Ground Turkey and Peppers Recipe

Ground Turkey and Peppers is a weeknight dream: quick, vibrant, and bursting with flavor! With tender sautéed turkey, a rainbow of sweet bell peppers, and cozy spices, this dish comes together in just 25 minutes and somehow tastes even better than it smells (and that’s saying something!).

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of Ground Turkey and Peppers is that you only need a handful of simple, honest ingredients—most of which you likely already have. Each element brings something special, from the deep savoriness of turkey to those colorful, sweet peppers that make the dish pop.

• 1 lb ground turkey: Lean and mild, it soaks up all the delicious spices and keeps things light but satisfying.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps to brown the turkey and soften the veggies, adding a subtle richness.
• 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a savory base for all the flavors to build on.
• 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced: A trio brings lovely color, crunch, and a hint of sweetness to the pan.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic and bold—nothing beats the scent of fresh garlic sizzling in olive oil.
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: This is the flavor hero! It gives the dish that subtle, smoky backbone.
• 1 tsp ground cumin: Earthy and warm, cumin adds depth and coziness.
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional): A little heat, if you’re in the mood for something spicy.
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste): Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
• ½ tsp black pepper: A simple kick of warmth and aroma.
• ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything juicy and helps the sauce come together without overpowering saltiness.
• 1 tbsp tomato paste: Adds a touch of umami and richness—don’t skip it!
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos: Brings a subtle savory note and coats everything in luscious flavor.
• Juice of ½ lime (optional): The finishing touch: bright, zesty, and fresh.
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish: Just a scatter at the end makes everything more vibrant and appealing.

Variations

Let’s be honest: some of the best recipes are the ones you can bend and twist to suit what you have in your kitchen. Ground Turkey and Peppers is incredibly forgiving—don’t be afraid to swap, add, or skip to match your preferences or dietary needs.

• Make it Low-Carb: Skip the side of rice and serve your turkey and peppers straight from the skillet over cauliflower rice or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.
• Add Some Heat: Double up on chili powder or toss in a diced jalapeño with the onions for an extra kick!
• Sneak in More Veggies: Add chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or even baby spinach during the last couple of minutes for even more nutritional power.
• Switch Up the Protein: Try this skillet with ground chicken or lean ground beef for a different flavor profile without changing the method.
• Go Dairy-Free or Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally both, but double check your soy sauce or use coconut aminos for a completely gluten-free version.

How to Make Ground Turkey and Peppers

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and let them soften, stirring occasionally for about 3 minutes. When the onions are glossy and just beginning to turn translucent, add your minced garlic. Stir until fragrant—about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells positively irresistible!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Add the ground turkey directly to your skillet. Break it up with a sturdy wooden spoon, making sure to crumble it into small pieces for even cooking. Keep stirring and letting it brown until there’s no pink left—about 5–6 minutes. The turkey should be juicy but no longer raw, ready to soak up all your delicious seasonings.

Step 3: Season and Add Peppers

Sprinkle in smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good toss, making sure the turkey is completely coated in spice. Add your sliced bell peppers, gently mixing them with the turkey mixture. Let those peppers cook for 3–4 minutes—just enough for them to soften slightly but still keep their brilliant color and some bite. This is when the dish really starts coming alive!

Step 4: Add the Sauce Components

Now for some saucy magic! Pour in the chicken broth, tomato paste, and soy sauce (or coconut aminos). Stir until the tomato paste melts seamlessly into the liquids and everything is glistening and coated. Let the skillet simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors can fully meld together and the mixture thickens just slightly.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Turn off the heat and squeeze that fresh lime over the top (if using). Toss everything once more, then shower it all with chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve immediately—you can dish it up solo, pile it on rice, or stuff it in wraps. Either way, it’s pure cozy comfort!

How to Serve Ground Turkey and Peppers

Garnishes

A scatter of freshly chopped cilantro or parsley is pure magic here! It not only makes your Ground Turkey and Peppers look restaurant-level gorgeous, but it also adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbal note that brightens the whole dish. For an extra treat, try a quick swirl of lime crema or a few sliced green onions.

Side Dishes

This dish is deliciously versatile when it comes to sides. Keep it classic with fluffy steamed rice, go extra-healthy with cauliflower rice or quinoa, or wrap it up in warm tortillas for a fun taco night. Even a crisp green salad or roasted potatoes would be right at home next to these turkey and peppers.

Creative Ways to Present

For a weeknight twist, stuff your Ground Turkey and Peppers into bell pepper “boats” and bake with a sprinkle of cheese. Or go snack-style by scooping the mixture onto crispy tostadas, or even piling it into lettuce wraps for an ultra-fresh handheld meal. Sometimes, I just spoon it over creamy mashed potatoes for pure cozy bliss!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Turkey and Peppers taste fantastic the next day! Cool everything completely, then transfer to an airtight container and pop in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.

Freezing

This recipe is a freezer superstar! Portion your cooled turkey and peppers into zip-top bags or airtight containers—squeeze out the air to avoid freezer burn. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and you’re good to go.

Reheating

To reheat, just scoop Ground Turkey and Peppers into a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring until piping hot. You can also zap it in the microwave in a loosely covered dish. Add a splash of broth if needed to keep things luscious—not dry.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to whip up this vibrant, feel-good Ground Turkey and Peppers in your own kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that brings both comfort and color to your table—easy enough for busy nights, but worthy of sharing with friends. Give it a try and let it become a new favorite in your rotation!

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