Print

High Protein Unstuffed Peppers Recipe

4.9 from 656 reviews

High Protein Unstuffed Peppers are a nutritious and colorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers. This recipe combines lean ground turkey or beef with cooked brown rice or quinoa, black beans, corn, and vibrant bell peppers, all topped with melted cheese for a comforting and protein-packed meal perfect for a wholesome dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Grains

  • 1 pound ground turkey or lean ground beef
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa

Vegetables

  • 2 large green bell peppers, chopped (plus halved for baking)
  • 2 large red bell peppers, chopped (plus halved for baking)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes or 2 cups fresh diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn, frozen or canned

Spices and Cheese

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed peppers.
  2. Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey or lean ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart to ensure an even texture.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the mixture is fragrant.
  4. Add Grains and Veggies: Stir in the cooked brown rice or quinoa, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Mix well and cook for a few minutes until heated through, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Prepare Peppers: Halve the bell peppers lengthwise and remove seeds and membranes. Place the pepper halves cut-side up in a baking dish.
  6. Fill Peppers: Spoon the meat and rice mixture generously into each pepper half, distributing evenly.
  7. Add Cheese: Top each filled pepper with shredded cheese, spreading it evenly.
  8. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow the filling to meld and the peppers to soften.
  9. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden, bubbly, and slightly browned.
  10. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the peppers cool for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and make them easier to handle.

Notes

  • Use firm, shiny bell peppers for the best flavor and texture.
  • Feel free to customize with additional vegetables or your favorite spices to suit your taste.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days when stored in an airtight container.
  • For longer storage, freeze the unstuffed peppers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then reheat in the oven when ready to eat.
  • To make vegetarian, substitute ground meat with plant-based protein and ensure beans and corn are sufficient for protein.

Keywords: High Protein Unstuffed Peppers, healthy recipe, ground turkey recipe, stuffed peppers, easy dinner, high protein meal