Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
