Ground Turkey and Peppers Skillet Dinner Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
