If you’re looking for a comforting, family-friendly dinner that doesn’t take hours to prepare, this easy ground turkey stuffed peppers casserole is exactly what you need. Packed with lean protein, colorful vegetables, and melty cheese, this dish delivers classic stuffed pepper flavor in a simple, scoopable casserole form—perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Casserole
This casserole checks all the boxes for a reliable dinner recipe. It’s hearty but not heavy, nutritious yet comforting, and easy enough for even the busiest evenings. Using ground turkey keeps it lighter than traditional versions, while bell peppers, spinach, and marinara add vibrant flavor and texture. Best of all, there’s no need to stuff individual peppers—everything bakes together in one cozy dish.
Families love this recipe because it’s filling, customizable, and reheats beautifully. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this casserole fits right in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you may already have on hand:
- 2 lb ground turkey
- 5 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups spinach, loosely packed
- 15 oz canned tomatoes
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1 cup cooked rice, slightly cooled
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1½ tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large casserole dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey
Add ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up as it cooks and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook until no longer pink.
Step 4: Build the Filling
Stir in the chopped bell peppers, canned tomatoes, marinara sauce, spinach, and cooked rice. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the spinach wilts and flavors combine.
Step 5: Assemble & Bake
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly golden.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Make it low-carb: Swap rice for cauliflower rice.
- Extra veggies: Add zucchini or mushrooms for more texture.
- Different cheese: Colby Jack or mild cheddar work well.
- Mild version: Skip red pepper flakes for kid-friendly flavor.
- Meal prep win: This casserole freezes and reheats beautifully.
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this casserole with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake covered until heated through.
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Easy Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Tasty Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers Casserole is a go-to for busy weeknights—it’s hearty, healthy, and so easy to throw together! Lean ground turkey, colorful bell peppers, spinach, and rice simmer in herby marinara, then bake under melty mozzarella for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
2 lb ground turkey
5 bell peppers, chopped (any colors)
1 yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
24 oz marinara sauce
15 oz canned diced tomatoes
3 cups spinach, loosely packed
1 cup cooked rice, slightly cooled
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning
2 tsp garlic powder
1 1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook onion for 3–4 minutes until softened; add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
3. Add ground turkey. Break it up and cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
4. Season turkey with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Stir in chopped bell peppers, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes. Simmer 5 minutes.
6. Add spinach and stir until wilted, 1–2 minutes.
7. Stir in cooked rice until evenly combined.
8. Transfer mixture to the casserole dish and spread evenly.
9. Top with shredded mozzarella.
10. Bake uncovered 25–30 minutes, until bubbling and lightly golden on top.
11. Rest 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
Make it low-carb: swap rice for cauliflower rice.
Cheese swaps: Colby Jack or mild cheddar work great.
Milder for kids: skip red pepper flakes.
Storage: refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days; reheat in microwave or covered in oven.
Freezer-friendly: cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | ~35g |
| Carbs | ~28g |
| Fat | ~18g |
| Fiber | ~5g |
| Sodium | ~780mg |
Final Thoughts
This ground turkey stuffed peppers casserole is the kind of dependable recipe every home cook needs. It’s flavorful, nourishing, and incredibly easy—perfect for weeknights, leftovers, or sharing with loved ones. Once you try it, it’s sure to earn a regular spot on your dinner rotation.