Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe

Looking for a hearty, family-friendly dinner that’s as fast as it is satisfying? The Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet is my go-to answer when life’s busy but my taste buds crave something colorful, nourishing, and absolutely delicious! It’s a weeknight hero—juicy ground turkey, sweet bell peppers, a savory tomato sauce, and a handful of pantry spices all come together in one skillet. Minimal chopping, big flavors, and barely any cleanup. What’s not to love?

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet serves a purpose, delivering taste, texture, and visual appeal. I love how a simple list of familiar staples turns into such a crowd-pleaser—let’s break down what you’ll need and why.

• Ground Turkey (1 lb): Lean and mild, it soaks up all the saucy goodness and keeps the dish lighter.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp): A glug of good olive oil helps soften those veggies and gives everything a touch of richness.
• Green Bell Pepper (1, diced): Mild and grassy, it packs in crunch and color.
• Yellow Bell Pepper (1, diced): Sweeter and sunshine-bright—swap for red or orange if you prefer!
• Red Onion (½, diced): Provides lovely color and a gentle, sweet bite.
• Tomato Paste (3-4 tbsp): Intensifies the tomato flavor, giving depth and body to the sauce.
• Tomato Sauce (¾-1 cup): Binds the skillet together with tang and juiciness—adjust amount for your favorite texture.
• Garlic Cloves (2, minced): Classic aromatic base; feel free to use garlic powder (¾ tsp) in a pinch!
• Worcestershire Sauce (1½ tbsp): Adds umami magic and a slight tang that makes the flavors pop.
• Dried Oregano (½-1 tsp): Brings herby warmth—Italian seasoning works just as well.
• Red Pepper Flakes (¼-½ tsp): For those who love a little heat (adjust to your own spice adventure).
• Cracked Pepper (½ tsp): A few grinds to round out the sauce.
• Sea Salt (½ tsp): Season to taste—you can always add more at the table.
• Cooked Rice (1-1½ cups): Makes the dish truly hearty, but you can skip it for a lower-carb meal.
• Shredded Cheese (for topping): Optional, but totally irresistible when melted on top!

Variations

This Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet is a delicious blank canvas just waiting for your spin! Don’t hesitate to swap, add, or tweak ingredients based on what you love or already have in your kitchen—you’ll find it’s incredibly forgiving and flexible.

• Try Other Ground Meats: Substitute ground beef or chicken for turkey—each adds its own unique flavor, and all cook up beautifully in this dish.
• Add Extra Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach near the end for a boost of nutrition and a pop of color.
• Go Low-Carb: Omit the rice, or substitute with riced cauliflower to keep things light and veggie-forward.
• Pile on Beans: Stir in canned black beans or kidney beans for extra heft and fiber—this is especially great if you’re stretching the meal to feed a crowd.

How to Make Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet

Step 1: Soften the Veggies

Start by heating up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmery, toss in your diced onions and both bell peppers. Let them sizzle and soften for about 2-3 minutes—their colors will brighten, and you’ll notice the tempting aroma filling your kitchen. Add the minced garlic and stir everything around for another minute. This step creates a flavorful base for your Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

Push your vegetables to one side of the skillet, then add in the ground turkey. Let it brown, breaking it up with a spoon as you go, until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Once it’s cooked through, mix the sautéed veggies back in so every bite will have that beautiful medley of flavors.

Step 3: Add the Sauce & Spices

Turn your heat down to low. Scoop in the tomato paste, pour in the tomato sauce, and drizzle over the Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes, a good grind of black pepper, and sea salt. Stir everything together and let it simmer for a couple of minutes so those flavors can cozy up and deepen.

Step 4: Stir in Rice (Optional)

If you’re adding rice, now’s the time! Gently fold in your cooked rice, adjusting the amount of tomato sauce based on how saucy you’d like your skillet. Give it a taste—this is your moment to add a little more seasoning if desired. Everything should be piping hot and well-mingled.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle generously with shredded cheese if you like, and let it melt gloriously into the skillet. Chop some fresh parsley for a pop of green, scoop into bowls, and get ready for smiles all around your table. Your Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet is ready to shine!

How to Serve Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet

Garnishes

The magic of the Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet is in those final fresh touches. Scatter it with lots of chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of color, add a sprinkle of extra-cracked black pepper, and, if cheese is your thing, a generous snowfall of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack is pure bliss! For a zippy finish, a squeeze of fresh lime works wonders, too.

Side Dishes

This skillet is truly a meal-in-one, but if you want to round things out, serve it with a crisp green salad or some warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. I also love adding a side of steamed broccoli, roasted sweet potatoes, or even some crunchy tortilla chips for added texture!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn leftovers into lunch-worthy wraps by scooping the turkey and pepper mixture into tortillas, or pile it atop baked sweet potatoes for a nourishing twist. You can even spoon it over spaghetti squash or use it as a hearty taco filling—it’s a Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet transformation every single time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully—simply scoop the cooled Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet into an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh and ready to reheat for up to 4 days, making lunch or dinner a no-brainer!

Freezing

This recipe was made for meal-preppers! Let your skillet cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy virtually the same flavors and textures as day one!

Reheating

For best results, reheat the Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet gently on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring occasionally. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works well, too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of tomato sauce or water if the mixture seems dry.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a flavorful, fast, and fuss-free dinner, the Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet truly delivers. It’s colorful, flexible, and always hits the spot. I can’t wait for you to try it—leave your skillet on the stove and see how everyone keeps coming back for seconds!

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