Greek Stuffed Peppers with Tzatziki Sauce
Greek stuffed peppers are a delicious and healthy dish that brings together the fresh flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. These colorful bell peppers are filled with a tasty mixture of ground turkey, vegetables, and quinoa, all topped with a creamy tzatziki sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Greek stuffed peppers with tzatziki sauce is a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal that is full of flavor. They are easy to prepare and can be made in advance. Plus, the combination of fresh ingredients and spices creates a delightful taste that will please everyone at the table.
How to Make Greek Stuffed Peppers with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup shredded cucumber (water squeezed out)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dry dill
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
For the Peppers:
- 6 red bell peppers (tops cut off, seeds removed, and cut in half)
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano (roughly chopped)
- 1 roma tomato (chopped)
- 1/2 cup zucchini (chopped)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 cup fat-free feta cheese (crumbled)
Directions
Make the Tzatziki Sauce: Combine all tzatziki sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Peppers: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray and place the halved bell peppers in the dish.
Cook the Filling: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it into small pieces, for about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and onion, and cook until the turkey is browned and the onions are soft.
Mix the Filling: Drain any excess liquid from the turkey mixture and stir in the oregano, tomato, zucchini, cooked quinoa, and salt. Mix well.
Stuff the Peppers: Spoon the filling into each bell pepper half and bake for 25 minutes.
Add the Feta: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of each stuffed pepper and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Serve: Drizzle the tzatziki sauce over the stuffed peppers and serve.
Notes
- Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the stuffing ahead of time and refrigerate it for a day or two. Just stuff the peppers and bake when ready to serve.
- For a vegetarian version: Replace the ground turkey with lentils or another plant-based protein.
How to Serve Greek Stuffed Peppers
Serve these stuffed peppers warm with a drizzle of tzatziki sauce on top. They make a great main dish accompanied by a side of salad or fresh bread. Your family and friends will love the vibrant colors and fresh flavors.
How to Store Greek Stuffed Peppers
Store leftover stuffed peppers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Greek Stuffed Peppers
- Use a variety of vegetables in the filling to add flavor and nutrition.
- Make sure to squeeze out the cucumber to prevent the tzatziki sauce from being too watery.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
Variation
For added flavor, you can mix in some olives or capers into the filling. If you prefer a different type of meat, ground chicken or beef can be used instead of turkey.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of peppers?
Yes! While red bell peppers are used in this recipe, you can use green, yellow, or orange peppers as well.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free quinoa and check the tzatziki ingredients, this recipe is gluten-free.
3. Can I freeze the stuffed peppers?
Yes! Assemble the stuffed peppers without baking them, and then freeze. When ready, bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
4. How do I know when the filling is fully cooked?
The filling should be cooked until the ground turkey is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender.
5. Can I add cheese to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add some shredded cheese to the filling for extra creaminess.
