Sizzling Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet

$- 1 lb ground turkey - 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juices) - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon oregano - ½ teaspoon cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish - Optional: 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean beef. This change keeps the dish tasty while changing the flavor slightly. For bell peppers, any color works well. If you don’t have canned tomatoes, fresh ones can also work. Just chop them up and use them in the same amount. You can replace olive oil with another oil, like avocado oil, if needed. For herbs, dried or fresh can both work. Use what you have at home. This dish serves four. Each serving has about 350 calories. It contains 25 grams of protein, which is great for muscle health. The dish also offers fiber from the vegetables and tomatoes. Ground turkey is lean, so it helps keep the meal lower in fat. If you add quinoa or brown rice, you get even more fiber and carbs for energy. This meal is a balanced option for lunch or dinner. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You need ground turkey, bell peppers, onion, garlic, and tomatoes. I use two bell peppers, one red and one green, for color. Dice the peppers and chop the onion. Mince the garlic, too. This prep makes cooking smooth and easy. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Let it warm up for a minute. You want the oil to shimmer, which means it's ready for cooking. This step is key to getting that nice, rich flavor. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to become soft and fragrant, not brown. Stir them often to prevent burning. Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground turkey. Cook it for 5-7 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spatula. Make sure it is browned all over. This step adds great taste and texture to your dish. Now, it's time to add the diced bell peppers. Stir them in and cook for another 3-4 minutes. The peppers should start to soften, adding sweetness to the mix. Next, pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. Add the smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well. This blend creates a wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes. This helps all the flavors come together beautifully. If you want a heartier meal, stir in cooked quinoa or brown rice just before serving. Finally, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy the vibrant colors and rich flavors of your Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet! Cooking ground turkey is simple. Start with medium heat to avoid burning. Use a good spatula to break it apart while cooking. I find that cooking it until it’s browned gives the best flavor. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it cooks all the way through. Ground turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you want more flavor, try adding spices during the cooking process. To boost flavor, add smoked paprika and cumin. These spices make the dish warm and inviting. You can also mix in some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley at the end. This adds freshness. For some heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you like a tangy taste, a splash of lime juice works wonders. Presentation makes a meal more enjoyable. Serve the skillet hot with fresh herbs sprinkled on top. You can drizzle olive oil around the plate for a nice touch. For a pop of color, add sliced avocado or lime wedges on the side. If you use quinoa or brown rice, place it under the turkey mix. This gives a nice contrast and makes the dish look great. Enjoy your meal! Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep the dish healthy while still being flavorful. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or corn to enhance the nutrition and texture. Spice It Up: Adjust the spices according to your preference; adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick! Meal Prep Friendly: This dish makes excellent leftovers; double the recipe for easy meals throughout the week! {{image_2}} You can switch up the veggies in this dish. Try using zucchini or spinach. Both add great flavor and nutrients. Carrots or broccoli also work well. For a heartier mix, add mushrooms. Each choice brings its own taste and texture. If you want a different protein, use ground chicken or beef. Both options taste great in this skillet. For a plant-based choice, try lentils or crumbled tofu. They soak up the flavors well. You can even use beans like black or kidney for extra protein. This recipe can fit many diets. To make it gluten-free, just use gluten-free grains. Quinoa is a great option here. For low-carb diets, skip the grains altogether. Serve it with a side salad instead. You still get a meal packed with flavor and nutrition. Store your Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to four days in the fridge. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing. This way, you prevent moisture build-up. Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the dish. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To prevent freezer burn, squeeze out as much air as possible. Always label the container with the date and contents for easy identification. When you're ready to eat, thaw the skillet overnight in the fridge. If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. You want it hot all the way through. Alternatively, reheat on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Enjoy your quick and tasty meal! Yes, you can use other meats. Ground chicken is a great choice. You can also use beef or pork. Just remember, each meat has its own flavor. Adjust seasonings as needed for the best taste. To add heat, try adding red pepper flakes. You can also use hot sauce or diced jalapeños. Start with a little, then taste. This way, you can control the spice level. If you want a smoky flavor, add more smoked paprika. This dish pairs well with many sides. You can serve it over rice or quinoa. It also goes well with a fresh salad. For extra crunch, add tortilla chips on the side. Enjoy your meal with a refreshing drink! This blog post covered a tasty ground turkey pepper skillet. We explored the key ingredients, swaps, and even the nutritional facts. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and tips to enhance flavor and presentation. We also discussed variations for different diets and how to store and reheat your skillet meal. In summary, cooking with ground turkey is easy and fun. You can adapt this dish to suit your tastes and needs. Enjoy experimenting with new flavors and ideas!$

Sizzling Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet

A delicious and healthy skillet dish featuring ground turkey and bell peppers, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
2 whole bell peppers (one red, one green), diced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon oregano
0.5 teaspoon cumin
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 bunch fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (optional)

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Increase the heat to medium-high and add ground turkey. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula.
Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the canned diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10-15 minutes for the flavors to meld together. If using, stir in the cooked quinoa or brown rice just before serving.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley. Drizzle olive oil around the plate for a colorful touch.

Keyword ground turkey, healthy, quick meal, skillet