Ground Turkey and Peppers | Quick, Healthy, Flavorful Dinner

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It’s one of those weeknights when time slips away and hunger sneaks in fast. You want something quick, but not boring. That’s where Ground Turkey and Peppers steps in a colorful, high-protein skillet meal that hits all the right notes: savory, smoky, and just a touch sweet. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and fits into almost any dinner plan.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey and Peppers Recipe

You’ll love this dish because it’s simple, healthy, and satisfying. It’s a one-pan wonder that keeps cleanup minimal and flavors bold. The combination of lean ground turkey and vibrant bell peppers makes it light yet filling. You can easily adjust the seasonings, add more veggies, or keep it low-carb. It also works beautifully for meal prep just portion it into containers and refrigerate for up to four days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 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 for garnish

You can swap in tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free twist, or try ground chicken or beef if you want a different flavor profile.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You’ll only need a few tools: a large skillet, a wooden spoon, a sharp knife, a cutting board, and measuring spoons. A nonstick skillet works best for even browning and easy cleanup.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Ground Turkey and Peppers

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about three minutes until soft. Then, add minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds the flavorful base of the dish.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use your spoon to break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Continue until the turkey is no longer pink, about five to six minutes. Browning it well gives the dish that savory depth we all love.

Step 3: Season and Add the Peppers

Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Then, add the sliced bell peppers. Cook for three to four minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers soften slightly but still keep a gentle crunch.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth, tomato paste, and soy sauce. Stir everything well and let it simmer for two to three minutes so the flavors blend and the sauce lightly thickens.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat, squeeze in fresh lime juice, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve warm over rice, pasta, or tucked inside wraps for a quick meal.

Ground turkey with colorful peppers served over rice for a quick, healthy meal.

Flavor and Texture Profile

This dish delivers a wonderful mix of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors. The ground turkey turns tender and juicy, while the bell peppers stay slightly crisp. The light sauce coats every bite, making it balanced and satisfying. The subtle spice from paprika and cumin rounds out the flavor beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve Ground Turkey and Peppers over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a filling bowl. For a lighter option, spoon it into lettuce wraps or serve with cauliflower rice. It’s also great stuffed into baked sweet potatoes or served on top of a simple green salad.

If you love quick, wholesome dinners, you might also enjoy Easy Zucchini Lasagna for a Low-Carb Dinner or try the hearty Cheesy Mexican Casserole Perfect for Family Dinners.

Recipe Tips and Variations

If you like spice, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a saucier finish, increase the broth or mix in a bit of tomato sauce. You can also toss in zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
Try a splash of balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to boost flavor depth.

This recipe keeps beautifully for meal prep. Store in airtight containers and refrigerate up to four days. For longer storage, freeze up to three months. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth, or microwave in 30-second bursts until hot.

For more skillet-style ideas, check out Creamy Ranch Chicken Skillet or Garlic Butter Chicken with Zucchini and Corn.

Storage and Reheating

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can freeze for up to three months for easy future meals. When reheating, add a bit of broth or water to refresh the texture. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make turkey peppers?

Cook ground turkey with onion, garlic, and seasonings until browned, then add sliced peppers and a quick sauce of broth, tomato paste, and soy sauce. Simmer briefly and serve hot.

Why do people use ground turkey?

Ground turkey is lean, affordable, and mild, making it a healthy substitute for ground beef that still provides high protein.

What is ground turkey called?

It’s simply minced turkey meat, usually made from both light and dark cuts for a balanced flavor and texture.

When to add peppers to ground turkey?

Add them after the turkey browns and is fully cooked. This helps the peppers stay slightly crisp and colorful without turning mushy.

More Such Recipes

Ground turkey and peppers with rice in a white bowl on gray table
Ground turkey with colorful peppers served over rice for a quick, healthy meal.

Conclusion or Final Thoughts

Ground Turkey and Peppers is the kind of dinner that keeps your kitchen relaxed and your plate colorful. It’s quick, healthy, and full of flavor the perfect balance for busy nights. Try new spice blends, toss in your favorite veggies, and make it your own. Once you’ve cooked it once, it’ll become a regular part of your weeknight rotation.

If you enjoyed this recipe, follow more home-cooked meals and kitchen inspiration on Pinterest or Facebook.

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Ground turkey and peppers with rice in a white bowl on gray table

Ground Turkey and Peppers | Quick, Healthy, Flavorful Dinner


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  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick, colorful skillet meal made with lean ground turkey, fresh bell peppers, and smoky spices. Ready in under 30 minutes — healthy, flavorful, and perfect for meal prep.


Ingredients

Scale

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 for garnish


Instructions

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for about 3 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook briefly until aromatic.

2. Add ground turkey, break it into small pieces, and cook until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.

3. Season with paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in sliced bell peppers and cook 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

4. Pour in chicken broth, tomato paste, and soy sauce; stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.

5. Remove from heat, add lime juice, and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust spice levels to taste using more or less chili powder or by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce.

If you want more sauce, increase the broth or add tomato sauce.

Leftovers can be reused in tacos, burrito bowls, wraps, or stuffed into baked potatoes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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