Hearty Harvest Pumpkin Stuffed Peppers
These hearty bell peppers are filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey sausage, creamy pumpkin puree, cooked rice, and aromatic spices, then baked until tender. A perfect comforting meal for a chilly evening, combining wholesome ingredients with delightful flavors.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Large pan
Ingredients
Produce
- 4 large Bell Peppers (any color, like red, yellow, orange)
- 1 medium Onion chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Parsley fresh, chopped
Pantry Staples
- 1 can (15 oz) Canned Pumpkin Puree (100% pure, not pie filling)
- 1 cup Cooked Rice (brown or white)
- ½ cup Vegetable Broth or Chicken Broth
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
Protein
- ½ lb Ground Turkey Sausage
Cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
Instructions
Prepare Peppers
- Wash and dry bell peppers, then cut them in half lengthwise, remove seeds and white parts. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and place cut-side up on a baking sheet.
Cook Filling
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened, then stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add Turkey
- Add ground turkey sausage to the pan, cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, then drain any excess fat.
Combine Ingredients
- Stir in the canned pumpkin puree, cooked rice, and vegetable broth. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh parsley.
Simmer and Finish Filling
- Let the filling simmer gently for 5-7 minutes to meld flavors, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted.
Stuff Peppers
- Spoon a generous amount of the pumpkin filling into each bell pepper half.
Add Water
- Pour about ½ inch of water into the bottom of the baking sheet to help keep the peppers tender during baking.
Bake
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
Serve
- Serve the stuffed peppers hot as a complete meal.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, swap the ground turkey sausage with lentils or crumbled plant-based protein. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the filling for an extra autumnal flavor.