Craving a hearty yet wholesome meal? These Crock Pot Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers offer a delicious solution for a busy weeknight. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of Healthy Crock Pot Dinners, bringing flavor and nutrition right to your table with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Bell Peppers: Use any color, red and orange offer a sweeter flavor.
- Ground Turkey: Ground chicken or lean ground beef work just as well.
- Cooked Quinoa: Brown rice or even cauliflower rice can be substituted.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes are a great alternative.
- Vegetable Broth: Chicken broth is also suitable.
Ingredients:
- 6 large bell peppers, tops removed and seeded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Tools Needed: Large crock pot (6-quart or larger), large skillet
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Peppers
Carefully remove the tops from your bell peppers and scoop out any seeds. You can trim a small slice off the bottom of each pepper to help them stand upright in the crock pot.
2. Brown the Turkey Mixture
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and onion, cooking until the turkey is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in Flavorful Ingredients
Add minced garlic, diced tomatoes, cooked quinoa, vegetable broth, oregano, basil, and black pepper to the skillet with the turkey. Stir everything together until well combined.
4. Stuff the Peppers
Evenly spoon the turkey and quinoa mixture into each hollowed-out bell pepper. Don’t overfill them; you want the mixture to cook through properly.
5. Arrange in the Crock Pot
Carefully place the stuffed peppers upright in your slow cooker. Pour any remaining liquid from the skillet around the peppers.
6. Cook to Perfection
Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the peppers are tender. If using, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking until melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, carefully remove the peppers from the crock pot. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve these delicious Healthy Crock Pot Dinners immediately.
Variation Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture.
- Cheesy Inside: Mix a quarter cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the turkey and quinoa filling.
- Extra Veggies: Incorporate finely diced zucchini or mushrooms into the filling.
- Herb Twist: Experiment with different dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Crock Pot Turkey and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave individual peppers until heated through, or warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use uncooked quinoa?
No, the quinoa needs to be cooked before adding it to the filling so it absorbs the flavors and cooks properly.
- What if my peppers won’t stand up straight?
You can trim a small slice off the bottom of each pepper to create a flat base, helping them stand upright.
- Can I freeze these stuffed peppers?
Yes, you can freeze cooked and cooled stuffed peppers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- How do I prevent the peppers from becoming too watery?
Ensure you drain any excess fat from the ground turkey. The bell peppers will release some liquid as they cook, which contributes to the sauce.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses quinoa and turkey.
- Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can prepare the filling mixture the day before and stuff the peppers just before placing them in the crock pot.