Introduction

Crockpot Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey is the perfect blend of healthy, hearty, and comforting flavors wrapped in a colorful and visually appealing package. Bell peppers are naturally sweet and tender when cooked slowly, making them the perfect edible container for a flavorful filling of lean ground turkey, rice, vegetables, herbs, and melted cheese. The crockpot does all the work, allowing the peppers to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully, giving you a complete, balanced meal with minimal effort.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s not only delicious but also wholesome and nourishing. Ground turkey makes the dish lighter than the traditional beef-stuffed peppers, while still keeping it filling and packed with protein. The combination of savory meat, fluffy rice, herbs, and gooey melted cheese creates comfort food at its finest without the heaviness. Plus, the crockpot version takes all the guesswork out of cooking—you simply prep, set, and forget until dinner is ready.

This is a Must Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it checks all the boxes: it’s family-friendly, meal-prep friendly, healthy, and budget-friendly. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, entertaining guests, or preparing meals for the week ahead, Crockpot Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey is a complete meal in one neat package. Each pepper offers a colorful presentation, making it not just tasty but also visually stunning on your dinner table.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (low) or 2 hours 20 minutes (high)
• Servings: 6 servings (1 pepper per serving)
• Calories: Approximately 310 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Peppers:

• 6 large bell peppers (any color, tops cut off and seeds removed)
• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, grated (optional, for extra veggies)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried basil

Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare Bell Peppers

1. Wash bell peppers and cut off the tops.
2. Remove seeds and membranes, keeping the peppers intact.
3. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, cooked rice, onion, garlic, zucchini (if using), diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and 1 cup shredded cheese.
2. Mix until everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Stuff the Peppers

1. Spoon the filling mixture into each bell pepper, packing it down lightly.
2. Place stuffed peppers upright in the crockpot.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, mix tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried basil.
2. Pour the sauce evenly over the stuffed peppers.

Step 5: Slow Cook

1. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until peppers are tender and filling is fully cooked.
2. About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top of each pepper, cover, and allow it to melt.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Wash and prep bell peppers.
2. Prepare filling by combining turkey, rice, veggies, seasoning, and cheese.
3. Stuff peppers with filling mixture.
4. Arrange peppers upright in the crockpot.
5. Pour tomato sauce mixture over the peppers.
6. Cook on low or high until peppers are tender.
7. Add cheese topping before serving.
8. Serve hot with extra sauce spooned over the top.

How to Serve

• Serve peppers hot with the tomato sauce spooned over them.
• Pair with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a touch of color and freshness.

Recipe Tips

• Use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for a colorful presentation.
• Pre-cook the rice to save cooking time and ensure it’s fluffy inside the peppers.
• Don’t overstuff peppers—leave a little room for the filling to expand as it cooks.
• If peppers don’t stand upright in the crockpot, slice a tiny bit off the bottom to level them.

Variations

• Low-Carb/Keto: Replace rice with cauliflower rice.
• Vegetarian: Replace turkey with black beans, quinoa, and extra veggies.
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the filling.
• Cheesy Lovers: Use pepper jack or provolone instead of mozzarella for a flavor twist.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add feta cheese, olives, and oregano in place of Italian seasoning.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap cooled stuffed peppers individually in foil and place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or in the microwave until hot.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot or slow cooker
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

FAQ

Q1: Do I need to pre-cook the ground turkey before stuffing?

• No, the turkey cooks fully in the crockpot. Pre-cooking is optional for extra flavor.

Q2: Can I use uncooked rice?

• It’s best to use cooked rice, as uncooked rice may not cook evenly in the crockpot.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?

• Yes! You can stuff the peppers and refrigerate them (uncooked) up to 24 hours before cooking.

Q4: Can I substitute ground beef or chicken for turkey?

• Absolutely. Ground beef, chicken, or even sausage can be used.

Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?

• Yes, just omit the cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

Conclusion

Crockpot Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey is a wholesome, flavorful, and family-friendly dish that combines lean protein, grains, and vegetables into one beautiful package. The slow cooker makes the process simple and hands-off, while the peppers come out tender and juicy with a perfectly seasoned filling. This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile and customizable, making it ideal for meal prep, busy weeknights, or special gatherings. Once you try it, it will quickly become one of your go-to crockpot favorites.