Savory Turkey Bell Pepper Skillet

This colorful ground turkey and peppers skillet has become my go-to weeknight dinner when I need something wholesome and flavorful without much fuss. The combination of lean protein, colorful vegetables, and warm spices creates a satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

I created this recipe during a busy season when I needed quick yet nutritious dinners. It quickly became a family favorite that even my pickiest eater requests regularly.

Ingredients

• Ground turkey provides lean protein without excess fat, choose 93% lean for best flavor
• Olive oil adds richness and helps prevent sticking
• Onion creates a sweet aromatic base, yellow or white works best
• Bell peppers add color, crunch and vitamin C, use a variety of colors for visual appeal
• Garlic brings essential flavor depth, fresh is far superior to jarred
• Smoked paprika delivers a subtle smoky dimension that transforms the dish
• Ground cumin adds earthy warmth that complements the turkey beautifully
• Chili powder brings gentle heat and complexity, adjust to your preference
• Salt enhances all other flavors, sea salt works wonderfully here
• Black pepper adds subtle spice and depth
• Chicken broth creates moisture and prevents dryness, homemade elevates the dish
• Tomato paste concentrates umami and slight acidity, look for tubes for freshness
• Soy sauce provides savory depth and saltiness, low sodium allows better control
• Lime juice brightens all flavors with acidity, use fresh not bottled
• Cilantro or parsley adds fresh finish and color, choose based on your preference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add diced onions and cook until they become translucent with slightly golden edges, about 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Add minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more, stirring constantly so it becomes fragrant without browning.

Brown the Turkey

Add ground turkey to the aromatic mixture, using a wooden spoon to break it into small, even pieces. Continue cooking and stirring until no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes. The meat should develop some golden edges for best flavor. If excess liquid accumulates, continue cooking until most evaporates.

Season the Mixture

Sprinkle the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the meat. Stir thoroughly to coat every piece of turkey with the spice blend. Cook for 30 seconds to allow the spices to bloom and release their flavors in the oil.

Incorporate the Peppers

Add your sliced bell peppers to the seasoned turkey mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. The ideal texture is when peppers soften slightly but maintain a pleasant crispness. They should be vibrant in color and not fully limp.

Create the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth, add tomato paste, and drizzle soy sauce over everything. Stir continuously until tomato paste fully dissolves into the liquid. Allow the mixture to gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly and the flavors harmonize.

Finish and Garnish

Remove from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the skillet. Gently fold in the juice to distribute evenly. Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley over the top, which adds brightness both in flavor and appearance.

Bookmark

My absolute favorite element of this dish is the combination of smoked paprika and cumin. These spices transform simple ingredients into something that tastes like it took hours to develop. When my teenage son first tried this recipe, he asked if we could have it weekly, which is high praise from someone who usually prefers pizza to homemade meals.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish works beautifully in multiple presentations. Serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option that soaks up the flavorful sauce. For heartier appetites, pair with brown rice, quinoa, or even wrapped in lettuce cups for a fresh approach. My family especially enjoys it stuffed into whole grain tortillas as burrito filling with a dollop of Greek yogurt. The dish also works wonderfully alongside a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.

Storage and Meal Prep

This recipe shines as a meal prep star. Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making next-day portions even more delicious. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. To revitalize leftovers when reheating, add a splash of broth or water and a fresh squeeze of lime juice. This prevents dryness and brings back the bright flavors.

Easy Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Ground chicken works perfectly in place of turkey with identical cooking times. For a vegetarian version, substitute a package of crumbled firm tofu or tempeh, adding an extra tablespoon of oil for better browning. Bell peppers can be swapped for other quick-cooking vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or snap peas. If you avoid soy, coconut aminos provide similar flavor without soy ingredients. For additional texture, consider adding a can of drained black beans during the final simmer.

Recipe FAQs

→ What can I serve with this turkey and peppers dish?

This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or pasta. It's also delicious wrapped in tortillas as tacos or served over a bed of greens for a lower-carb option. For a complete meal, add a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.

→ Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken makes an excellent substitute for ground turkey in this dish. You can also use lean ground beef or pork if preferred. Each meat will bring a slightly different flavor profile, but the cooking method remains the same.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat level, add more chili powder, include a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper with the bell peppers, or add red pepper flakes. You could also incorporate a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the finished dish according to your spice preference.

→ Can I meal prep this turkey and peppers dish?

This dish is perfect for meal prep! It stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in airtight containers. For best results when reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture, then microwave until hot or reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

The dish can be gluten-free if you use coconut aminos or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Regular soy sauce typically contains wheat, so be sure to check labels. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation for gluten-sensitive diets.

→ How can I make this dish more substantial?

To make this dish heartier, you can add black beans, corn, or diced zucchini to the mix. Another option is to add cooked rice directly to the skillet at the end to create a complete one-pan meal. Some home cooks also enjoy adding cheese on top and briefly broiling for a delicious finish.