Ground Turkey and Peppers Skillet Dinner Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey and Peppers Skillet Dinner is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with colorful bell peppers and fragrant spices, it comes together in just about 30 minutes for a satisfying and nutritious dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 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 (to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper (to taste)
• 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: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the bell peppers. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Have the chicken broth, tomato paste, soy sauce or coconut aminos, and lime juice (if using) ready.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook for 7-10 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the combined spices over the turkey and vegetables. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste, soy sauce or coconut aminos, and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10-15 minutes to let flavors meld. Uncover and simmer for another 5-10 minutes if you prefer a thicker sauce. Stir in the lime juice if using, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef for a different protein option.
• Use a mix of colorful bell peppers for a vibrant plate and varied sweetness.
• Add extra heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño.
• Serve over rice, quinoa, or with warm tortillas for a complete meal.
• If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute ground turkey with crumbled firm tofu or cooked lentils.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just be sure to use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative instead of regular soy sauce.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This skillet dinner stores well and can be portioned into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ground Turkey and Peppers Skillet Dinner Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 118 reviews

A quick and healthy skillet dinner featuring ground turkey and colorful bell peppers, seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, and a hint of chili powder. This flavorful one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and comes together easily with simple ingredients, offering a nutritious and satisfying option.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins & Vegetables

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

Spices & Flavorings

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
• ½ tsp salt (to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper (to taste)

Liquids & Sauces

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 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. Prepare Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and slice the bell peppers. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper. Set aside the chicken broth, tomato paste, soy sauce or coconut aminos, and lime juice if using.
2. Brown Ground Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 7-10 minutes until the turkey is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Sauté Aromatics and Peppers: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then add the sliced bell peppers and cook for another 5-7 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
4. Combine and Simmer: Sprinkle the mixed spices over the turkey and vegetables. Stir well and cook for about 1 minute to release the spices’ aromas. Next, stir in tomato paste, soy sauce or coconut aminos, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.
5. Finish Cooking: Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For a thicker sauce, uncover and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes. Stir in the lime juice if desired, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve hot as a wholesome, delicious skillet meal.

Notes

• For a spicier version, increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• This dish can be served over rice, quinoa, or with warm tortillas.
• To make it dairy-free, omit any cheese variants as none are included here.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ground turkey may vary in fat content; choose lean for a lower-fat option.

Keywords: ground turkey, bell peppers, healthy dinner, quick skillet meal, one pan dinner, low fat, smoked paprika, cumin, easy recipe