Nutrition

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat and Prepare the Peppers:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes. Place the peppers upright in a baking dish. Brush or spray them lightly with olive oil. Bake the peppers for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, then remove them from the oven and set aside.
2. Prepare the Quinoa:
   While the peppers bake, cook the quinoa according to package instructions. You’ll need 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa to yield about 1 1/2 cups cooked. Set aside 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa for the filling (this is enough for all 4 peppers, at 2 tablespoons per pepper).
3. Cook the Filling:
   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until no longer pink. Stir in diced tomatoes, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
4. Combine Meat and Quinoa:
   Stir the reserved 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa into the turkey mixture until evenly combined.
5. Stuff the Peppers:
   Remove the pre-baked peppers from the baking dish. Carefully spoon the turkey-quinoa mixture into each pepper, ensuring each pepper gets approximately 4 oz of filling.
6. Top with Cheese:
   Sprinkle 2 tablespoons (about 1/8 cup) of low-fat shredded cheese on top of each stuffed pepper.
7. Bake:
   Return the stuffed peppers to the oven. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired, and serve warm. Pair with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete, balanced meal.

This High-Protein Macro-Friendly Stuffed Peppers with Ground Turkey and Quinoa recipe is a perfect blend of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Packed with lean protein, whole grains, and vibrant bell peppers, it’s a satisfying meal that fits right into a healthy lifestyle. The tender roasted peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey, quinoa, and spices, then topped with melty low-fat cheese for the ultimate comfort-food feel. It’s also versatile—substitute the ground turkey with lean ground beef, chicken, or a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version.



Note:  If quinoa isn’t your favorite, try using brown rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. You can even swap the low-fat cheese for vegan cheese to make it dairy-free. Whether you’re meal prepping or enjoying it fresh out of the oven, this recipe is a flavorful and wholesome choice!