If you’re looking for a vibrant, healthy, and utterly satisfying meal, the Ground Turkey and Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. This dish brings together lean ground turkey and colorful bell peppers in a harmonious skillet meal that bursts with flavor, thanks to a perfect blend of spices and a touch of zesty lime. It’s not just quick and easy to prepare, it’s a beautiful medley of textures and aromas that make dinner feel special without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in building layers of taste and creating a colorful, appealing dish. From the savory turkey to the sweetness of bell peppers and the smoky spices, every element is essential for that perfect skillet magic.
- 1 lb ground turkey: The lean protein base that soaks up all the spices beautifully while keeping it healthy.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps sauté the veggies to tender perfection.
- 1 small onion, diced: Provides a sweet and savory foundation when cooked down.
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced: Bring vibrant color, crunch, and natural sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the whole skillet with a fragrant, savory depth.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds warmth and subtle smokiness that elevates the dish.
- 1 tsp ground cumin: Lends an earthy, slightly nutty flavor for complexity.
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat): Just enough kick if you like a little spice.
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste): Enhances all the natural flavors of your ingredients.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Gives a mild sharpness that balances the dish.
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the mix juicy and adds subtle savory notes.
- 1 tbsp tomato paste: Adds richness and color to the skillet sauce.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos: Adds umami depth and a touch of saltiness.
- Juice of ½ lime (optional): Brings a fresh, tangy brightness that wakes up the whole dish.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish: A fresh herbal finish that makes it look and taste restaurant-worthy.
How to Make Ground Turkey and Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your diced onions and cook until they soften and turn translucent, about 3 minutes—this step unlocks their natural sweetness. Then add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant; be careful not to burn it, as garlic quickly goes from fragrant to bitter.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up gently with a spoon or spatula as it cooks, so it crumbles evenly. Cook it through until the turkey is no longer pink, which should take around 5 to 6 minutes. This step builds the hearty base of your dish, so make sure it browns nicely to add flavor.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Once your turkey is browned, it’s time to layer in the seasonings. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder if you’re using it, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so those warm, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors meld perfectly with the meat—this is where your skillet truly starts to sing.
Step 4: Add Bell Peppers and Simmer
Throw in the sliced bell peppers and stir to combine. Let them cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender but still retain some of their crispness and vibrant color. Then stir in the chicken broth and tomato paste. Let this simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 5: Final Touches
Remove your skillet from the heat and if you love a burst of freshness, drizzle the juice of half a lime over the top. Finally, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for a lovely herby finish. This moment feels so rewarding because you’re about to enjoy a wholesome, flavorful meal packed with good-for-you ingredients and tons of taste.
How to Serve Ground Turkey and Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh cilantro or parsley on top not only enhances the visual appeal but also brightens up the dish with herbal notes that complement the smoky, savory flavors perfectly. For extra flair, you can sprinkle some crumbled feta or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add creaminess and a mild tang.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy quinoa or brown rice for a filling and balanced meal. If you want to keep things low-carb, a simple mixed greens salad or some roasted veggies work beautifully to round out the plate without overpowering the vibrant skillet flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish stuffed inside warm tortillas or as a filling for lettuce wraps for a fun, hand-held dinner option. You can also top it with avocado slices or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for a delightful textural contrast that makes every bite exciting and colorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This skillet holds up very well in the fridge for up to 3 days. The spices continue to meld, making the flavors even richer the next day—perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for longer storage. Portion the skillet into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When properly sealed, the texture and flavor remain great, which makes it an excellent make-ahead freezer meal to tackle busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat your Ground Turkey and Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe gently on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly. It reheats beautifully without losing its fresh, vibrant taste.
FAQs
Can I use other meats instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef can easily replace turkey and still taste amazing. Just be sure to cook the meat thoroughly and adjust seasoning to your taste.
What if I don’t have all the spices on hand?
No worries. The smoked paprika and cumin are key for that smoky warmth, but you can simplify by using a pre-made taco or chili seasoning blend, or even just salt, pepper, and garlic for a milder version.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos, this dish is naturally gluten-free thanks to its simple, wholesome ingredients.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Adjust the chili powder to your heat preference, or add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for some extra kick. It’s very flexible to your spice tolerance.
How can I make this dish more filling?
Serve it alongside grains like quinoa, brown rice, or couscous, or toss in some cooked beans or corn for added fiber and bulk. Adding avocado or a side of roasted potatoes also makes for a hearty meal.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey and Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe is a fantastic example of how effortless, wholesome cooking can delight your taste buds and satisfy your appetite in under 30 minutes. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but flavorful enough to impress family or friends, making it a versatile recipe you’ll want to cook again and again. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dinner!
Print
Ground Turkey and Bell Pepper Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Ground Turkey and Bell Pepper Skillet featuring lean ground turkey cooked with colorful bell peppers, aromatic spices, and a zesty lime finish. This easy one-pan recipe is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner and packed with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb ground turkey
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
- 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)
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables and cooking the turkey.
- Sauté onions: Add diced onions to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes until they become soft and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook turkey: Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 5–6 minutes until the turkey is no longer pink and fully cooked through.
- Add spices: Season the cooked turkey with smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and black pepper, stirring well to evenly coat the meat.
- Add bell peppers: Stir in the sliced bell peppers and cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing them to soften while retaining some crispness.
- Simmer with broth and tomato paste: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and tomato paste. Stir to combine and simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Finish and garnish: Remove skillet from heat. If desired, squeeze lime juice over the dish for brightness, then garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground chicken or lean beef for ground turkey if preferred.
- Adjust chili powder according to your heat preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or with warm tortillas for a complete meal.
- To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
