Name: Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground turkey; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained; 1/4 cup chicken broth or water; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional); Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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If you’ve been searching for a dinner that’s lightning-fast, healthy, and absolutely bursting with flavor, you’re going to love this Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet. This is my weeknight secret weapon: juicy ground turkey mingling with vibrant peppers and onions, a dusting of bold spices, and a handful of melty cheese on top — all in just one skillet and under 30 minutes! It’s a dream come true for anyone who loves dinner that’s both hearty and light, with a rainbow of colors and a boatload of cozy, home-cooked flavor in every bite.

Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s celebrate the beauty of simple but mighty ingredients! Each one brings its own personality, whether it’s a pop of sweetness, a savory note, or a splash of color, to make this Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet truly memorable.

Olive oil: Adds a rich base of flavor and helps everything cook evenly without sticking.
Ground turkey: Lean, mild, and perfect for soaking up all those delicious spices.
Red bell pepper: Brings juicy sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color.
Green bell pepper: Adds a touch of bitterness to balance the sweetness and create fresh, vibrant flavor.
Yellow onion: Offers a mellow, fragrant base note that ties all the veggies together.
Garlic cloves: Infuses the skillet with warmth and depth — don’t skip it!
Smoked paprika: Gives the dish a deep, smoky background that elevates the turkey.
Ground cumin: Lends earthy, slightly citrusy notes that complement the peppers.
Italian seasoning: This herby blend brings the skillet together with a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Salt: Brightens and enhances every flavor in the pan.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the spices.
Diced tomatoes (drained): Adds moisture, tang, and another layer of color (be sure to drain well to avoid excess liquid).
Chicken broth or water: Helps all the flavors meld and makes the final dish perfectly saucy without being soupy.
Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional): Melts into dreamy, gooey strands for extra comfort (but can be skipped for a lighter meal).
Chopped fresh parsley: A fresh, herby finish that makes everything taste even brighter.

How to Make Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Turkey

Start by heating the olive oil in your largest, sturdiest skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the ground turkey. Break it up gently with a spatula as it cooks, letting it brown and release all those savory juices. After about 5–6 minutes, you’ll see no more pink — your skillet’s already scented with the promise of a satisfying meal.

Step 2: Add Veggies and Garlic

Next, let’s up the flavor ante! Add in your diced onion, both bell peppers, and minced garlic. Give everything a good stir so the vegetables begin to soften and soak up those turkey juices. This is when your kitchen will start to smell straight-up irresistible. After 4–5 minutes, the onions should look translucent and the peppers should be bright and just-tender.

Step 3: Season Like You Mean It

Sprinkle on the smoked paprika, cumin, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper — don’t be shy! Stir well, letting the spices toast and coat everything in the pan. You’ll see the color deepen and may even notice a whiff of smokiness, hinting at the flavor-packed experience that awaits.

Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth

Now, add the drained diced tomatoes and pour in your chicken broth or water. Stir until the mixture looks unified, then turn the heat down to medium-low. Simmer gently for 5–7 minutes; the liquid will reduce a little, bringing all the flavors together in a thick, saucy skillet.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese and Garnish

If you’re a cheese lover (and who isn’t?), sprinkle the mozzarella or cheddar evenly over the skillet. Cover for a few minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Finish everything off with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a final pop of color. That’s it — your Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet is ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh parsley isn’t just pretty — it adds a little extra freshness to offset the richness of the skillet. If you like, you can also add a few pinches of red pepper flakes or even a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

Side Dishes

Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet is incredibly versatile: spoon it over fluffy white or brown rice for a classic pairing, try it over fluffy quinoa for added protein, or keep things extra healthy with cauliflower rice. Want to switch it up? Tuck the skillet mixture into lettuce wraps or use it as a hearty filling for roasted sweet potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

Make dinner even more special by serving the skillet family-style in the pan, so everyone can dig in together. Or, for a fun twist, pile the mixture into bell pepper halves and broil until the tops get a little toasty and golden. Leftovers also make a dynamite filling for wraps and lunch bowls — the Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet is the gift that keeps on giving!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Your Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep and quick lunches throughout the week.

Freezing

Want to stock your freezer? This dish freezes beautifully! Store chilled portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Squeeze out the air and label with the date — you can keep it frozen for up to three months. When you need a healthy, homemade meal in a hurry, just thaw and reheat!

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet in the microwave, stirring halfway through, or heat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore its sauciness. If you stored it with cheese, it will get nice and melty all over again!

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Both ground chicken and ground beef work well in this skillet, though the flavors and fat content will vary — beef will be a bit richer, while chicken is even lighter than turkey.

Is Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet spicy?

Nope, this dish is full of bold, savory flavors but isn’t spicy at all. If you like extra heat, feel free to add a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Just leave out the cheese! The Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet is still wonderfully flavorful and satisfying without it — and you can add a big dollop of dairy-free yogurt or sprinkle of nutritional yeast if you want a little added creaminess or “cheesy” flavor.

Can I double the recipe for meal prepping?

Definitely! Just use an extra-large skillet or cook in batches if needed. This recipe scales up easily and actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.

What vegetables can I add or swap in?

This recipe is super flexible. Try adding zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or corn along with (or instead of) the bell peppers. It’s a great way to use up what you have on hand and pack in even more nutrients.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that’s colorful, nourishing, and wildly flavorful, you’ve got to give this Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet a try. It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel great — fast to make, hard to mess up, and always a hit around the table. Honestly, once you try it, don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again!

Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with lean ground turkey, bell peppers, and aromatic spices, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes.