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
Scale
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.
