Introduction
If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrients, look no further than this delicious stuffed pepper casserole made with lean ground turkey. This one-dish meal combines savory vegetables, tender turkey, and gooey mozzarella cheese, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also offers a satisfying blend of flavors that everyone will love.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 pounds lean ground turkey
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 bell peppers (any color), diced
1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 cup quick-cooking rice
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
To create this delightful stuffed pepper casserole, start by preheating your oven and gathering all the ingredients. Then, follow the simple steps to combine the turkey, vegetables, and rice with a tasty marinara sauce before baking it all together and topping it with melted mozzarella. In less than an hour, you will have a warm and comforting meal ready to be enjoyed!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Heat Olive Oil
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
Step 3: Cook Onion
Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Cook Ground Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
Step 6: Add Bell Peppers
Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Step 7: Combine Sauces and Seasonings
Add the fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with their juice), marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 8: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 9: Stir in Rice and Spinach
Stir in the quick-cooking rice and chopped spinach. Mix well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed and the spinach begins to wilt.
Step 10: Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 11: Add Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 12: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Step 13: Uncover and Continue Baking
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 14: Cool and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 15: Enjoy
Serve warm and enjoy your stuffed pepper casserole with ground turkey.
Notes
Note 1:
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have available.
Note 2:
For added flavor, consider adding more spices such as crushed red pepper for heat or fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Note 3:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving.
Note 4:
This casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, just be sure to adjust the baking time if baking from a cold state.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking method that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil over relatively high heat. This technique is used here to soften the onions and cook the garlic until fragrant, enhancing the flavor profile of the dish.
Browning
Browning ground turkey helps to develop a rich flavor and adds a nice texture. This technique involves cooking the meat until it is no longer pink and begins to form a brown crust.
Simmering
Simmering involves cooking food gently in a liquid at a low temperature. In this recipe, it allows the ingredients to meld together and enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
Mixing
Mixing ensures that all ingredients are evenly distributed. This technique is crucial when adding the rice and spinach to incorporate them thoroughly within the casserole.
Baking
Baking is a method of cooking food using dry heat in an oven. In this recipe, baking ensures that the casserole is heated through, the cheese melts, and the flavors meld perfectly.
Covering
Covering the baking dish with aluminum foil prevents the cheese from over-browning too quickly and helps retain moisture in the casserole during the first part of baking.
Resting
Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking allows the dish to set up, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
FAQ
Can I substitute ground turkey with another type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you desire.
What if I don’t have quick-cooking rice?
If you don’t have quick-cooking rice, regular rice can be used, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and add extra liquid to ensure it cooks properly.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to include any vegetables you prefer, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or corn.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can use a plant-based ground meat alternative and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it vegetarian.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked casserole. Once assembled, cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Conclusion
This stuffed pepper casserole with ground turkey is a delicious and hearty meal that combines wholesome ingredients into a flavorful dish. It’s an ideal option for a family dinner or meal prep, as it can be easily made in advance and reheated for a quick, satisfying meal. Enjoy the nutritious goodness of turkey, vegetables, and cheese, all baked to perfection.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Turkey and Zucchini Lasagna
Layers of ground turkey, zucchini slices, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese make a lighter twist on traditional lasagna.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Use the turkey mixture to fill halved bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake until tender for individual servings of flavor.
Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Shells
Fill pasta shells with the turkey and spinach mixture, top with marinara sauce and cheese, and bake until bubbly for a comforting meal.
Turkey and Vegetable Stir-fry
Quickly sauté ground turkey with bell peppers, onions, and spinach for a healthy, one-pan meal served over rice or quinoa.
Turkey Chili
Transform the turkey mixture into a chili by adding beans, corn, and chili spices, simmering for a hearty and warming dish.
Cheesy Turkey and Rice Skillet
Cook everything in one skillet with added spices for a quick weeknight dinner that combines rice, turkey, and cheese into a delicious casserole.
