If you are craving a quick, vibrant, and healthy dinner that bursts with flavor and color, this Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe is an absolute kitchen hero. It combines lean ground turkey with a rainbow of crisp bell peppers and cozy Italian-inspired spices to deliver a satisfying meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious. Whether you’re after a speedy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and fresh, this skillet recipe checks all the boxes with ease and flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be humble, but they come together to create a dish that’s flavorful, colorful, and perfectly balanced. Each element contributes texture, depth, or a pop of brightness that makes this recipe so special.
- Olive oil: Provides a rich, fruity base that helps to brown the turkey and soften the veggies.
- Ground turkey: A lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the spices beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory undertone for that classic comfort flavor.
- Onion powder: Enhances sweetness and depth alongside fresh onions.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings brightness and a subtle Mediterranean flair.
- Salt: Essential for elevating all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper: A touch of heat and earthiness to complement the other spices.
- Red, green, and yellow bell peppers: These add crunch, sweetness, and vibrant color that make the skillet visually irresistible.
- Yellow onion: Softens and sweetens the base along with the garlic powder.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything moist while deepening the dish’s savory notes.
- Tomato paste: Adds a rich, tangy umami kick that thickens the sauce beautifully.
- Smoked paprika (optional): For a subtle smoky warmth that adds complexity.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A bright, herbaceous garnish to finish the dish with fresh notes.
How to Make Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions to Soften
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until they become soft and fragrant. This is the flavor foundation that preps your skillet for the ground turkey and the colorful peppers to shine.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
Add the ground turkey to your skillet next. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. This step takes about 6 to 8 minutes and is crucial for developing that rich, savory base taste that makes this Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe so irresistible.
Step 3: Season the Meat
Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Stir everything well so the spices coat every bit of turkey, enhancing the dish with layers of aromatic flavor.
Step 4: Add the Bell Peppers
Next, toss in your stunning trio of diced red, green, and yellow bell peppers. Cook these along with the turkey for 5 to 6 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften slightly but still retain some crunch. This brings amazing texture and vibrant color to your skillet.
Step 5: Stir in the Tomato Paste and Broth
Finally, mix in the tomato paste and the chicken broth. Let everything simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a slightly thickened, juicy skillet goodness. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top before serving for a lovely fresh note.
How to Serve Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches like freshly chopped parsley add a pop of green freshness and a pleasant herbal contrast to the warm, savory flavors. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the overall dish.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Try serving it over fluffy rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. For something lighter, crisp lettuce wraps or a fresh green salad complement the richness with refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For an appealing presentation, spoon the turkey and peppers over warm pita bread or stuff them into soft tortillas for a tasty handheld meal. You can even turn it into a filling for stuffed bell peppers if you want to impress with a creative twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more beautifully after a day, making for an excellent next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and keep it frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and it’s ready for a quick reheat that tastes almost like freshly made.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist. Stir occasionally to heat evenly without drying out your delicious skillet meal.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a perfect substitute and will work just as well with the spices and vegetables in this recipe without changing the overall flavor profile.
What if I don’t have all the bell pepper colors?
No worries. You can use whichever colors you have on hand. Each color adds a slightly different sweetness, but any combination will still make for a delicious skillet.
Is smoked paprika necessary?
Smoked paprika is optional but highly recommended if you want a smoky depth that adds a nice layer of complexity. If you don’t have it, the skillet will still taste fantastic without it.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the other spices in Step 3 for a lively kick that complements the peppers and turkey.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! This Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check that your seasonings don’t contain any additives with gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe is truly a weeknight game-changer. It’s quick, healthy, and packed with bright colors and bold flavors you and your loved ones will adore. Give it a try and watch how this straightforward skillet transforms your dinner routine into something joyful and delicious!
Print
Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet is a quick and healthy one-pan meal featuring lean ground turkey cooked with colorful bell peppers and savory seasonings. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner, it combines tender turkey, sweet peppers, and aromatic spices, all simmered together in a skillet for an easy and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare the pan for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté the onion: Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent, releasing its flavors.
- Cook the ground turkey: Add 1 pound of ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked through.
- Season the meat: Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Stir to evenly coat the turkey with the seasonings.
- Add the bell peppers: Mix in the diced red, green, and yellow bell peppers. Cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers begin to soften.
- Combine tomato paste and broth: Stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and 1/4 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to heat through thoroughly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and optionally garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy on its own or paired with rice, cauliflower rice, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Notes
- Substitute ground chicken or beef for ground turkey as desired.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy variation.
- Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or in lettuce wraps for a versatile meal option.
