This post may contains Amazon affiliate and other affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me continue to provide quality content. I only recommend products I personally trust and believe will add value to your experience. For more details, please visit my Privacy Policy.
🥘 Introduction
There are nights when all I want is something cozy, cheesy, and comforting — the kind of dinner that wraps you up like a warm blanket but doesn’t weigh you down with guilt. That’s exactly how this Weight Watchers Stuffed Pepper Casserole was born.
If you’ve ever loved classic stuffed peppers — tender bell peppers filled with savory meat, rice, and tomato goodness — you already know the comforting magic they bring. But let’s be honest: stuffing individual peppers can be a bit of a project on busy weeknights. Between prepping, filling, and baking, it’s not exactly a “30-minute dinner.”
That’s where this Weight Watchers Stuffed Pepper Casserole shines. It has all the hearty flavor of the traditional recipe — juicy lean turkey, sautéed peppers, tomato-rich sauce, and melty cheese — but in an easy, one-pan form. You’ll skip the stuffing and layering drama while keeping the same cozy taste we crave.
This casserole isn’t just delicious — it’s low in SmartPoints, high in protein, and loaded with fiber and vitamins from colorful bell peppers. It’s a satisfying, family-friendly meal that fits perfectly into your WW journey. Whether you’re counting points, trying to eat lighter, or simply love feel-good comfort food, this recipe hits the sweet spot of healthy meets hearty.
So grab your skillet and a casserole dish — we’re making comfort food that fits your goals.
💚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✨ Low SmartPoints: Only 5 SmartPoints per serving — filling, flavorful, and guilt-free.
🍅 All the Flavor, Less Effort: Skip the tedious pepper stuffing — everything cooks together in one dish.
⏰ Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for weeknights.
🥩 Protein-Packed: Lean ground turkey keeps you full without the extra fat.
🧀 Cheesy & Comforting: A little reduced-fat mozzarella brings the perfect melty topping.
🌈 Family-Approved: Even picky eaters love it — it tastes like cheesy rice casserole heaven.
🔥 Meal Prep Friendly: Stores beautifully and reheats without losing flavor.
🧮 WW SmartPoints Info
- SmartPoints per serving: 5
- SmartPoints for the whole recipe: 40
- Servings: 8 generous portions
- Calculation basis: Lean ground turkey, reduced-fat mozzarella, cooked brown rice, and zero-point veggies (bell peppers, onions, tomatoes).
- Note: Calculated using WW SmartPoints principles. These values are estimated but accurate within general WW guidelines.
👉 How SmartPoints were calculated:
Each ingredient’s nutritional data was evaluated using WW SmartPoints criteria, factoring calories, saturated fat, sugar, and protein balance.
👩🍳 My Personal Experience
The first time I made this casserole, I had leftover bell peppers and half a pound of ground turkey staring at me from the fridge. I was craving comfort — but my WW tracker was not in the mood for lasagna or cheesy pasta.
I thought, what if I take my mom’s classic stuffed pepper recipe and turn it into something Weight Watchers-friendly? That’s how the “unstuffed” idea came to life.
When the casserole came out of the oven, bubbling and golden on top, the kitchen smelled incredible — that perfect mix of roasted peppers, garlic, and tomato sauce. I remember scooping the first spoonful and realizing it had everything I love: saucy, cheesy, hearty, and still within my points.
Now, it’s one of my go-to dinners for busy weeknights. I even portion it out in containers for meal prep — it reheats like a dream. And here’s the best part: no one in my family even realizes it’s Weight Watchers-friendly.
🛠️ Required Equipment
🥄 Large Skillet
You’ll use this for browning your ground turkey and sautéing vegetables. Non-stick works best so you can use minimal oil (saving points).
🥣 Mixing Bowl
Perfect for combining your cooked ingredients before layering into the casserole dish.
🧅 Cutting Board & Knife
For chopping peppers, onions, and garlic — the aromatics that bring flavor and texture.
🍲 9×13 Casserole Dish
Ideal for even cooking and that bubbly, cheesy top. If you’re halving the recipe, use an 8×8 dish instead.
🧤 Oven Mitts
This dish gets piping hot, especially when broiling at the end for that golden cheese finish!
🥄 Measuring Cups & Spoons
Essential for portion control and keeping your SmartPoints accurate.
🥬 Ingredients & Substitutions
Serves: 8
SmartPoints: 5 per serving (Estimated)
🧾 Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean): The heart of the dish — high in protein, low in points.
🔄 Swap for lean ground chicken or extra-lean beef (95%) for similar points. - 3 large bell peppers (any color, diced): Adds color, sweetness, and crunch — zero points!
- 1 medium onion (diced): Deepens flavor and aroma without adding many calories.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Classic flavor booster — and zero SmartPoints.
- 1 cup cooked brown rice: Adds fiber and makes the dish more filling.
🔄 Use cauliflower rice for a 1-point reduction per serving. - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: Juicy base that ties everything together.
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce (low sodium): Gives that rich saucy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: Used for sautéing; minimal but adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Balances herbs and spices beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Brings everything together.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick.
- 1 cup reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melty and satisfying, with fewer points.
🔄 Swap for fat-free cheese to save 1 point per serving. - Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional, for garnish): Adds brightness at the end.
👨🍳 How to Make Weight Watchers Stuffed Pepper Casserole
Let’s make this cozy dinner step-by-step. Don’t rush it — enjoy the process. Your kitchen will smell amazing by Step 3!
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray your casserole dish lightly with non-stick spray.
Pro tip: Doing this early saves time once the skillet work is done.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and bell peppers, cooking for 5–6 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add garlic during the last minute.
Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan — it helps veggies caramelize instead of steam.
Step 3: Cook the Ground Turkey
Add your ground turkey directly into the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until no longer pink — about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess moisture if needed.
Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Add the Tomato Base
Stir in diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Let everything simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld. The sauce should thicken slightly — like a hearty stew.
Optional: Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 5: Combine with Rice
Add cooked brown rice (or cauliflower rice for fewer points). Mix well. The mixture should look hearty but not soupy.
Step 6: Transfer & Bake
Transfer everything into your prepared casserole dish. Spread evenly, then sprinkle mozzarella on top.
Bake for 20 minutes, uncovered, until bubbly and golden.
Step 7: Broil for Perfection (Optional)
For that irresistible browned top, broil on high for 1–2 minutes — but watch closely!
Step 8: Rest & Serve
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley and enjoy your warm, cheesy, healthy comfort meal.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overcooking the peppers: Soft but not mushy — they should still have a little bite.
❌ Too much liquid: Drain tomatoes slightly before adding to avoid sogginess.
❌ Skipping the resting time: Resting helps everything set and makes slicing clean.
❌ Overloading cheese: More isn’t always better; it can spike SmartPoints fast.
💡 Pro Tips for Best Results
⭐ Use different bell pepper colors for a more vibrant, Instagram-worthy dish.
⭐ Always measure rice and cheese — WW success is all about portion awareness.
⭐ Add a dash of red chili flakes for subtle heat.
⭐ For meal prep, store individual portions in glass containers for up to 4 days.
🧘 WW-Specific Nutrition & Strategy
This casserole fits perfectly into a balanced WW plan. The lean ground turkey provides protein that keeps you full for hours. The bell peppers and tomatoes are zero-point vegetables rich in antioxidants, and the brown rice adds slow-digesting carbs that keep your energy stable.
💡 Smart WW Pairings:
- Pair with a side salad dressed with lemon juice (0 points).
- Add a serving of fat-free Greek yogurt for creamy contrast (0 points).
- Skip the rice and double the veggies to reduce 1–2 SmartPoints.
🧂 Variations You Can Try
- Cheesy Spinach Version: Add 1 cup chopped spinach before baking. (+0 SmartPoints)
- Mexican-Inspired: Swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, add corn and black beans (+2 points).
- Cauliflower Rice Base: Sub for brown rice to reduce total points by 8.
- Extra Protein Boost: Mix in cooked lentils or quinoa (+1 SmartPoint).
🍴 Tips for This Recipe
- Always portion before serving — it’s easy to over-scoop!
- Reheat leftovers in the oven for a crispy top.
- This casserole freezes beautifully — wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.
🧅 Optional Additions
- Chopped mushrooms – adds umami depth (0 points).
- Turkey bacon crumbles – smoky flavor (+1 point).
- Jalapeños – for spice lovers (0 points).
🥗 Serving Ideas
- Serve with a light cucumber and tomato salad.
- Add a dollop of fat-free sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
- Perfect for family dinners, meal prep lunches, or healthy potlucks.
🧊 Storage Recommendations
- Fridge: Up to 4 days in airtight containers.
- Freezer: Up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Microwave individual portions or bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Tip: Sprinkle a bit of water before reheating to keep it moist.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Yes — but choose 95% lean to keep points low. It adds about +1 point per serving.
2. Can I make it without rice?
Absolutely. Use cauliflower rice to save 1 SmartPoint per serving.
3. How can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free mozzarella or skip cheese entirely (reduces 1 point).
4. Is it good for meal prep?
Yes! It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
5. Can I freeze this casserole?
Definitely. It freezes well for up to 2 months — just cool completely before freezing.
6. How do I lower the SmartPoints even more?
Use cauliflower rice, fat-free cheese, and skip olive oil.
7. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
Yes! Quinoa adds more protein but adds +1 SmartPoint per serving.
🍽️ Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 215
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Net Carbs: 12g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Estimated SmartPoints: 5
📋 Recipe Snapshot
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Dinner / Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories (per serving): 215
SmartPoints (per serving): 5

Weight Watchers Stuffed Pepper Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 3 bell peppers diced
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- Olive oil spices, mozzarella
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray casserole dish.
- Sauté onion, peppers, and garlic until soft.
- Add turkey; cook until browned.
- Stir in tomatoes, sauce, and spices; simmer 5 mins.
- Mix in rice and transfer to dish.
- Top with cheese; bake 20 mins.
- Broil 1–2 mins for golden top.
- Rest, garnish, and enjoy!