Are you looking for a healthy and satisfying dinner that won't derail your Weight Watchers journey? Look no further! These Weight Watchers stuffed peppers are packed with flavor, vegetables, and lean protein, making them a perfect guilt-free meal. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep time and delivering maximum taste. Get ready to enjoy a delicious and nutritious dish the whole family will love! This is one of the best recipes for a quick and healthy dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color)
- 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes. Place them cut-side up in a baking dish.
Step 2: Cook the Filling
In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey or chicken over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes, quinoa, mushrooms, zucchini, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
Step 3: Stuff the Peppers
Spoon the turkey and quinoa mixture into the prepared pepper halves.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through. If using, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Tips for Success:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling for a little kick.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the filling, such as spinach, carrots, or bell peppers of different colors.
- Make it ahead: Prepare the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake the peppers when you're ready to eat.
- Substitute Quinoa: Brown rice or even cauliflower rice can be substituted for quinoa.
- Cheese Alternatives: If you're avoiding dairy, you can omit the cheese entirely, or use a dairy-free alternative.
Variations:
- Mexican Stuffed Peppers: Add a packet of taco seasoning to the filling and top with salsa and avocado after baking.
- Italian Stuffed Peppers: Use Italian sausage instead of ground turkey and add some sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.
Nutritional Information (per serving, without cheese):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
This healthy and delicious Weight Watchers stuffed peppers recipe is a perfect example of homemade cooking that's both satisfying and weight-conscious. It's a versatile dish that you can easily adapt to your own preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy this easy recipe and discover a new favorite for your healthy meal rotation! It’s a fantastic option for quick dinner ideas. These are some of the best recipes you'll find for healthy meals.