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- 1 lb ground turkey - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (either fresh or frozen) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish - Lime wedges for serving When I whip up a Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet, I always start with fresh ingredients. Ground turkey makes a great base, as it’s lean and easy to cook. The colors of the bell peppers not only look good but also add a lot of flavor. I chop the red, yellow, and green bell peppers into nice, bite-sized pieces. Each type of pepper brings its own taste. The red is sweet, the yellow is mild, and the green has a slight bitterness. Together, they create a wonderful mix. Onion and garlic are key players too. I finely chop the onion and mince the garlic. They bring depth to the dish. I also love adding spices. Smoked paprika gives a warm, smoky flavor. Ground cumin adds earthiness, while dried oregano brings a hint of herbiness. I use black beans and corn for added texture and nutrition. They make the dish hearty and filling. I choose either fresh or frozen corn, depending on what I have. Lastly, I use olive oil to cook everything. A sprinkle of salt and fresh pepper ties all the flavors together. For a finishing touch, I like to garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges. The lime juice adds a bright, zesty kick that brings the whole dish to life. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to turn soft and smell nice. Next, raise the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey. Break the turkey into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Stir it often and cook until it's fully browned, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Now, it’s time to add vibrant colors! Toss in the diced red, yellow, and green bell peppers. Cook these for an extra 4 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally so the peppers soften just a bit but still look bright and fresh. Next, sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Don't forget to add salt and freshly ground pepper too. Mix everything well to coat the turkey and veggies with those tasty spices. Now, add the drained black beans and corn into the skillet. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients. Let this cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until it’s all heated through and the flavors blend nicely. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Once ready, serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro. Add lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick! To make your Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet even better, consider these ideas: - Add spices: Try cayenne pepper for heat or chili powder for a smoky kick. - Include fresh herbs: Add basil or parsley for freshness. For garnishes, I recommend using: - Chopped fresh cilantro for a bright touch. - Lime wedges to squeeze over the dish for extra flavor. To keep your vegetables crisp, follow these tips: - Cook bell peppers for just 4-5 minutes. This keeps their vibrant color and crunch. - Stir them gently to avoid breaking them down too much. For browning the turkey: - Use medium-high heat to help it brown nicely. - Break the turkey into small pieces as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can elevate the flavor of this dish significantly. Choose vibrant bell peppers and fresh cilantro for the best taste. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes during cooking. Meal Prep Friendly: This skillet dish is perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers and enjoy them throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners. Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. You can also use it as a filling for tacos or burritos! {{image_4}} You can switch out the ground turkey for other meats. Chicken works well and adds a different taste. Beef can also be used, giving it a hearty flavor. For a lighter dish, try ground chicken. If you prefer vegetarian or vegan options, replace the meat with plant-based ground meat. You can also use lentils or chickpeas for protein. Both options still give you that filling feel. This dish is versatile in how you serve it. You can put it over rice for a filling meal. It also works great in tortillas for a fun wrap. For sides, think about a fresh salad or some avocado slices. They add color and nutrition. As for drinks, a chilled lemonade or iced tea pairs nicely with this dish. These options keep your meal light and refreshing. To store leftovers, let the Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet cool down first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator right away. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. For freezing, make sure the skillet is fully cooled. Then, use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. This helps avoid freezer burn. The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can easily reheat the Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet using a microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely with a lid or paper towel. Heat it on high for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. This ensures even heating. For stovetop reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often until it's hot and ready to serve. Enjoy your flavorful meal again! You can use several options in place of ground turkey. Ground chicken is a great choice. It has a similar taste and texture. Ground beef or pork can work, too, but they will change the flavor. For a plant-based option, try crumbled tofu or lentils. Both provide good protein and absorb flavors well. The Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet will last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and safe to eat. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Absolutely! You can add many types of vegetables for extra color and flavor. Zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms work well. Just chop them up and add them when you mix in the bell peppers. This makes the dish even more nutritious and delicious. This blog post gives you a clear guide on making a delicious Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet. You learned about the fresh ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and smart tips for great flavor. I also shared fun variations and storage ideas to keep your meal tasty. Cooking can be simple and enjoyable. With these easy steps, you can make a healthy dish. Remember, the kitchen is your space to experiment and create. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet

A flavorful skillet dish featuring ground turkey and colorful bell peppers, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 whole red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 whole yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 whole green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (either fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and freshly ground pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, pour the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
  • Raise the heat to medium-high and introduce the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break the turkey into smaller pieces, stirring frequently, and cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
  • Incorporate the diced red, yellow, and green bell peppers into the turkey mixture. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers soften slightly while retaining their bright colors.
  • Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, along with salt and freshly ground pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices evenly coat the ingredients.
  • Add the drained black beans and corn to the skillet, turning everything together gently. Allow it to cook for another 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through and flavors meld together nicely.
  • Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed, then remove from heat.
  • Serve the skillet dish hot, adorned with chopped fresh cilantro for a vibrant garnish. Place lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the dish for an extra zing of flavor.

Notes

For an eye-catching presentation, serve in colorful bowls and add a small lime wedge perched on each serving for a burst of color and flavor.
Keyword healthy, pepper, quick meal, skillet, turkey