This High Protein Unstuffed Peppers recipe is the easy, delicious, and satisfying weeknight meal you’ve been searching for. It packs all the classic flavor of traditional stuffed peppers into a simple one-pan skillet meal, but with a serious protein boost to keep you full and energized. Forget the tedious process of stuffing and baking—this deconstructed version is ready in under 40 minutes and is perfect for meal prep!
We’ve loaded this recipe with lean ground turkey, protein-rich quinoa, and a secret ingredient that makes it incredibly creamy and satisfying. It’s a game-changer for busy weeknights and a fantastic way to hit your fitness goals without sacrificing flavor.
Why This High Protein Unstuffed Peppers Recipe Works
You are going to absolutely love this recipe, and here’s why:
- Incredibly Easy: Everything comes together in one skillet. Less mess and less stress make this the perfect dinner for any night of the week.
- Packed with Protein: We use lean ground turkey, quinoa, and cottage cheese to create a powerhouse meal that supports muscle growth and keeps you satisfied for hours.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe holds up beautifully in the refrigerator. Just portion it out into containers for healthy lunches or quick dinners all week long.
- Flavorful & Customizable: It’s rich, savory, and cheesy, with all the classic stuffed pepper flavors you crave. Plus, it’s super easy to customize with different proteins or veggies.
The Key Ingredients for High Protein Unstuffed Peppers
This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a truly spectacular dish. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
Lean Protein Power
We start with lean ground turkey as our base. It’s a fantastic source of protein and lower in fat than ground beef. However, you can easily substitute it with lean ground beef or ground chicken depending on your preference.
The Flavorful Veggie Base
A classic mix of diced onion, garlic, and of course, colorful bell peppers creates the foundational flavor. We use a mix of red, yellow, and green peppers for a vibrant look and a range of sweet and earthy notes.
Carbs & Secret Protein Boosters
Instead of rice, we use quinoa, a complete protein that adds a wonderful texture and nutritional boost. The real secret to the high protein content and creamy texture is low-fat cottage cheese. Blended until smooth, it disappears into the sauce, adding richness and a significant amount of protein without excess fat.
How to Make High Protein Unstuffed Peppers Step-by-Step
Making this unstuffed pepper skillet is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Cook the Quinoa: Start by cooking your quinoa according to the package directions. This usually involves simmering it in water or broth until the liquid is absorbed.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers, cooking until they begin to soften, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked quinoa, and seasonings (Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes). Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add the Creaminess: Stir in the blended cottage cheese until it’s fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy.
- Melt the Cheese: Top the skillet with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover the pan and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Unstuffed Peppers
Want to take your unstuffed pepper skillet to the next level? Here are a few expert tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a large skillet or Dutch oven to ensure the ingredients have enough space to brown properly, which enhances their flavor.
- Blend Your Cottage Cheese: For the smoothest, creamiest texture, blend the cottage cheese in a small blender or food processor before adding it. This ensures there are no lumps, and it melts seamlessly into the dish.
- Toast the Quinoa: For a nuttier flavor, rinse your quinoa and then toast it in the dry skillet for a minute or two before adding the cooking liquid.
Delicious Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is a great starting point for creativity. Try one of these delicious variations:
- Spicy Version: Add a diced jalapeño with the onions or a pinch of cayenne pepper for some extra heat.
- Different Grains: You can easily substitute the quinoa with brown rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even orzo. If you like a cheesy dish, you might enjoy this Alfredo Tortellini Bake.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for an extra nutritional kick.
- Pizza Style: For a fun twist, check out these Pizza Stuffed Peppers for a similar concept with a pepperoni and mozzarella spin.
How to Store and Reheat
This unstuffed pepper skillet is perfect for making ahead. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until hot, or gently warm the skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat. This dish is a great alternative to a classic casserole like this Hamburger Green Bean Casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can freeze this dish. For best results, let it cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Absolutely! Lean ground chicken or lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner) are excellent substitutes for ground turkey in this recipe. The cooking time will remain the same.
This is a fantastic meal prep recipe! Once cooled, store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld together beautifully over time.
As written with quinoa, this recipe is not keto-friendly. To make it keto, simply replace the quinoa with an equal amount of riced cauliflower. This will significantly lower the carb count while keeping the dish delicious and high in protein.
To boost the protein content further, you can add a can of rinsed black beans or chickpeas along with the tomatoes. You can also increase the amount of cottage cheese or serve it with a side of Greek yogurt.
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High Protein Unstuffed Peppers Recipe
High Protein Unstuffed Peppers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the quinoa and cook according to package directions using water or broth. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, cooked quinoa, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
- While the skillet simmers, place the cottage cheese in a small blender and blend until completely smooth. Stir the blended cottage cheese into the skillet until well combined and creamy.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Tip 2: Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and provolone for an even cheesier, more flavorful topping.
Tip 3: If you don't have a blender, you can use an immersion blender to smooth out the cottage cheese, or substitute with Greek yogurt for a similar protein boost, though the flavor will be tangier.
