Ground Turkey and Peppers Bowl

This Ground Turkey and Peppers recipe is my go-to solution whenever I want something wholesome and flavorful on the table in a pinch. With just one pan and a handful of fresh ingredients, you can have a satisfying dinner ready in less than half an hour. I especially love how easily it fits different diets and how bold the flavors are with minimal effort.

The first time I tried this, I was cleaning out my fridge and ended up creating a dish my family still asks for weekly. It is comforting but never boring.

Ingredients

• Ground turkey: Look for one pound of fresh ground turkey It is leaner than beef and soaks up flavors beautifully Try to choose dark meat for richer taste if you like
• Olive oil: Just a tablespoon for sautéing A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps cook everything evenly
• Small onion: Diced finely It brings sweetness and depth Yellow or white work best
• Bell peppers: You will need three any color Choose firm and shiny peppers for best flavor Red has a little more sweetness
• Garlic: Mince three cloves Fresh garlic gives a wonderful fragrance Jarred garlic works if you are in a rush
• Smoked paprika: Just a teaspoon This adds smoky warmth Spanish smoked paprika if you can find it really wakes up the dish
• Ground cumin: One teaspoon for earthiness It rounds out the spices and pairs well with turkey
• Chili powder: Optional at half a teaspoon Brings gentle heat Use a good chili powder blend for best taste
• Salt and black pepper: Adjust to taste Starting with half a teaspoon each Choose fine sea salt and freshly cracked pepper for the brightest flavor
• Low sodium chicken broth: One quarter cup locks in moisture and builds the sauce Lower sodium keeps it from getting too salty
• Tomato paste: One tablespoon gives the sauce deep umami Choose a thick and rich paste
• Soy sauce or coconut aminos: For savory depth Both work well Choose low sodium if you prefer
• Juice of half a lime: Optional but it brightens everything at the end Pick a plump lime so you get plenty of juice
• Fresh cilantro or parsley: For garnish Adds a final fresh note Flat leaf parsley is mild while cilantro gives more zing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Add the diced onions and let them cook gently for about three minutes until they become soft and translucent This slow first step draws out their natural sweetness Add in the minced garlic and stir just until it smells fragrant usually thirty seconds

Brown the Ground Turkey:

Scoot the cooked onions and garlic to one side Add in the ground turkey Break it up thoroughly with a wooden spoon Let it cook until no longer pink which will take about five to six minutes The aim is even browning which layers in savory goodness

Season and Add Peppers:

Sprinkle in the smoked paprika cumin chili powder salt and black pepper Stir well so the turkey is evenly coated with the spices This is your flavor base Add the sliced bell peppers and toss to combine Let the peppers cook for about three to four minutes They should soften but you want them to keep a little crunch for texture

Add the Sauce Components:

Pour in the chicken broth then stir in the tomato paste and soy sauce Mix everything until the tomato paste is blended in well Let the mixture simmer for two to three minutes so the flavors meld and a gentle sauce forms

Finish and Serve:

Turn off the heat and squeeze the lime juice over everything Then scatter chopped cilantro or parsley on top for freshness Serve immediately either on its own or over your favorite side like rice cauliflower rice or tucked into wraps

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I always look forward to biting into those just cooked bell peppers They bring such a satisfying crunch I remember this meal being a quick fix on a birthday night when we were short on time yet it made dinner feel special

Storage Tips

Let any leftovers cool fully before storing Use an airtight container The dish stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days It reheats beautifully on the stove or in the microwave adding a splash of broth will revive it easily If freezing place cooled turkey and peppers into freezer bags or containers and thaw overnight in the fridge for best results

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken or even plant based crumbles if you are vegetarian Gluten free soy sauce works as well If you do not have smoked paprika regular sweet paprika works but you will lose a little smokiness For vegetables you can use zucchini or mushrooms in addition to or instead of peppers

Serving Suggestions

Serve on top of steamed rice or spooned into lettuce wraps for a light meal My kids love it over pasta or even tucked into a warm tortilla For extra flair sprinkle on a little shredded cheese or add avocado slices on the side

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different protein instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground chicken or lean ground beef. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked through.

→ What kind of bell peppers work best?

Any color of bell pepper works well—red, yellow, or green. Combining several types will create a vibrant, visually appealing dish.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne. Fresh jalapeño or hot sauce are also great ways to add heat.

→ What sides go well with this dish?

This pairs perfectly with steamed rice, quinoa, or pasta. You can also serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

→ Can leftovers be used in other dishes?

Yes, try spooning the mixture into tortillas for tacos, using it as a stuffing for baked potatoes, or adding to a grain bowl.