Stuffed bell peppers with ground turkey and quinoa.

 Here’s a high-protein, nutrient-dense recipe for Stuffed Bell Peppers with Ground Turkey and Quinoa

perfect for bodybuilders or anyone seeking a balanced, muscle-friendly meal packed with lean protein, fiber, and complex carbs!

Ingredients

For the Stuffed Peppers:  

- 4 large bell peppers (any color, tops cut off and seeds removed)  

- 1 lb (450g) lean ground turkey (93% lean)  

- 1 cup cooked quinoa (white, red, or tri-color)  

- 1 small onion (diced)  

- 3 garlic cloves (minced)  

- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)  

- 1 tsp cumin  

- 1 tsp smoked paprika  

- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)  

- Salt and pepper (to taste)  

- 1/2 cup shredded low-fat cheese (optional, for topping)  

- Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)  


For the Quinoa:  

- 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa  

- 1 cup water or low-sodium chicken broth  


Instructions  


1. Cook the Quinoa:  

   - Rinse quinoa under cold water. Combine with water/broth in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy.  


2. Prep the Peppers: 

   - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place hollowed-out bell peppers in a baking dish.  


3. Cook the Turkey Filling:  

   - In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic over medium heat until softened (~3 minutes).  

   - Add ground turkey and cook until browned (~5-6 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.  

   - Stir in cooked quinoa, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.  


 4. Stuff and Bake:  

   - Spoon the turkey-quinoa mixture into the bell peppers. Top with cheese (if using).  

   - Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another

 5-10 minutes until peppers are tender and cheese is bubbly.  


 5. Garnish and Serve:  

   - Sprinkle with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.  


Macros (Per Pepper)  

- Calories: ~300-350 kcal  

- Protein: ~30g (turkey + quinoa)  

- Carbs: ~25g (quinoa + veggies)  

- Fats: ~8-10g (turkey + optional cheese)  


Why This Meal is Great for Bodybuilders  

- High-Quality Protein: Ground turkey and quinoa provide a complete amino acid profile for muscle repair.  

- Fiber & Complex Carbs: Quinoa and veggies support digestion and sustained energy.  

- Low-Calorie Nutrient Bomb: Bell peppers are rich in vitamins A, C, and antioxidants.  

- Meal Prep Friendly: Reheats well for lunches or dinners throughout the week.  


Pro Tips  

- Boost Protein: Add black beans or a side of Greek yogurt.  

- Lower Carbs: Swap quinoa for cauliflower rice or skip the cheese.  

- Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.  

- Freezer-Friendly: Bake and freeze extras for quick future meals.  


Enjoy this colorful, protein-packed dish to fuel your gains and keep your meals exciting! 🌶️🦃💪

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