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To create a tasty Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet, you need these simple ingredients: - 1 lb ground turkey - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 yellow bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 small onion, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish - Lime wedges for serving Each ingredient plays a key role. Ground turkey is lean and brings protein. The colorful bell peppers add sweetness and crunch, making your meal vibrant. Onions and garlic give a strong base flavor. The spices, like paprika and cumin, add depth to the dish. Black beans and corn boost nutrition and texture. Finally, olive oil helps to sauté everything to perfection. Don't forget the fresh cilantro and lime. They brighten up the dish and add fresh flavor. Enjoy the ease of cooking with these ingredients! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Heating Olive Oil Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This oil will help cook the veggies and give flavor. - Sautéing Onion and Garlic Next, add 1 small chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to look clear. This step builds a tasty base for the dish. - Browning Ground Turkey Increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of ground turkey to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it’s brown and fully cooked. This makes the turkey juicy and adds flavor. - Incorporating Bell Peppers Now, toss in 1 diced red bell pepper, 1 diced yellow bell pepper, and 1 diced green bell pepper. Cook these for another 4-5 minutes. You want them to be tender but still bright and colorful. - Mixing in Spices It’s time to add flavor! Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well. This step brings warmth and depth to your dish. - Adding Black Beans and Corn Next, add a can of black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed, and 1 cup of corn, either fresh or frozen. Mix everything together. Allow it to cook for an extra 3-4 minutes until it’s heated through. This boosts the protein and adds sweetness. - Adjusting Seasoning Taste your skillet mix. Adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper. Once it’s perfect, remove it from the heat. Your delicious Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet is ready to be served! When picking ground turkey, you face two main choices: lean or regular. Lean ground turkey has less fat. It can be healthier and lower in calories. Regular ground turkey contains more fat. It can be juicier and more flavorful. I prefer lean turkey for this dish. It keeps the meal light and tasty. You can always add olive oil for moisture if needed. Cooking in a skillet is my favorite method. It gives you great control over heat. You can easily see how the food cooks. A skillet also helps with browning the turkey and veggies. This adds depth to the dish. You can use other methods, like baking, but they may not give the same flavor. Skillets allow for easy stirring and quick cooking. Want to spice things up? Here are some ideas. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. You might enjoy some chili powder for a smoky flavor. If you love herbs, consider fresh basil or parsley. They can brighten the dish. Don't forget to taste and adjust as you go. Cooking is all about finding your perfect balance! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables enhance the flavor and texture of the dish, making it more vibrant and delicious. Customize Your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste; adding a pinch of cayenne can provide an extra kick! Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Garnish for Flavor: Don’t skip the cilantro and lime; they add a fresh, zesty flavor that elevates the entire dish. {{image_2}} You can swap ground turkey for other proteins. Ground beef offers a rich flavor. It works well with the spices. Chicken is another great choice. It keeps the dish lean and tender. Just ensure you cook it fully. Each protein gives a different taste. Feel free to mix it up! For a meatless version, try tofu or tempeh. Tofu soaks up flavors well. Press it first to remove extra water. Cut it into cubes and sauté until golden. Tempeh adds a nutty taste and chewy texture. Crumble it into the skillet like ground meat. Both options fit perfectly in this dish. You can use different vegetables based on the season. In summer, add zucchini or squash. They cook quickly and add moisture. In fall, consider sweet potatoes for a hearty feel. You could also throw in spinach for a pop of color. The key is to keep it colorful and fresh! To keep your Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps keep harmful bacteria at bay. You can safely refrigerate it for up to 3 days. You can freeze your skillet meal for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, heat it in a skillet over medium heat until it’s hot. The shelf life for this dish varies by storage method. In the fridge, aim to eat your leftovers within 3 days. If frozen, you can enjoy them for up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s safer to toss it. It takes about 5 to 7 minutes to cook ground turkey. You want it to brown and break apart as you stir. Make sure it reaches 165°F for safe eating. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the ground turkey and peppers, then cool it down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just reheat it on the stove when you are ready to eat. This dish goes well with several sides. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed rice - Quinoa - Tortillas for wraps - A fresh salad - Avocado slices Experiment with different sides to find your favorite! This blog post covered making a delicious Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet. We explored the essential ingredients like ground turkey, bell peppers, and spices. I provided step-by-step instructions from prepping to cooking. You learned tips for choosing turkey and cooking methods, along with variations and storage tips. In the end, this dish is easy to prepare and adjust to your taste. Enjoy it with different sides or make it vegetarian! I hope you feel inspired to try this simple yet tasty recipe.

Ground Turkey Pepper Skillet

A flavorful and healthy skillet dish featuring ground turkey and colorful bell peppers.
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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, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro, chopped
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the diced bell peppers and continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes until the peppers are tender but still vibrant.
  • Add the smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
  • Toss in the black beans and corn, mixing everything together. Allow it to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until heated through.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat.
  • Serve the skillet mixture hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges for added flavor.
Keyword ground turkey, healthy, quick meal, skillet