Ground Turkey and Peppers

This ground turkey and peppers dish has become my weeknight lifesaver when I need something nutritious yet satisfying on the table quickly. The combination of lean protein and colorful peppers creates a meal that's as visually appealing as it is delicious, making it a staple in my dinner rotation.

I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed healthy meal options but had minimal time to cook. What started as a simple clean out the fridge dish quickly became a family favorite requested at least twice a month.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey: the lean protein base that absorbs flavors beautifully choose 93% lean for best flavor balance
• 1 tbsp olive oil: helps conduct heat evenly and prevents sticking
• 1 small onion: diced adds essential aromatic foundation look for firm onions with no soft spots
• 3 bell peppers: red yellow or green sliced provides color nutrients and natural sweetness mix colors for visual appeal and varied nutrition
• 3 cloves garlic: minced creates depth of flavor crush with side of knife first to release oils
• 1 tsp smoked paprika: adds smoky complexity without heat choose Spanish varieties for authentic flavor
• 1 tsp ground cumin: brings earthy warmth toast slightly before using for enhanced flavor
• ½ tsp chili powder: adds gentle heat and complexity look for pure chili powder without additives
• ½ tsp salt: balances and enhances all the flavors sea salt or kosher salt works best
• ½ tsp black pepper: freshly ground provides the best flavor
• ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth: creates a light sauce without excess sodium
• 1 tbsp tomato paste: concentrated flavor that thickens the sauce look for tubes for easy storage
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos: adds umami depth coconut aminos provide a gluten free alternative
• Juice of ½ lime: brightens the entire dish and cuts through richness use fresh not bottled
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish: adds color and fresh herbal notes choose based on personal preference

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers but doesnt smoke. Add the diced onions and cook for a full 3 minutes stirring occasionally until they become translucent and soft around the edges. This creates the flavor foundation for the entire dish. Add the minced garlic and cook for exactly 30 seconds stirring constantly to prevent burning. Youll know its ready when the aroma blooms but before it takes on any color.

Brown the Ground Turkey:

Add ground turkey to the skillet breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Spread it across the entire surface to ensure even browning. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes before stirring to develop some caramelization. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until no pink remains and some pieces have golden edges. This caramelization adds significant flavor to the final dish.

Season and Add Peppers:

Sprinkle all the seasonings smoked paprika cumin chili powder salt and pepper evenly over the turkey. Stir thoroughly for 30 seconds to coat every piece and toast the spices slightly which activates their flavors. Add the sliced bell peppers and fold them into the meat mixture. Allow to cook for precisely 3-4 minutes stirring occasionally. The peppers should soften slightly but maintain their vibrant color and pleasant crunch which provides textural contrast.

Add the Sauce Components:

Pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits these contain concentrated flavor. Add tomato paste and soy sauce stirring continuously until the tomato paste is fully dissolved and integrated. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2-3 minutes during which time the liquid will reduce slightly and create a light coating on all ingredients. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon but remain relatively light.

Finish and Serve:

Remove the pan from heat completely before adding lime juice which preserves its bright flavor. Squeeze lime directly over the pan and stir once to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle generously with fresh herbs just before serving which adds color aroma and freshness. Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal texture and temperature contrast.

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The smoked paprika is my absolute favorite ingredient in this recipe as it adds an incredible depth that makes people think the dish took hours instead of minutes. My husband who typically reaches for hot sauce with everything actually enjoys this without any additional condiments because the flavor profile is so well balanced.

Storage and Reheating

This ground turkey and peppers mixture stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight making day two sometimes even more delicious than day one. When reheating add a small splash of water or broth to maintain moisture especially if using the microwave. For best results reheat in a skillet over medium low heat which helps maintain the texture of the peppers.

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Make It Your Own

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. For a Mediterranean twist substitute feta cheese and olives for the soy sauce and add oregano. For Italian flavors incorporate Italian seasoning and a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end. You can also transform it into a hearty soup by adding 2 cups of additional broth and some diced potatoes.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own this versatile dish pairs wonderfully with various sides. Serve over fluffy brown rice or quinoa for a hearty meal or tucked into lettuce wraps for a lighter option. It makes an excellent filling for stuffed bell peppers simply hollow out additional peppers fill with the mixture and bake until the peppers soften.

For a complete meal add a simple side salad dressed with lemon and olive oil or roasted vegetables that can cook while preparing the main dish. The leftovers also make an excellent breakfast when topped with a fried egg the runny yolk creates a delicious sauce that elevates the flavors even further.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works just as well and pairs beautifully with the spices and peppers.

→ What type of bell peppers should I use?

You can use any combination of red, yellow, or green bell peppers based on your preference.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

→ Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add extra chili powder or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to increase the heat.

→ What side dishes work well with this?

This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, pasta, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.