Ground Turkey and Peppers
Ground turkey and peppers come together in a delicious, colorful dish that’s not just easy to make but also packed with flavor. Whether you’re on a health kick or just looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this one-pan wonder will satisfy your cravings while keeping things simple.
Why You’ll Love This
This recipe is super special for a few reasons. First of all, it’s a breeze to whip up! You’re using lean ground turkey, which is not only healthier but also so versatile. Plus, the vibrant bell peppers add a sweet crunch that elevates the meal while giving you a feeling of freshness. With just a handful of spices and some pantry staples, you can bring this delightful dish to life!
The Simple Process
Making Ground Turkey and Peppers is straightforward and fun! You’ll sauté some aromatics to build flavor, brown the turkey, add in those gorgeous peppers, and finish everything with a little sauce. It’s all done in one skillet, which means less cleanup for you. Let’s dive into the preparation!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
- Juice of ½ lime (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
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.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
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.
Step 3: Season and Add Peppers
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.
Step 4: Add the Sauce Components
Pour in the chicken broth, tomato paste, and soy sauce. Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
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!
Serving Ideas
This dish is super flexible when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it on its own for a light meal, or pair it with rice, quinoa, or even tortillas for a fun wrap. I love adding a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of cheese on top for a little extra creaminess!
Keeping It Fresh
If you have leftovers (which is always a win!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be good for about 3-4 days. Just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy again!
Pro Tips
- Make sure to cook the turkey all the way through for the best texture.
- If you love a little kick, don’t skip the chili powder or try adding some diced jalapeños!
- For added depth, try including some spices like coriander or oregano.
Mix It Up
Feel free to personalize this recipe! Swap in different veggies like zucchini or mushrooms, or add some beans for extra protein and fiber. You can also play around with spices to find your sweet spot in flavor!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen ground turkey?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before you start cooking.
2. Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute ground turkey with a plant-based protein like lentils or textured vegetable protein and you’ll have a great vegetarian dish.
3. How can I make this spicier?
To amp up the heat, increase the chili powder or add a dash of hot sauce when you’re cooking. You can also serve it with some spicy salsa on the side!
Enjoy your time in the kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to try this delightful Ground Turkey and Peppers recipe!
Ground Turkey and Peppers
Ingredients
Method
- 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, allowing 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 and serve immediately.
