Turkey Skillet Bell Peppers (Printable Version)

Healthy one-pan meal: lean ground turkey, colorful bell peppers, onions, and aromatic spices. Quick and satisfying.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 1.1 lbs ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
03 - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, sliced
05 - 1 medium red onion, sliced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

→ Pantry & Seasonings

08 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
13 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ To Serve

15 - Lemon wedges (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
02 - Add the ground turkey to the heated skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is thoroughly browned and cooked through. This typically takes approximately 5–6 minutes.
03 - Incorporate the sliced red onion and minced garlic into the skillet with the turkey. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the aromatics become fragrant.
04 - Add the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still retain a slight crispness.
05 - Sprinkle the smoked paprika, dried oregano, ground cumin, crushed red pepper flakes (if desired), salt, and black pepper over the contents of the skillet. Mix thoroughly and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
06 - Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then remove the skillet from the heat.
07 - Serve the turkey skillet warm. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's incredibly quick to get on the table, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
  • The colorful array of vegetables and lean turkey makes you feel good about what you're eating, without sacrificing flavor.
02 -
  • Don't overcrowd your skillet, especially when browning the turkey, or it will steam instead of brown.
  • Cooking the bell peppers until they are tender-crisp, rather than soft, maintains their vibrant color and satisfying texture.
03 -
  • Allow the spices to bloom in the hot pan for a minute or two before adding liquids or other ingredients; this truly unlocks their full aroma and flavor.
  • Always taste and adjust seasoning at the very end; dishes often need a final touch of salt or a fresh crack of pepper to truly shine.