Pin it
This skillet twist on stuffed peppers turns an old favorite into a quick, easy dinner, giving you all those tasty flavors with way less work. The mix of bright bell peppers, juicy ground turkey, and smoky fire-roasted tomatoes makes a hearty dish that's good for you and super filling.
I came up with this dish during a crazy busy week when I wanted stuffed peppers but couldn't deal with the hassle of stuffing them. Now my family asks for this version more than the original because it tastes just as good but takes half the time.
What You'll Need
- Yellow onion: Chopped small, brings natural sweetness and flavor to the base
- Bell peppers: Try different colors for a pretty dish with varied sweet notes
- Minced garlic: Gives that must-have aroma. Go with fresh when possible
- Tomato paste: Makes the tomato flavor stronger and the sauce thicker
- Chili powder: Adds gentle heat and extra layers of flavor
- Cumin: Gives that warm, earthy taste that works so well with peppers
- Italian seasoning: Adds herb flavors without needing a bunch of different jars
- Onion and garlic powder: Boosts flavor without making things too wet
- Red pepper flakes: Add as much or little as you want for heat
- Ground turkey: Not as fatty as beef but still moist when cooked right
- Beef bouillon cube: Brings deep, meaty flavor that makes everything taste better
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Gives a smoky taste regular tomatoes just don't have
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds tangy kick that balances the sweet peppers
- Marinara sauce: Makes the sauce richer and more filling
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Creates that melty, tasty topping that ties it all together
- Fresh parsley: Adds fresh pop of color and taste at the end
Easy Cooking Method
Pin it
- Cook The Veggies First:
- Warm up olive oil in an oven-safe pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Toss in your diced onions and cut-up bell peppers and let them cook for around 6-8 minutes, stirring now and then. This longer cooking time lets the veggies get super sweet and soft. You'll know they're ready when the edges start to brown a bit.
- Toss In Flavors:
- Add your minced garlic and stir it around for just half a minute until you can smell it but before it browns. Right away, mix in tomato paste and all your dry spices so they can wake up in the hot oil and release their flavors. Keep it quick so the garlic doesn't burn but still tastes amazing.
- Cook The Turkey:
- Push all the veggies to the sides to make a space in the middle. Pour in the last spoon of oil and drop the ground turkey in the center. Let it sit without touching for 1-2 minutes to get a nice brown crust before breaking it up. This first searing step makes it taste way better. Keep cooking while slowly mixing in the veggies until all the meat turns brown.
- Create Your Sauce:
- Add your fire-roasted tomatoes, crumbled bouillon cube, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring everything together. Let it bubble until most of the liquid cooks off and the flavors get stronger. This step keeps your dish from being too watery. Mix in marinara sauce and heat it all through to make a rich sauce that coats everything evenly.
- Add The Cheese Topping:
- Sprinkle cheddar all over the top of your skillet mix. Put it straight into the hot oven and bake just long enough for the cheese to melt completely, about 4-8 minutes. Keep an eye on it so the cheese doesn't get too brown. Remember, it'll keep cooking a bit even after you take it out.
The fire-roasted tomatoes are what make this dish special. I found them by mistake when I grabbed the wrong can at the store, but they added such amazing flavor that I never went back to plain diced tomatoes. Now when my husband wants this dish, he just asks for the smoky pepper skillet.
Prep Ahead Ideas
You can make this skillet dish days before you need it. Cook everything up to three days ahead and keep it in the fridge in a sealed container. It actually tastes even better the next day when all the flavors mix together. If it seems dry when you reheat it, just add a splash of chicken broth. Want to save it longer? Freeze single portions for up to three months in freezer containers. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight before warming them up.
Easy Swaps
Feel free to change things up based on what you've got. Ground beef works great instead of turkey, just drain off the extra fat after cooking. Want to skip meat? Try a pound of crumbled tempeh or your favorite plant-based ground instead. Don't have a bouillon cube? Use a teaspoon of better than bouillon paste or just leave it out if you want less salt. As for bell peppers, any colors work fine each kind brings its own slightly different taste.
What To Serve With It
Rice is the classic partner for this dish, but there are lots of other tasty options. Try it over creamy polenta for an Italian comfort food feel. Scoop the mixture into warm tortillas with some avocado for quick weeknight tacos. Watching carbs? Serve in lettuce cups with extra cheese on top. The mixture also tastes great stuffed into baked regular or sweet potatoes, topped with a dollop of sour cream and some fresh herbs.
Pin it
This meal gives you all the yummy stuffed pepper taste without any of the hassle. Give it a try next time you need a quick dinner your whole family will ask for again!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different protein instead of turkey?
Sure thing! You can swap in ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based options. Choose lean ground beef if needed to avoid too much grease (90/10 or leaner works well).
- → How should I store and reheat any leftovers?
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–4 days. When reheating, use a microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm it up on the stove over medium heat. Bonus tip: it tastes even better as the flavors settle with time!
- → Is freezing this dish possible?
Yes, you can freeze it! Let it cool down fully, place it in freezer-safe containers, and store it for up to 3 months. For a fresher experience, freeze it without the cheese and add it fresh when reheating.
- → What if my skillet isn’t oven-friendly?
That’s okay! After covering the skillet, let the leftover heat do the melting. Or, move it to a baking dish, sprinkle the cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Rice is a classic, but you can try serving it with a green salad, roasted veggies, garlic bread, or a portion of mashed or roasted potatoes to make it even more filling.
- → How can I make it spicier?
Adding more heat is easy! Include diced jalapeños, extra red pepper flakes, or drizzle some hot sauce over the finished dish for a kick.