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Healthy Low Calorie Stuffed Bell Pepper Skillet - Easy, Flavorful, and Weeknight-Friendly

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Bell peppers: 3 large, any color (plus 1 extra if you love more peppers in the skillet)
  • Lean ground protein: 1 pound ground turkey, chicken, extra-lean beef, or plant-based crumbles
  • Onion: 1 medium, diced
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 oz), no-salt-added if possible
  • Tomato sauce: 1/2 cup (low sodium)
  • Cooked rice or alternative: 1 to 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
  • Low-sodium broth or water: 1/2 cup, as needed
  • Spices: 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional), 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Salt: 1/2 to 1 tsp, to taste
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 1 to 2 tsp
  • Fresh herbs (optional): Parsley or cilantro for garnish
  • Light cheese (optional): 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella or reduced-fat cheddar
  • Lemon or lime (optional): A squeeze at the end for brightness

Method
 

  1. Prep the peppers: Core and dice 2 bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Slice the third pepper into thin strips for texture variety. Set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Add onion and a pinch of salt. Cook 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Brown the protein: Add ground turkey (or your choice). Break it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, chili powder (if using), black pepper, and a light pinch of salt.
  4. Add peppers and tomatoes: Stir in the diced and sliced peppers, canned diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. If the mixture looks thick, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup broth or water.
  5. Simmer to soften: Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring once or twice, until peppers are tender but still bright.
  6. Fold in the grains: Stir in cooked brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. If using cauliflower rice, cook 2 to 3 more minutes to warm through and absorb flavors. Taste and adjust salt and spices.
  7. Optional cheese melt: Sprinkle cheese over the top. Cover for 1 to 2 minutes until melted. Add a squeeze of lemon or lime if you like a fresh pop.
  8. Finish and serve: Scatter chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve hot directly from the skillet.