If you’re searching for a comforting weeknight dinner that’s bursting with flavor and comes together in no time, the Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a vibrant, hearty dish featuring tender ground turkey paired with sweet bell peppers and a rich tomato base that’s just the right balance of savory and tangy. This recipe is all about quick, wholesome ingredients combining into a colorful and satisfying skillet meal that feels homemade, yet effortless. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this skillet recipe hits all the marks for nutrition, ease, and incredible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to the Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe, the beauty lies in the simplicity and quality of each ingredient. Each item plays a crucial role in creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so irresistible.
- 1 lb ground turkey: A lean protein that keeps the dish light but filling and so adaptable for various seasonings.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps soften the vegetables and adds a lovely richness to the base of the skillet.
- 1 green bell pepper, diced: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant green color that balances sweetness and earthiness.
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced: Or substitute with red or orange for more color variation and a sweeter pepper flavor.
- ½ red onion, diced: Brings subtle sharpness and sweetness as it softens during cooking.
- 3–4 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- ¾–1 cup tomato sauce: Provides a bright, smooth tomato base that brings everything together.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or ¾ tsp garlic powder): Garlic infuses the skillet with its unmistakable aroma and flavor.
- 1½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Introduces a tangy umami depth that elevates the savory profile.
- ½–1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning): Adds herbal warmth that complements the pepper and tomato perfectly.
- ¼–½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: A hint of heat to keep things interesting without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper: Brings a sharp, aromatic note for seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1–1½ cups cooked rice (optional): Provides a hearty base to soak up all the sauce, turning the skillet into a complete meal.
- Shredded cheese for topping (optional): Melts on top for a luscious finishing touch that’s hard to resist.
How to Make Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onions and bell peppers, letting them cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant. Adding the garlic last, sauté for another minute to release its wonderful aroma without letting it burn.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
Push your sautéed veggies to one side of the skillet, then add in the ground turkey. Cook it thoroughly, stirring occasionally until it’s browned with no pink remaining. Mixing everything together ensures the turkey absorbs the flavor from the peppers and onions, creating a cohesive base for your dish.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. This step gently simmers the sauce, allowing the robust flavors to meld and thicken while coating every morsel of turkey and vegetable.
Step 4: Add Rice and Adjust
If you’re using cooked rice, now is the time to fold it in gently. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, making the dish both satisfying and filling. If the mixture looks a bit dry, feel free to add a splash more tomato sauce and taste to adjust your seasonings for the perfect balance.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe by sprinkling on some freshly chopped parsley and a generous handful of shredded cheese, if you like. Serve it up hot and watch it disappear before your eyes!
How to Serve Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a burst of bright color and fresh flavor that complements the rich skillet beautifully. A sprinkle of shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, adds a melty, indulgent layer that makes the dish even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This skillet pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad to add crunch and freshness, or some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli also make excellent nutritious sides that create a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the skillet mixture inside roasted bell pepper halves or stuff it into warm pita pockets for an easy handheld option. You can also turn it into a hearty bowl topped with avocado slices and a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often develop even more overnight, making your next meal just as tasty.
Freezing
To freeze, let the skillet cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or a quick dinner rescue.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra tomato sauce if needed to loosen the texture. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and enjoy as if newly made.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and will give you a similarly light, tender texture in your Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe.
Is it okay to substitute fresh herbs for dried oregano?
Yes, fresh herbs like oregano or Italian parsley can be used; just use about three times the amount of fresh since dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap out ground turkey for plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a delightful vegetarian version of this skillet.
What can I use if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
Try substituting soy sauce, tamari, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar to recreate the savory umami depth Worcestershire sauce provides.
Is it necessary to add rice?
Rice is optional but highly recommended if you want the skillet to serve as a complete meal. If you prefer, you can serve the turkey and peppers over pasta, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll reach for again and again when you want something quick, delicious, and nourishing on the table. It’s flexible enough to fit your pantry and preferences, yet always reliably satisfying. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a vibrant, comforting meal that’s as easy as it is tasty!
Print
Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Simple Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet is an easy, nutritious, and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground turkey is cooked with vibrant bell peppers, onion, and a rich tomato sauce seasoned with garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Serve over cooked rice and top with shredded cheese for a comforting and satisfying dinner that’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced (or substitute with red or orange bell pepper)
- ½ red onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or ¾ teaspoon garlic powder)
- 3–4 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¾–1 cup tomato sauce
- 1½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½–1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- ¼–½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1–1½ cups cooked rice (optional)
- Shredded cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and bell peppers, cooking for 2–3 minutes until they soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Push the sautéed vegetables to the side of the skillet. Add the ground turkey and cook it thoroughly until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Then mix the turkey with the vegetables evenly.
- Add Seasonings and Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in tomato paste, ¾ cup of tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Mix everything well to combine all the flavors.
- Incorporate Rice (Optional): If using cooked rice, stir it into the skillet now. Add additional tomato sauce if necessary to reach the desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove from heat, top with chopped parsley and shredded cheese if desired. Serve the skillet hot, either on its own or over extra rice or bread.
Notes
- You can substitute bell peppers with any color you prefer or have available.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground turkey with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat substitute.
- Using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic works well but decrease sauté time accordingly.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred level of spiciness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
