Ground Turkey and Peppers: A Healthy, Flavorful 30-Minute Dinner

When you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction, Ground Turkey and Peppers is a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. This simple skillet meal combines lean ground turkey with colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a perfectly balanced seasoning blend for a dish that’s versatile and easy to adapt to your taste.

Whether you serve it over rice, tuck it into tortillas, or enjoy it as a low-carb option with cauliflower rice, it’s a weeknight-friendly recipe that’s big on flavor and light on prep. The sweetness of the peppers plays beautifully against the savory turkey, while spices give the dish depth and warmth.

This recipe is inspired by a mix of Tex-Mex skillet dishes and Mediterranean stir-fries, keeping the ingredient list short while still delivering bold, fresh flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey and Peppers Recipe

• Healthy and lean – Made with protein-rich ground turkey and plenty of vegetables.

• Quick to prepare – Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

• One-pan wonder – Minimal cleanup required.

• Versatile – Works with a variety of seasonings and serving options.

• Great for meal prep – Stores well for easy lunches during the week.

---

Ingredients You’ll Need

 

For 4 servings, gather the following:

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey (93% lean for best flavor and juiciness)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 large onion, sliced or diced

• 3 bell peppers, sliced (use a mix of red, yellow, and green for color)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning Blend

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Optional Finishing Touches

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

• 1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice for brightness

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

• Wash and slice the peppers into thin strips.

• Dice or slice the onion.

• Mince the garlic and set aside.

---

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

3. Season with half the salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

4. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until turkey is browned and cooked through.

5. Transfer the turkey to a plate and set aside.

---

Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Onions

1. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.

2. Add onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften.

3. Add sliced peppers and cook for another 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.

---

Step 4: Combine and Season

1. Return the cooked turkey to the skillet.

2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Sprinkle in the remaining seasoning and stir to combine.

4. Cook for 2–3 more minutes to allow flavors to meld.

---

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

2. Add fresh parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lime or lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.

---

Tips for the Best Ground Turkey and Peppers

• Don’t overcook the peppers – Keep them slightly crisp for texture and color.

• Use a variety of peppers – Different colors add natural sweetness and visual appeal.

• Add extra veggies – Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach work beautifully.

• Season in layers – Adding spices both to the turkey and again after combining ensures depth of flavor.

• Double the batch – This recipe freezes well and makes great leftovers.

---

Flavor Variations

• Tex-Mex style – Add 1 teaspoon chili powder and serve with tortillas, avocado, and salsa.

• Italian-inspired – Use Italian seasoning and top with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan.

• Asian-style – Swap oregano for soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, and serve over rice.

• Low-carb stir-fry – Skip rice or pasta and serve over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini.

---

Serving Suggestions

• With rice – White rice, brown rice, or quinoa.

• Over pasta – Toss with penne or spaghetti for a quick pasta dinner.

• In tortillas – Makes a great filling for tacos or wraps.

• On greens – Serve over a bed of spinach or mixed greens for a warm salad.

---

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze: Cool completely, then store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals.

---

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 280

• Protein: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Fat: 14g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 5g

Values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes—ground chicken works well, though it may cook a bit faster.

2. Can I make this spicier?
Absolutely—add more crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chopped chili peppers.

3. Do I need to use three colors of peppers?
No, but the variety adds sweetness and visual appeal.

4. Can I make this in advance?
Yes—it’s perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.

---

Final Thoughts

Ground Turkey and Peppers is one of those recipes that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. With its colorful vegetables, lean protein, and bold yet simple seasoning, it’s a meal you can feel good about making any night of the week.

It’s quick, versatile, and endlessly adaptable—serve it over rice for a satisfying dinner, tuck it into tortillas for a handheld option, or spoon it over greens for a lighter lunch. However you enjoy it, this skillet meal is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Print