Name: Flavorful Ground Turkey and Peppers Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat); 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos; Juice of 1/2 lime (optional, for brightness); Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

A colorful, protein-packed skillet meal combining lean ground turkey with vibrant bell peppers and aromatic seasonings. This quick and nutritious dish delivers delicious flavors in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a healthy dinner solution.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ground turkey and peppers skillet is a versatile, one-pan wonder that fits seamlessly into any healthy eating plan. It’s naturally low in carbs while being protein-rich and nutrient-dense. You’ll appreciate how quickly it comes together—perfect for those busy evenings when cooking feels like a chore. The combination of colorful bell peppers and savory ground turkey creates a meal that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your flavor preferences or dietary needs, and leftovers store beautifully for quick lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground turkey provides a lean protein base for this dish, with less fat than ground beef but plenty of flavor. It readily absorbs the seasonings while remaining tender and juicy.
Olive oil helps brown the meat and sauté the vegetables, adding a subtle fruity note and healthy fats to the dish.
Onion creates an aromatic foundation, adding natural sweetness and depth as it softens and caramelizes slightly during cooking.
Bell peppers bring vibrant color, sweet crunch, and a healthy dose of vitamins to the skillet. Using a variety of colors makes the dish more visually appealing and nutritionally diverse.
Garlic infuses the entire dish with its distinctive aroma and flavor, forming an essential flavor base with the onions.
Smoked paprika adds a wonderful smoky depth without heat, giving the dish complexity and warmth.
Ground cumin contributes an earthy, slightly nutty flavor that complements the turkey beautifully and adds Mediterranean flair.
Chili powder introduces a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your preference, bringing dimension to the flavor profile.
Salt and black pepper are essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the dish.
Chicken broth creates a light sauce and prevents the turkey from drying out, while adding subtle savory notes.
Tomato paste concentrates rich umami flavor and helps thicken the sauce slightly while adding beautiful color.
Soy sauce or coconut aminos brings depth and savory complexity through its natural glutamates.
Lime juice brightens the entire dish with its acidity, cutting through the richness and balancing all the flavors.
Fresh herbs for garnish add a pop of color and fresh flavor that elevates the final presentation.

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the turkey evenly with the seasonings.
Add the sliced bell peppers and stir everything together. Let the peppers cook for 3-4 minutes, just until they start to soften but still retain some crunch.
Pour in the chicken broth, tomato paste, and soy sauce. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Turn off the heat and squeeze in the fresh lime juice for an extra burst of flavor. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.
Serve immediately, either on its own or with your favorite side.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 generous servings at approximately 280 calories per serving. It’s quick to prepare, requiring just 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, for a total time of 25 minutes from start to finish. This efficiency makes it an excellent option for busy weeknights when you need a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Variations

Mediterranean Style: Add diced zucchini, a handful of olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Swap the cilantro for fresh oregano or basil.
Asian Fusion: Increase the soy sauce, add grated ginger, and finish with a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve over rice or cauliflower rice.
Tex-Mex Version: Add a can of black beans (drained and rinsed), corn kernels, and top with avocado slices and a dollop of Greek yogurt. Consider adding taco seasoning in place of the individual spices.
Spicy Lovers: Double the chili powder and add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to increase the heat level.
Loaded Bowl: Serve over quinoa or brown rice with additional toppings like avocado, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream for a complete meal-in-a-bowl.
Lettuce Wraps: Use the mixture as a filling for lettuce cups, topped with shredded carrots and bean sprouts for a low-carb option.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often intensify and meld beautifully overnight, making this dish excellent for meal prep.
Freezing: This dish freezes exceptionally well. Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, leave a small amount of space at the top of the container to allow for expansion.
Reheating from Refrigerated: Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry.
Reheating from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results, then reheat as directed above. If reheating directly from frozen, use the microwave on a defrost setting first, then heat normally until thoroughly warmed.
Meal Prep Tip: This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. Consider doubling the recipe and freezing portions for quick future meals.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works perfectly as a substitute for turkey in this recipe. The cooking time and method remain the same, though chicken may be slightly milder in flavor. You can compensate by being a bit more generous with your seasonings if desired.

How do I keep the bell peppers from getting too soft?

The key is to add the peppers later in the cooking process as directed. For even more crunch, you can add them just 2 minutes before finishing the dish. Remember that they’ll continue cooking slightly from residual heat after you remove the pan from the stove.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for most keto diets. It contains approximately 8-10g of carbs per serving, primarily from the vegetables. To further reduce carbs, you can limit the onion and tomato paste.

What can I serve with this dish to make it a complete meal?

This versatile dish pairs well with many sides. Try cauliflower rice or regular rice, quinoa, or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or warm tortillas also make excellent accompaniments.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground turkey with crumbled firm tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version.

How spicy is this recipe?

As written, this recipe has a mild to moderate spice level from the half teaspoon of chili powder. You can easily adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the chili powder, or omitting it entirely for a non-spicy version.

Can I prep any components of this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can dice the onions, slice the peppers, and mince the garlic up to 2 days in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. You can also pre-mix the dry seasonings and store them in a small container until ready to use.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is gluten-free if you use coconut aminos or gluten-free soy sauce. Regular soy sauce typically contains wheat, so be sure to check labels if gluten is a concern.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Use a larger skillet or Dutch oven to ensure all ingredients have enough space to cook evenly. The cooking time may increase slightly, particularly when browning the turkey.

How can I make this dish more filling without adding carbs?

To make the dish more substantial while keeping it low-carb, consider adding riced cauliflower directly to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, include more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, or top with sliced avocado for healthy fats that increase satiety.

Conclusion

This ground turkey and peppers skillet exemplifies how healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With its appealing balance of lean protein, colorful vegetables, and aromatic seasonings, it delivers both nutrition and satisfaction in every bite. The recipe’s versatility makes it a reliable foundation for countless variations, whether you’re looking to clean out the refrigerator or experiment with new flavor profiles. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a family with varied tastes, this dish proves that simple ingredients treated with care can create memorable meals. Master this recipe, and you’ll have a dependable, nutritious option in your cooking repertoire that you can adapt to your needs and preferences throughout the seasons.

Flavorful Ground Turkey and Peppers Skillet