Ground Turkey and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This ground turkey and peppers skillet is a quick, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender turkey, vibrant bell peppers, and a blend of smoky spices, it’s both satisfying and healthy. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a versatile dish that pairs well with rice, quinoa, or lettuce wraps.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
• Juice of ½ lime (optional, for brightness)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the turkey evenly with the spices.
4. Step 4: Add the sliced bell peppers and stir together. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften slightly but retain some crunch.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, tomato paste, and soy sauce. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and squeeze in the lime juice if using. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
7. Step 7: Serve immediately on its own or over your favorite side such as rice or quinoa.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the chili powder to suit your heat preference or leave it out for a milder dish.
• For extra flavor, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
• Try using ground chicken or lean beef as an alternative to turkey.
• Serve in warm flour tortillas or lettuce wraps for a fun twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. This dish is best enjoyed fresh for maximum flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen ground turkey?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the turkey before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent excess moisture.

What can I serve with this dish?

This skillet pairs well with cooked rice, quinoa, or beans. It’s also delicious spooned into lettuce cups or served alongside warm tortillas for a complete meal.

Ground Turkey and Peppers Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 131 reviews

A flavorful and quick ground turkey and peppers skillet dish seasoned with smoky paprika, cumin, and chili powder, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Sautéed with fresh bell peppers, garlic, and onion, this recipe is both colorful and nutritious, served with a hint of lime and garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley.

• Author: Ella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauces

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
• Juice of ½ lime (optional, for brightness)

Garnish

• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
3. Season the Meat: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the turkey evenly with the spices.
4. Add Bell Peppers: Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and stir everything together. Let the peppers cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but still retain some crunch.
5. Simmer with Liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, tomato paste, and soy sauce. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
6. Finish and Garnish: Turn off the heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish for brightness. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.
7. Serve: Serve immediately on its own or with your favorite side such as rice, quinoa, or lettuce wraps.

Notes

• Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences.
• This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or can be served in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• Adding diced jalapenos or additional toppings like cheese, sour cream, or pico de gallo can enhance the flavor variety.

Keywords: ground turkey, bell peppers, skillet dinner, healthy turkey recipe, quick dinner, one pan meal, low carb option, American cuisine