These easy stuffed peppers are made without rice, and instead filled with healthy ingredients like spiralized zucchini, protein-packed quinoa, and ground turkey sausage for a fast and super healthy all-in-one dinner everyone at the table will love.
In This Post
The other day I read that the day of the family dinner plate being made up of a main protein (meat, chicken, fish), a side of carbohydrates (rice, pasta, potatoes), and then a side of veggies (carrots, broccoli, whatever is languishing in the fridge), is quickly losing ground as the best idea of what dinner should look like. I grew up on the same idea of that ratio and for many years followed suit.
But thanks to the popularity of meals in bowls, hearty salads served as the main meal, and more all-in-one serving options, the dinner plate has changed. And it’s not only in how we divvy out portion size, but the actual vessel our meal is served in, like using vitamin-packed vegetables such as sweet potatoes, every squash imaginable, and cabbage leaves, just to name a few.
And at our house, there’s really no more versatile vegetable-to-bowl main ingredient than the almighty bell pepper.
Stuffed peppers have made plenty of appearances at our house, from our basic Stuffed Pepper Recipe, to Southwestern Stuffed Peppers, and probably the stuffed pepper recipe we make most often, my husband’s Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Stuffed Peppers.
This time around I wanted to make a protein-packed, veggie-loaded stuffed pepper dinner, but one that still had tons of flavor.
Goal scored.
see more: 30 Dinners to Make When There’s No Time to Cook
How to Make Stuffed Peppers
One of my most used appliances/gadgets/kitchen helpers (besides my trusty husband behind the stove) is my Inspiralizer. This baby takes all the work out of chopping, dicing, and slicing, and makes vegetables hearty, I think mainly because of the cut, they simply take up more space in a dish but don’t overwhelm it flavor-wise.
Get your own Inspiralizer here.
My husband hasn’t quite converted to the idea that, Yes! Dinner meals CAN be served without any meat, seafood or poultry, and still be amazingly filling and delicious. So for these peppers I added ground turkey with garlic and fennel to give it that sausage flavor he adores.
If you can find it, turkey sausage in links can certainly be used here too, just be sure to remove the casings before cooking if using it ground. You could also chop the sausage to give it a chunkier bite.
Healthy Ingredients for Stuffed Peppers
I added more protein-power to this dish by substituting quinoa for the traditional rice. So many love quinoa as an option for gluten-free eating that scores as one of the highest plant-based proteins out there.
Other superfood ancient grain ideas to use in place of quinoa or rice are:
- Farro
- Kamut
- Brown rice
- Spelt
- Wheat berries
- Whole wheat acini de pepe pasta
If you’re curious about more recipes with ancient grains, check out my post 10 Grains You Should Be Cooking With Right Now, including 30 recipe links to get your dinner planning going.
see more: 31 Days of Summer Produce Recipes to Make Now
How to Cook Stuffed Peppers
We always par bake our peppers in the microwave before stuffing them so they cook a little quicker. A simple sprinkle of kosher salt to the interior of the peppers and then a 5 minute blast in the microwave pre-cooks these peppers and cuts your baking time in half.
Our favorite way to stuff the peppers is to cut the tops then stand them like little soldiers in a baking dish. I use a smaller baking pan so the peppers fit snugly, holding more of the ingredients without spilling out.
Thanks to the folks at Cooks Illustrated, I discovered four other ideas to keep your peppers upright as they bake:
- Place the individual peppers in ramekins or mini coquettes when baking a smaller amount.
- Place the peppers in a bundt cake pan so the peppers stand straight up.
- Use a muffin tin so the sides hold the peppers in place.
- Save the tops of the bell peppers that were cut off for stuffing and wedge them between the peppers in larger pans for stability.
see more: 31 Quick and Healthy Veggie Side Dishes in 30 Minutes or Less
More Recipes to Make With Bell Peppers
- Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Beef
- Creamy Chicken and Mushrooms Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Southwestern Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Shrimp Scampi with Peppers and Spinach
- Barbecue-Style Chicken with Peppers and Olives
If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment below or take a photo and tag me on Instagram with #foodiecrusheats.
Spiralized Zucchini, Quinoa and Turkey Sausage Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
- 6 bell peppers of assorted colors
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 medium zucchini , spiralized or diced, about 4 cups
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 4 cloves garlic , minced or pressed
- ½ teaspoon dried fennel seed , crushed
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 4 cups cooked quinoa
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Remove the stems and core the bell peppers, removing all of the seeds, then rinse. Lightly sprinkle the inside of the peppers with kosher salt and place in a microwave safe dish with ¼ cup water. Microwave for 5 to 7 minutes or until they start to soften. Remove and set aside.
- Spiralize or dice the zucchini. Heat 1 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the zucchini and season with a sprinkle of kosher salt. Toss the zucchini and cook until it just begins to soften, about 2 minutes, then transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- In the same pan, heat the rest of the olive oil until hot then add the ground turkey, pressed garlic, fennel seeds, crushed red pepper flakes and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes or until cooked almost through, stirring often. Add the onion and continue to cook until the onion softens. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and cook for another minute. Remove from the heat and stir in the quinoa and zucchini. Toss with the Parmesan cheese and the fresh basil and season to taste.
- Transfer the peppers to a 3 quart baking dish and fill them with the sausage and quinoa mixture. Sprinkle the tops with more Parmesan cheese if desired, and bake for 20 minutes or until peppers are tender and cheese is browned. Serve hot.
Nutrition
As always, thank you for reading and supporting companies I partner with, which allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you. All opinions are always my own.
Are you following me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest?
Thanks for reading and subscribe to FoodieCrush to have each post delivered straight to your e-mail box.
Raj Kumar Singh
Hi,
Iam Also A Food Lover and Your article is very informative and has a lot of information. I really like your effort, keep posting.
aadhars
i like food.your post is always all are nice
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Thank you!
trump
That is the reason Epson LaserJet printer has involved the market of printers. Yet, regardless of whether you locate any sort of inconvenience in working these arrangement of printers then you can get the quick assistance from out Epson printer telephone number +1-888-326-0222. 2.Epson DeskJet printers: DeskJet printers are first presented by Epson in 1988. It is the brand name for the Inkjet printers.
newton10
HP Support Number. The HP bolster number officials are accessible there to support you and give you best administration over the globe. It is the simplest method to get associated with the HP help and bolster number agents.
Sara Jacob
Great article, it’s really helpful thank you
clake jhon
Wow Delicious Food. Please share recipes with me.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Keep coming back to Foodiecrush.com
Konuşma
Thank you good blog
revathi
Great article, it’s really helpful thank you
revathi
Great article, it’s really helpful tq
Alka Talwar
My mouth is watering just reading this and looking at the pics.
Maria Luisa
Great recipe! Needed something easy and good for my kids, and this was perfect. I used canned diced tomatoes instead of cutting my own, and it worked just as well. Nice!
continent name generator
I’m all about the edible bowls! Nutritious AND less dishes. So that’s a win in my book! Beautiful colors here, Heidi. Cheers!
Minds Miratus
It looks like very tasty meals. I also wanna cook it by myself.
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
Enjoy!
Pokemon Uranium
Thank you very much for the effort and kindly keep posting something like this every time,
it goes a long way to help people like us. Definitely going to make this sometime. I have done something similar to this in the past, but it was a “chicken cheese steak” stuffed with peppers, chicken, onions, and cheese! I guess you can really do a lot with stuffed pepper!
Jon D
Wow this looks amazing! Definitely going to make this sometime. I have done something similar to this in the past, but it was a “chicken cheese steak” stuffed with peppers, chicken, onions, and cheese! I guess you can really do a lot with stuffed pepper!
Ashley @ Foodie Crush
That sounds delicious! I sure love stuffed peppers!
Guide By Tips
I am really impressed with your content. Please keep it up.
Alina Stevens
Nice Post!! Hey Guys, Are you facing problems in Microsoft Software or getting invalid key error while Using Microsoft? Take help of Microsoft Support Number. At here, we provide you online technical help for your Microsoft Software.so call toll free and get quick help.
robertsith147
wow, what a tasty recipe with Stuffed Peppers. I like it. thanks for such a good information
aneeza
I saw your video Stuffed Peppers it just awesome I like it
Ailsa lena
Wow! awesome recipes!! I have tried it..
Ashley Sorenson
Thanks so much, Alisa! I am glad you love this!
Shilpa
Loved this recipe. Made it twice and about to make it again this weekend.
Ashley Sorenson
Thanks Shilpa! I am so glad you love it!
Jimmi
Oh my gosh this looks so good! I am over here drooling over this dish right now. I am all over this. I can’t even stop starring !!
Ashley Sorenson
Thank you so much Jimmi! I hope it was as incredible as you hoped!
Chirag
Thanks for sharing your thoughts amazing recipe looking forward to make it
Ashley Sorenson
Hope you enjoy!
Ashley Sorenson
Let me know how it goes!
alex marsh
Wow! awesome recipes!! I have tried it..
alex marsh
visit our website
Sophia
Wow! awesome recipes!! I have tried it..
Billy Mark
Provided Article above is amazing and thanks for elaborating the topic clearly. Visit to download the Microsoft office 2016 and office 365 for your PC and MAC.
To The Sports
Thanks for sharing this idea ! :)
To The Sports
hmmm yummy Thanks for sharing this idea !
Alison Paul
I am in fact Thankful to the owner of this site who has shared this impressive article.
Ashley Sorenson
You are very welcome! Thanks for being here!
Jakir
Thank you for hard work
vpn servcide provider
vpn service provider
Stella Murphy
Great post. Keep writing such kind of info on your page. it goes a long way to help people like us.
shipmychip
great post and thanks for giving good information
Hashim Khan
nice great info Thanks to you for sharing the idea with us as we now know a thing or two more than I did before this project.
i alleady this about golden number
Ashley Sorenson
Enjoy!
guofeng
The leading products of plastic film is one of the most competitive and effective products in China film industry. It is placed in top position in China film industry with annual output of 100000tons. New building materials- Wood & Plastic Complex Material’s annual output is 50000tons. New nonmetallic materials is No. 1 in this industry with annual output around 300000tons.
Celebspedia
Looks good! Great post. Keep writing such kind of info on your page.
Ashley Sorenson
Thank you so much! I will keep them coming!
Floria lena
Thanks for your support and Happy Blogging.
chandan kumar
Install Office Setup – Sign-in to you microsoft account and then Enter 25 digit alphanumeric office setup product key on country and language.click on next to start office installation.We are the best Office Setup in US, Canada and Australia. At Office Setup, we put high effort, moderate IT answers for organization’s, and people.Whether set up or beginning, equipment or programming, system or electronic, we have something for each financial plan. officeplus.net is the exchanging name of Spacesolutions Pvt Ltd situated in California, USA. We are not Microsoft.
Ghost
Thank you very much for the effort and kindly keep posting something like this every time,
it goes a long way to help people like us.
sajad Ahmed
I love to read this type of content and thanks for sharing.
SBOBET
Looks good! Great post. Keep writing such kind of info on your page.
Limo Service
your blog is good
Ashley Sorenson
Thank you!
Raj Kumar
Nive image really i love it. Keep it up. Thanks
Ashley Sorenson
Thank you Raj!
Ailsa lena
Thanks your ! for shared this blogs are wonderful all time preferable.
Sk Jakir
Thank you for your motivational post
ALADINCASH
Thanks for sharing these highly informative articles. You made some respectable points there. There is so much in this article that I would never have thought of on my own.
Best Regards,
Bandar Bola Terpercaya Aladincash
Globe Techne
Great Tips thanks for sharing all information. :)
Pooja Jain
very nice information for me……….thank you for sharing
Mcafee.com/Activate
These type of articles keeps the users interest in the website. I found this one pretty fascinating and it should go into my collection. I am Impressed. Please keep going to write more content…
Homework
We are a team of highly professional tutors, experts in their subjects. We have more than 10 years of experience in helping students in their online courses and assignments.
PartsBBQ
Yummy Recipes Want to try in my home…
John
Thanks for sharing this zucchini stuffed peppers recipe. I love this and try to make it.
24Layouts
Very very Nice Recipes… Thanks For Sharing….
Smart Home Works
This one is my favorite! How I love cooking back then :) I’ll try this soon. Thanks for sharing this Foodiecrush!
George Simpson
Thanks for sharing this. Thank you very much.
kaitlynwilson
Hello…
Microsoft Support Number +1-844-728-4045 ( Toll-Free)
Our Microsoft Support team is so professionals in fixing issues. You will get the fastest and easiest support from us. Microsoft Support Number, We also have a dedicated team for fixing email and outlook issues. If you are having any difficulties with Microsoft Product or need any question’s answer,
shakky goyal
Great Content! Keep up the Good Work!
Norris Dean
I found this one pretty fascinating and it should go into my collection. Very good work! I am Impressed. We appreciate that please keep going to write more content…
Anil Pal
Hello,
I really appreciate this wonderful post that you have provided for us. I assure this would be beneficial for most of the people.
hopebariatric
great ..
nice post from now we will check your blog every single day
amazing content writing skill..
fabitcorp
well presented explained.
Visiit
Nice post. I am a regular follower of your blog. This is a delicious and healthy recipe.
marke8now
Hey great and Yummy!!!!
Grabbit Media Pvt Ltd
deal of the day
today best offer
shopping offers
hot deals today
deal site
deals and offers, https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.grabbit.daily_deals&hl=en/
Grabbit Media Pvt Ltd
Download the post https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.grabbit.daily_deals&hl=en/
Kavi raj
Wonderful Post. Thanks for sharing.
Karan Oberoi
Nice post. Thanks for sharing this with us. This is a delicious and healthy recipe.
Patty Wilson
I am a regular follower of your blog. And the recipe you have mentioned over here are very healthy
BVI Document Attestation
Saiful Ali
Excellent post, Thanks for sharing this tips with us.
alisha
I try this at home but I could not make it as you
mustario uantoy
I made this! It was very tasty and made a TON. I’ll have left over stuffing for lunches too Thanks! Would LOVE to see more recipes like this.
angelica josh
Quite informative. Learn a lot about food.
Chrishan
WOW Nice Food, I will definitely try this recipe. Good Work!!
Ally
Wow… excellent photography.. very tempting.. I would love to try this recipe in my free time..
callgirlsinlahore
wow! such a spicy food it is. i really like the food of turkey.
i like these stuffed peppers.
Ashli
Yum, I love one pan meals, especially when they’re delicious and healthy like this. I’ve made stuffed peppers for years & they’ve always been a family favorite. Going to give this recipe a try!
Nieomi
Nice blog. zucchini looks mouth watering
Ian walker
Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe
George
Yummy.. looks Delicious
Sona
It’s very colorful. Hungry to taste it, gonna try this recipe soon.
sawgio ehr
I can see that you are an expert at your field! I am launching a website soon, and your information will be very useful for me.. Thanks for all your help and wishing you all the success in your business.
electronic health records software
michael
I love peppers
Susan P
Going to make this recipe today for husband & son w/out the cheese to keep it being Kosher by not mixing meat & dairy. My hope is that the absence of cheese won’t take much away from the taste quality of this recipe because it sounds like a winner!
Charlene
How much uncooked quinoa equals 4 cups?
amy
I made this! It was very tasty and made a TON. I’ll have left over stuffing for lunches too :) Thanks! Would LOVE to see more recipes like this.
heidi
Thanks for sharing Amy! Glad you have lunch for a few days, and I’ll work on creating more.
Letty / Letty's Kitchen
You are a genius to stuff roasted peppers with spiralized veggies!
stanp
Must say I’m not a fan of the ‘traditional’ stuffed peppers but these ingredients really caught my eye !
Have to put on the ‘must try’ list !
Claire
Beyond delicious!
Missy @ mighty diets
This looks great! Going to become obsessed w/ the “inspiralizer.” It just makes things that are not in “spiral form” look so boring!
The Happy Whisk (Ivy)
Great pictures. Colourful and inviting. Well done, you.
Amy
These look GREAT! We have friends over this weekend and I’m adding this recipe to the list. Thanks :)
Recipesinhindi
very nice thanks for sharing
Nicole Leggio
Saw these this morning, added the ingredients to my grocery list and just had them for dinner. Delicious!
marcie
My teenage boys wouldn’t be behind this meal, but my husband and I would gladly have this all to ourselves! This is the way I love to eat.
Sara @ Last Night's Feast
Totally cool idea doing the spiralized zucchini in there! I like the texture change up =)
Laura
I always feel like I need to add a carb to dinner to keep my main squeeze happy, but he is usually totally fine with a delicious meat and veggie packed meal like this one! Seriously I could eat these peppers every single day!!! They look so colorful and delicious!
Becky
love this colorful one dish meal. I’m all about the one dish meals since I don’t have a dish washer :)
Liz @ Floating Kitchen
I’m all about the edible bowls! Nutritious AND less dishes. So that’s a win in my book! Beautiful colors here, Heidi. Cheers!
Paul
Turkey and sausage stuffed peppers? Oh wow, that’s all I can say to this recipe!