Looking for a wholesome, no-fuss dinner that won’t have you glued to the stove all night? This Ground Turkey and Peppers recipe might just be your new midweek superhero. It’s fast, packed with flavor, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your fridge. Plus, it’s one of those rare dishes that somehow pleases picky eaters and health-conscious foodies alike.
Whether you’re juggling soccer practice, work deadlines, or just trying to keep your sanity during the 5 p.m. “what’s for dinner?” panic, this dish is here to save the day.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey and Peppers Recipe
Let’s be honest—weeknight dinners don’t always inspire much excitement. But this Ground Turkey and Peppers recipe checks all the boxes:
✔️ Quick and easy (on the table in under 30!)
✔️ Healthy but satisfying
✔️ Versatile enough for meal prep, tacos, rice bowls, or lettuce wraps
✔️ Made with simple ingredients that won’t break the bank
Ground turkey is lean, protein-packed, and soaks up spices like a charm, while the colorful bell peppers bring that sweet crunch we all crave. It’s dinner harmony in a skillet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll want to gather:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers, sliced (go wild with colors—red, yellow, and green are all fair game)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (adds that warm, smoky vibe)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for that kick)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos if going gluten-free)
- Juice of ½ lime (optional but brightens things beautifully)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make Ground Turkey and Peppers
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and golden, about 3 minutes. Toss in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until it smells like your kitchen is giving you a hug.
Step 2: Brown That Turkey
Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes, or until it’s no longer pink and starting to get some nice browning on the edges.
Step 3: Spice It Up & Add the Peppers
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the turkey.
Next, add those sliced bell peppers. Stir and let them cook for 3–4 minutes. You want them soft around the edges but still holding onto their crunch—texture is key here!
Step 4: Add the Flavor Boosters
Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the tomato paste and soy sauce. Let it all simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the flavors can do their happy dance.
Step 5: Finish with a Bright Touch
Turn off the heat and squeeze in the lime juice if using. It adds just the right zing to balance the richness. Top it all off with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Ground Turkey and Peppers
- Don’t skip the sear. Let your turkey sit in the pan a bit before stirring—it helps develop flavor.
- Pre-slice those peppers. Or buy the pre-cut ones (no shame!). Your future tired self will thank you.
- Make it your own. Add mushrooms, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach at the end if you’re feeling veggie-happy.
- Want it saucier? Add a splash more broth or a spoonful of salsa. Dinner is your playground.
A Quick Story from My Kitchen
This recipe actually came to life one night when my fridge looked like a sad veggie drawer graveyard. I had ground turkey, three wrinkly peppers, and a half-used carton of broth. With a little spice and a lot of hope, this dish was born—and my family devoured it like I’d just made gourmet fajitas. It’s been a weeknight staple ever since!
FAQs About Ground Turkey and Peppers
Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Absolutely. Just toss them in straight from the freezer. They’ll be a little softer but still delicious.
Can I meal prep this?
Yes! It reheats beautifully and makes amazing leftovers. Just store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
What can I serve with it?
So many options! Rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, taco shells, or even just scooped over greens for a quick salad bowl.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey and Peppers dish is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a weeknight warrior—quick, flavorful, and surprisingly craveable. It’s proof that healthy doesn’t have to be boring, and fast can still taste fantastic. Give it a try tonight and watch it earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!
Ready to bring the flavor? Let’s make some magic. 🌟
Delicious Ideas to Pair with Ground Turkey and Peppers
If you enjoyed this Ground Turkey and Peppers recipe and you’re already dreaming up what to make next, I’ve got you covered with some mouthwatering options. These dishes complement the vibrant flavors and healthy vibe of this meal, whether you’re planning ahead for lunches or mixing things up for another quick dinner win.
Here are a few reader-favorite recipes that would make a perfect addition to your weekly rotation:
- Try this Ground Chicken Caprese if you’re in the mood for something equally quick but with a light Italian twist—hello, juicy tomatoes and melty mozzarella!
- Keep your meal prep game strong with the Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl—another protein-packed, veggie-loaded recipe with a kick of heat.
- Craving comfort food? Don’t miss the Chicken and Rice Taco Skillet—it’s like taco night in a skillet, with all the cozy vibes.
- For something bold and a little tropical, give the Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken a go—it’s creamy, spicy, and guaranteed to wake up your taste buds.
Whether you’re after quick lunches, healthy bowls, or flavor-packed dinners, these recipes bring more of that Chicken Magic charm to your table. Try one next and keep the weeknight dinner wins coming!
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Ground Turkey and Peppers
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick, healthy, and flavorful one-pan dinner, this Ground Turkey and Peppers recipe is packed with lean protein, colorful bell peppers, and bold spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a no-fuss family dinner.
Ingredients
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, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground turkey and break it up with a spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
Season with paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Add bell peppers and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp.
Stir in chicken broth, tomato paste, and soy sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Turn off heat, add lime juice if using, and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.
Serve hot on its own or with rice, quinoa, or in lettuce wraps.
Notes
Use frozen bell peppers in a pinch—no need to thaw.
Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to increase veggie content.
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
Stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days—great for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 275 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg