There’s something undeniably comforting about a meal that’s both healthy and packed with flavor—and that’s exactly what you get with this Ground Turkey and Peppers recipe. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with color, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Whether you’re aiming for a high-protein, low-carb dinner or looking for a satisfying dish to pair with rice, pasta, or wraps, this versatile skillet meal is a winner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious – Made with lean ground turkey and vibrant bell peppers, this dish is rich in protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Versatile – Serve it on its own, over rice or pasta, in tacos, or in lettuce wraps.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable, everyday ingredients.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch and enjoy leftovers all week long.
What Does It Taste Like?
This dish delivers a delicious mix of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors. The ground turkey is seasoned with garlic, onions, and warming spices, while the bell peppers add crunch and natural sweetness. Customize it with more heat or additional veggies to suit your taste.
Ingredients
To make this easy and flavorful recipe, you’ll need:
- 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)
- 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)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Ingredient Substitutions and Add-Ins
- More Veggies – Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Heat It Up – Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or extra chili powder.
- Swap the Sauce – Use Worcestershire or balsamic vinegar instead of soy sauce.
- Change the Protein – Ground chicken, beef, or plant-based meat all work great.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice.
How to Make Ground Turkey and Peppers
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey
Add the ground turkey. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink—about 5–6 minutes.
Step 3: Add Seasonings & Peppers
Sprinkle in paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to coat. Add sliced bell peppers and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the broth, tomato paste, and soy sauce. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Turn off heat. Squeeze in lime juice (if using) and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve as desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Rice – Try white, brown, or cauliflower rice.
- With Pasta – Whole wheat noodles or even quinoa.
- In Wraps or Tacos – Spoon into tortillas for easy handheld meals.
- On Salad – Perfect over greens for a light and healthy bowl.
Expert Tips
- Use a Large Skillet – Prevent overcrowding so the turkey browns, not steams.
- Season in Layers – Add spices while cooking and adjust to taste at the end.
- Deglaze the Pan – Add a splash of broth if bits stick to the pan—those add flavor!
- Don’t Overcook the Peppers – Keep some crunch for texture and freshness.
- Customize the Heat – Spice lovers, reach for red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Freeze
Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep it juicy.
- From Frozen: Warm in a pan on low heat, covered, with a bit of liquid.
FAQ
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s a great meal prep recipe and tastes even better the next day.
Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Yes, just cook off any extra moisture to avoid sogginess.
Is it spicy?
Not unless you want it to be! Adjust the spice level to your preference.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes. Ground chicken, beef, pork, or even plant-based options all work.
How do I make it low-carb?
Serve it over cauliflower rice, in lettuce wraps, or with zucchini noodles.
How do I prevent the turkey from drying out?
Avoid overcooking, and add a splash of broth for moisture during cooking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to ensure browning.
Is this gluten- and dairy-free?
It’s naturally dairy-free and can be made gluten-free with tamari or coconut aminos.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes—brown the turkey first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours.
Ground Turkey and Peppers
Ingredients (1x)
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- 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)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey and Peppers skillet is proof that wholesome meals don’t need to be boring or complicated. With bold flavors, healthy ingredients, and easy steps, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Give it a try and don’t forget to sign up for our email list for more quick, healthy recipes delivered straight to your inbox!