If you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful, and easy dinner option, this Turkey, Chickpea & Quinoa Stuffed Peppers recipe is a must-try! Packed with lean ground turkey, protein-rich chickpeas, and fluffy quinoa, these stuffed peppers are not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a quick and delicious dinner, this recipe is perfect for 2-4 people and ready in under 30 minutes!
Why I Love This Recipe
Stuffed peppers have always been one of my favorite comfort foods, and this healthier twist with ground turkey and quinoa takes it to the next level. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients, loaded with bold spices, and offers a satisfying texture in every bite. Plus, the air fryer makes them perfectly tender while keeping the prep and cook time minimal—perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to make this delicious recipe:
- Bell Peppers: Choose firm, colorful peppers like red, yellow, or orange for a sweet flavor.
- Ground Turkey: A lean protein that pairs perfectly with the spices. Swap with beef, chicken, or sausage if preferred.
- Quinoa: A nutrient-rich grain that adds texture and extra protein.
- Chickpeas: A great plant-based protein that makes the filling extra hearty.
- Spices: Cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and coriander for a warm and smoky flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and a tangy depth to the filling.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or mozzarella works great to create a gooey, delicious topping.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground turkey and increase the chickpeas or add black beans.
- Grain Swap: Substitute quinoa with brown rice, couscous, or farro for a different texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
- Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based shredded cheese alternative or skip the cheese altogether.
How to Make Stuffed Peppers
Step 1: Prep the Peppers
- Slice the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove seeds. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic; cook until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, chickpeas, quinoa, and spices. Simmer for 3-5 minutes.
Step 3: Fill & Cook
- Fill each bell pepper half with the mixture and place in an air fryer basket.
- Cook at 370°F for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add Cheese & Finish
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cook for another 2-3 minutes until melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Let the peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Stuffed Peppers
Precook Peppers: If you prefer softer peppers, blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes before filling.
Even Cooking: Arrange peppers evenly in the air fryer to ensure they cook uniformly.
Meal Prep: Make the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before stuffing the peppers.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
To Store
- Place leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To Reheat
- Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes or microwave until heated through.
To Freeze
- Stuffed peppers can be frozen before baking. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Pastina Mac and Cheese with Garlic Breadcrumbs
- Vegetarian “Butter Chicken” Inspired Chickpeas
- Tex Mex Egg Bake
FAQ
Final Thoughts
This Turkey, Chickpea & Quinoa Stuffed Peppers recipe is a delicious, nutritious, and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you’re making them in the air fryer or baking in the oven, they are packed with flavor and loaded with protein and fiber.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share it with friends and family.
Connect With Me
For more easy and elevated recipes, be sure to explore my other posts where I share everyday inspiration for cooking and entertaining. Follow me on Instagram for more delicious recipes and food tips. And, join me over on Facebook where I share recipes daily!
Bon appétit!
Turkey, Chickpea & Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
If you're looking for a healthy, flavorful, and easy dinner option, this Turkey, Chickpea & Quinoa Stuffed Peppers recipe is a must-try! Packed with lean ground turkey, protein-rich chickpeas, and fluffy quinoa, these stuffed peppers are not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- 6 bell peppers, sliced in half, seeds removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 lb ground turkey (or substitute with beef, sausage, or chicken)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp coriander
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
Instructions
- Slice the bell peppers in half, lengthwise and remove the seeds. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, chickpeas, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes until well combined and heated through.
- Combine the mixture with the cooked quinoa. Fill each bell pepper with the turkey and chickpea mixture, packing it in tightly.
- Place the stuffed peppers in the air fryer basket. Cook at 370°F for 10 minutes.
- Remove the peppers from the air fryer and top each with shredded cheese. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the stuffed peppers cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as a hearty and healthy meal!
Notes
This Turkey, Chickpea & Quinoa Stuffed Peppers recipe is a delicious, nutritious, and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you're making them in the air fryer or baking in the oven, they are packed with flavor and loaded with protein and fiber.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 685Total Fat: 36gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 148mgSodium: 777mgCarbohydrates: 47gFiber: 11gSugar: 10gProtein: 46g
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.
