Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean ground turkey with colorful bell peppers and a savory tomato sauce, it’s both comforting and healthy. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s great served over rice or on its own.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced (red or orange will work great too!)
• ½ red onion, diced
• 3-4 tbsp tomato paste
• ¾–1 cup tomato sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (or ¾ tsp garlic powder if not available)
• 1½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½–1 tsp dried oregano (Italian seasoning also works well)
• ¼–½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp cracked pepper
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 1–1½ cups cooked rice (optional)
• Shredded cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and bell peppers, cooking 2–3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
2. Step 2: Push the veggies to one side of the pan. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up, until fully browned and cooked through. Then mix the veggies back in with the turkey.
3. Step 3: Lower heat to low. Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, red pepper flakes, cracked pepper, and sea salt. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
4. Step 4: If using, add cooked rice and stir until heated through. Add extra tomato sauce if needed to keep it moist. Taste and adjust seasoning.
5. Step 5: Serve warm, topped with freshly chopped parsley and shredded cheese if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Swap bell peppers with whatever colors you have on hand for a vibrant dish.
• Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey for a different flavor.
• Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors.
• Omit the rice to keep the dish low-carb or serve over quinoa for a protein boost.
• Top with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. If the mixture is too thick when reheating, add a splash of water or extra tomato sauce to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the skillet fully and refrigerate it. Reheat it thoroughly before serving. It also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What can I use if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?

You can substitute soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar for Worcestershire sauce to add similar umami depth.

Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 130 reviews

This Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal featuring lean ground turkey sautéed with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and a savory tomato-based sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines colorful vegetables and protein with aromatic spices, all served over rice and optionally topped with melted cheese for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced (red or orange will work great too)
• ½ red onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced (or ¾ tsp garlic powder)

Sauce and Seasonings

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3–4 tbsp tomato paste
• ¾–1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½–1 tsp dried oregano (Italian seasoning can be used)
• ¼–½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp cracked black pepper
• ½ tsp sea salt

Additional Ingredients

• 1 – 1½ cup cooked rice (optional)
• Shredded cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat Vegetables: Over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil in a skillet. Add the diced onions and bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
2. Cook Ground Turkey: Push the softened vegetables to the side of the pan. Add the ground turkey and brown it thoroughly, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully cooked. Once browned, mix the vegetables back in with the turkey evenly.
3. Add Sauce and Spices: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in ¾ cup tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, cracked black pepper, and sea salt. Mix all ingredients well to combine the flavors.
4. Incorporate Rice: If using rice, stir it into the skillet now. Add additional tomato sauce as needed to achieve your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.
5. Serve: Plate the skillet mixture and top with freshly chopped parsley and a generous amount of shredded cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, nutritious meal.

Notes

• You can substitute red or orange bell peppers for the yellow bell pepper for varied color and flavor.
• If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder is a suitable alternative.
• Omitting the rice makes this dish lower in carbohydrates and great for a lighter meal.
• Shredded cheese is optional but adds a delicious creamy and melty topping.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
• Use cooked rice leftover from a prior meal to save time.

Keywords: ground turkey skillet, turkey and peppers, quick turkey dinner, one-pan turkey recipe, healthy turkey skillet