Ground Turkey and Peppers

This Ground Turkey and Peppers recipe is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that comes together in just 30 minutes! Lean ground turkey is cooked with colorful bell peppers and seasoned to perfection with garlic, onion, and simple spices. It’s perfect for meal prep, busy weeknights, or anyone looking for a nutritious and delicious dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fast & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Healthy & Light – Made with lean ground turkey and veggies.
One-Pan Wonder – Easy cleanup and all-in-one convenience.
Versatile – Serve with rice, quinoa, tortillas, or as-is.
Great for Meal Prep – Stores and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Main Dish:
1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced into strips
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Serving (optional):
Steamed rice or quinoa
Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Avocado slices or lime wedges
Tortillas or lettuce cups

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet or sauté pan
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cutting board and sharp knife
Bowl for serving sides or garnishes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
2. Wash and slice the bell peppers into thin strips.
3. Gather and measure all your spices.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Add the ground turkey and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
6. Cook for 6–8 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink.
7. Drain excess liquid if necessary.

Step 3: Add Onion, Garlic & Peppers
8. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet.
9. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
10. Stir in the sliced bell peppers and cook for another 5–7 minutes, until they are tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 4: Season & Simmer
11. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
12. Stir well to coat everything evenly in the seasoning.
13. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 5: Taste & Serve
14. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed.
15. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs and serve hot with your preferred sides.

Tips for Perfect Ground Turkey and Peppers
Use Lean Turkey – 93% lean is ideal for flavor and health balance.
Don’t Overcook – Keep peppers slightly crisp for texture and color.
Add Liquid if Needed – A splash of broth or water can help deglaze the pan.
Double the Batch – It’s freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep.

Serving Suggestions
With Rice – White, brown, or cauliflower rice all pair well.
In Lettuce Wraps – Light, crunchy, and low-carb.
Taco Style – Spoon into tortillas and top with avocado and salsa.
With Quinoa – For a protein-packed, gluten-free option.
Over Baked Potatoes – A hearty and comforting twist.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Label with date.

Reheating:
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water.
Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
   Yes! Ground chicken works great and offers a similar lean profile.
2. How can I make it spicier?
   Add jalapeños, more red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
3. Can I add more vegetables?
   Absolutely. Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, as long as your spices and optional tortillas are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Ground Turkey and Peppers is a simple, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable meal you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s budget-friendly, packed with protein and color, and pairs well with just about anything. Whether you wrap it in a tortilla, serve it over grains, or enjoy it solo, it’s guaranteed to satisfy.

Try it tonight and let me know how it goes! Share your version in the comments or tag your photos online – I’d love to see your twist on this wholesome dish.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 10g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 480mg

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