero prep fuss, this dish tastes like comfort food with muscle-building benefits.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (mixed colors), tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean)
• 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese, blended smooth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Place hollowed peppers cut-side-up in baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high. Cook turkey until browned, breaking into crumbles.
3. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and 1/4 tsp salt. Remove from heat.
4. In bowl, combine blended cottage cheese, Parmesan, and 1/4 cup marinara.
5. Mix turkey crumbles into cottage cheese mixture. Spoon filling into peppers.
6. Top each pepper with 2 tbsp marinara sauce and mozzarella.
7. Bake 20-25 mins until peppers soften and cheese bubbles.
8. Broil 1-2 mins for golden spots. Garnish with basil.
9. Serve with extra marinara for dipping.

Chef's Note

Blend cottage cheese until ultra-smooth for a ricotta-like texture with double the protein! Brown the turkey well for maximum flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips

Filling stores separately for 3 days; stuff peppers before baking.

Substitutions

Swap turkey for Impossible Meat; use quinoa instead of cottage cheese if preferred.