Ground Turkey and Peppers Recipe: A Healthy, Flavorful Skillet Dinner

Ground Turkey and Peppers is my go-to dinner when I need something fast, healthy, and honestly kind of comforting. If you’ve had a long day and your brain is over it, this skillet is the easiest win. It’s colorful, full of protein, and tastes like you put in more effort than you did. The best part is it’s all done in one pan, so cleanup stays simple. I make this when I want real food without a big fuss, and it never lets me down.

Quick one-pan dinner for busy weeknights

It’s the kind of meal that saves you when time is not on your side. You cook everything in the same skillet, layer the flavors, and serve it straight from the stove. One pan, bold taste, minimal mess. Ground Turkey and Peppers hits the table fast and works with whatever you’ve got in your fridge. If you love easy comfort dinners, you might also like these cozy slow-cooker options for those extra packed days: crockpot chicken and dumplings.

Healthy, high-protein, low-fat meal option

This is a feel-good skillet without being boring. Lean turkey packs in protein while bell peppers deliver natural sweetness and crunch. Add onions, garlic, and a simple spice mix, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that still feels light. High protein, low fat, and lots of color makes it a win for weekday eating. If you’re in the mood for a balanced bowl, my readers also love this hearty ground turkey sweet potato bowl.

Ingredients for Ground Turkey and Peppers

• 1 pound ground turkey, 93 percent lean
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 bell peppers, mixed colors, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder or Italian seasoning, depending on your mood
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 to 2 tablespoons tomato paste or a splash of chicken broth
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
• Optional: crushed red pepper for heat, squeeze of lemon for brightness

Tip: Turkey is amazing at soaking up flavor, so don’t skimp on spices. If you’re planning a spread with simple sides, browse the appetizers and sides lineup for ideas that pair well.

Best bell peppers to use (red, yellow, green, orange)

Each pepper color brings a little something different. Red is sweet and soft when cooked. Yellow and orange are bright and fruity. Green is a bit more grassy and sturdy. My favorite combo is one red, one yellow, and one green to get a mix of sweetness and snap. If you only have one color, it still turns out great, so no pressure.

Optional add-ins for extra nutrition

Want to bulk it up without much effort? Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. A handful of cherry tomatoes at the end adds a juicy pop. You can also stir in a can of black beans or white beans to make it extra filling. If you’re feeding kids, corn is a fun, sweet addition. I also like a spoon of tomato paste for depth or a splash of low-sodium broth to keep everything saucy.

How to Make Ground Turkey and Peppers (Step-by-Step)

Brown the turkey

Heat the oil in a big skillet over medium-high. Add the turkey, break it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s no longer pink. Season with a little salt and pepper.

Soften the veggies

Add the onion and peppers right to the pan. Stir and cook until the onions are glossy and the peppers have softened around the edges. If things look dry, drizzle in just a touch more oil.

Layer the flavor

Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder or Italian seasoning. Let the spices bloom for 30 seconds so they wake up. This step is where the magic happens.

Make it saucy

Mix in tomato paste or a splash of broth. Simmer a couple minutes, taste, and adjust salt, pepper, or spice. Squeeze lemon if you like it bright.

Finish and serve

Top with fresh herbs. That’s it. Ground Turkey and Peppers is ready for bowls, wraps, or straight from the skillet. Cozy, quick, and full of color.

Pro Tips for the Best Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet

Pat the turkey dry if it looks watery. Less moisture means more browning and flavor.
Use a wide skillet so the turkey has room to sear, not steam.
Salt in layers. A pinch with the meat and another pinch after the peppers go in keeps the flavors balanced.
Finish with acid. Lemon juice or a splash of vinegar wakes everything up at the end.
Make it your own. Swap the seasoning blend and you have a whole new dish.

My husband called this the best weeknight skillet I’ve made in months. Bright peppers, smoky spices, and super tender turkey. We ate the leftovers happily the next day.

5 Healthy Variations and Flavor Twists

Here are five easy twists to keep it fresh:
1. Add a spoon of pesto or chopped basil for a fragrant, Italian-leaning finish.
2. Sprinkle taco seasoning and finish with lime and cilantro for a lively Tex-Mex vibe.
3. Stir in a touch of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian edge.
4. Go low carb with cauliflower rice and extra greens.
5. Keep it dairy free and gluten free with simple spices and no thickeners.

Italian-style ground turkey and peppers

Season with Italian seasoning, garlic, and a bit of tomato paste. Finish with fresh basil and maybe a tiny sprinkle of Parmesan if you eat dairy. Serve over polenta or spooned on toasted bread for a hearty feel.

Tex-Mex turkey pepper skillet

Use chili powder, cumin, and a little smoked paprika. Add corn and black beans if you like. Finish with lime and cilantro, and offer avocado and salsa on the side. For more family-style dinners with bold flavor, check out this cheesy baked chicken breast and peppers.

Asian-inspired ground turkey stir fry

Stir in minced ginger, splash of soy sauce, and a little sesame oil. Add shredded carrots and snap peas if you have them. Serve over rice with scallions and sesame seeds on top.

Low-carb and keto-friendly version

Skip the beans and corn, and keep the sauce light. Serve over cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage. Add mushrooms and spinach to boost volume without extra carbs.

Dairy-free and gluten-free adaptations

This dish is naturally dairy free and gluten free if you keep it simple. Just use a clean spice blend and gluten-free broth or soy sauce substitutes when needed. No flour, no cream, no problem. If you want another easy skillet idea, this ground beef sweet potato skillet is a big reader favorite too.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Turkey and Peppers

• Over white or brown rice for a classic bowl
• With quinoa for extra protein
• Stuffed into warm tortillas or pita
• On top of cauliflower rice to keep it light
• Alongside a crisp green salad or roasted potatoes
• With cottage cheese on the side for extra protein

I also like it spooned over creamy mashed potatoes for a cozy twist. If you’re soup fans, pair your skillet with a bowl of this comforting chicken mac and cheese soup on chilly nights.

How to prep ingredients in advance

Slice peppers and onions up to 3 days ahead and store in an airtight container. Pre-mix your spices in a small jar so you can dump them in at once. You can also brown the turkey a day early, then reheat with the veggies and seasoning when you’re ready to cook. It cuts your hands-on time to almost nothing on busy nights.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Let everything cool, then store in a sealed container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it juicy. The microwave works too, just cover it and heat in short bursts so the turkey doesn’t dry out. This is a great meal to double for lunch prep. For another prep-friendly dinner idea, try this cozy crockpot chicken and gravy.

Nutrition and Health Benefits

Lean turkey brings protein to keep you full, and peppers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Olive oil adds healthy fats, and the herbs and spices bring flavor without extra calories. This is the kind of meal that supports a balanced plate while staying flexible for different eating styles. Ground Turkey and Peppers works whether you’re aiming for lighter meals or just want more veggies in your week.

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works well and cooks the same way. It may be a touch softer, so brown it a bit longer for better texture. Keep the same seasoning or adjust to taste. If you want a different protein entirely, turkey sausage can add a little extra punch too, just watch the salt.

Common Questions

How do I avoid soggy peppers? Cook them hot and fast after the turkey browns, and don’t overcrowd the pan. A wide skillet helps a lot.
What if my turkey looks watery? Drain excess liquid and keep cooking until it sizzles again. That’s when browning happens.
Can I make it spicier? Absolutely. Add crushed red pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeño with the onions and peppers.
What can I use instead of tomato paste? A splash of broth, a spoon of salsa, or a few canned tomatoes works. Just simmer until slightly thickened.
Does it freeze well? Yes. Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight, then reheat gently with a little broth.

Cook this tonight and love the leftovers

If you’re craving a simple dinner you can pull off any night, this skillet delivers. It’s quick, colorful, and flexible enough for whatever you’ve got on hand. Ground Turkey and Peppers will slide into your weekly rotation and stay there because it tastes great and makes life easier. For another classic take that inspired me, check out Mom’s Ground Turkey Recipe. And if you want more dinner inspiration with sweet potatoes and protein, I think you’ll enjoy this smart combo in a sweet potato ground beef bowl.

Print