If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both colorful and packed with flavor, let me introduce you to my go-to Ground Turkey and Peppers. This dish brings together the juicy tenderness of ground turkey with the vibrant crunch of bell peppers, all tossed in a lively, savory sauce that draws you right in. Not only does it come together in a snap, but the combination of spices and fresh ingredients makes every bite deeply satisfying. Whether you serve it over rice, tuck it into wraps, or enjoy it straight from the pan, Ground Turkey and Peppers is a real crowd-pleaser that’s simple enough for any cook to master.

Ground Turkey and Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Ground Turkey and Peppers is that you only need a handful of everyday ingredients, each carefully chosen to deliver maximum flavor, texture, and color. Every item truly earns its place in the pan, creating a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

1 lb ground turkey: Lean, quick to cook, and soaks up flavor beautifully for a lighter, satisfying protein base.
1 tbsp olive oil: Adds heart-healthy richness and helps soften the aromatics just right.
1 small onion, diced: The classic aromatic foundation, bringing mellow sweetness to round out the dish.
3 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced: Go for a mix of colors for extra eye appeal and a subtle difference in sweetness or bite.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings warmth and a wonderful base flavor that lifts everything else.
1 tsp smoked paprika: For gentle heat and a rich smokiness you’ll taste in every bite.
1 tsp ground cumin: Adds earthy complexity and depth, balancing out the bright vegetables.
½ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat): If you like a little kick, just a shake or two wakes things up nicely.
½ tsp salt (or to taste): Seasoning is key to bringing all those savory flavors to life.
½ tsp black pepper: A touch of sharpness to perk up the whole dish.
¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps everything juicy without overpowering the main flavors.
1 tbsp tomato paste: Adds depth, a hint of sweetness, and a lovely red hue to the sauce.
1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos: For subtle umami and just enough salt—pick what suits your diet.
Juice of ½ lime (optional, for brightness): A fresh squeeze at the end wakes up the spices and draws all the flavors together.
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish: A shower of herbs at the end brings color and garden-fresh flavor.

How to Make Ground Turkey and Peppers

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a big skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your diced onions and let them cook until they’re soft and translucent—about three minutes. This is where your kitchen fills with that “dinner is coming” scent! Stir in the minced garlic and give it another thirty seconds, just until you smell that garlicky goodness wafting up from the pan.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Scoot the softened onions and garlic to the side, then add the ground turkey right into the pan. Grab a wooden spoon and break the turkey up into little crumbles, letting it brown on all sides. It’ll take about five to six minutes to cook through and lose all traces of pinkness. You’re looking for juicy turkey bits with golden brown edges that promise flavor in every mouthful!

Step 3: Season and Add Peppers

Sprinkle your smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper over the turkey. Stir well so the spices cling to every morsel. Now pile in the sliced bell peppers, and enjoy the burst of color that instantly brightens the pan. Mix everything together and let it cook for three to four minutes, just until the peppers soften slightly but still have a lively crunch—that’s the secret to making Ground Turkey and Peppers really shine.

Step 4: Add the Sauce Components

Pour in the chicken broth, tomato paste, and soy sauce. Give it a good stir so the tomato paste dissolves and everything melds together. Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors merge for two to three minutes. That’s when the sauce thickens just enough to coat the turkey and veggies.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat, then finish everything off with a squeeze of fresh lime juice if you like things extra bright. Scatter freshly chopped cilantro or parsley over the top, and you’re ready to serve! Whether chilled out in a warm bowl or scooped alongside your favorite grains, this dish is as tempting as it is nourishing.

How to Serve Ground Turkey and Peppers

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley on top not only makes this skillet look irresistible, it adds a hit of vibrant freshness that ties all the savory flavors together. If you want even more zing, try a little extra lime juice or a dusting of crumbled feta for a creamy contrast.

Side Dishes

Ground Turkey and Peppers is endlessly versatile! Pile it onto fluffy rice, scoop it into warm tortillas, or spoon it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. It’s also fantastic alongside simple roasted potatoes or even on a bed of crisp greens for a hearty salad-meets-main situation.

Creative Ways to Present

Take leftovers and turn them into taco night magic, stuff them into bell pepper halves for a gorgeous baked dish, or wrap them into lettuce cups for a light, crunchy meal. A spoonful of Ground Turkey and Peppers even works beautifully tossed with scrambled eggs or layered onto toast for a next-day brunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any remaining Ground Turkey and Peppers before sealing in an airtight container. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to four days, making for quick heat-and-eat lunches or an even easier dinner later in the week.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool completely, divide into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll keep for up to two months. The peppers may soften a bit on thawing, but the savory flavor is all there.

Reheating

To reheat, just add your portion to a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. Stir until hot throughout. It also works beautifully in the microwave—cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between until it’s steaming hot.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef both work well and will soak up the same lovely spices. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as beef may render more fat that you can drain if desired.

Do I have to use all three colors of bell pepper?

Not at all! Use whatever mix you have on hand. Red bell peppers are sweeter, while green bring a bit more punchiness—using different colors is just for added visual pop, but it won’t affect the core flavor too much.

Is Ground Turkey and Peppers spicy?

This recipe is as spicy or mild as you like! The chili powder is totally optional, so start with a small amount (or skip it entirely) if you’re sensitive to heat.

Can I make this dish ahead for meal prep?

Yes, Ground Turkey and Peppers is meal-prep gold. Make a big batch, portion it into individual servings, and it’ll keep beautifully for grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners during the week.

What can I do if my mixture gets too dry?

A splash more chicken broth will quickly loosen things up. Simmer for a minute and the sauce will become saucy and perfect again, without diluting the flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a dinner that’s as easy as it is vibrant, Ground Turkey and Peppers never fails to impress. Give it a try and watch it become a mainstay at your table—you might just find yourself making extra for tomorrow!