Drift Recipes Mom's Ground Turkey and Peppers: A Simple, Healthy, and Flavorful Dish

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Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers is a comforting and wholesome meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with protein from lean ground turkey and the natural sweetness of bell peppers, this dish is both nutritious and delicious. With a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and sure to bring back memories of home-cooked dinners.

Let’s get started with this easy recipe that’s perfect for the whole family!

Why You’ll Love Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers

Healthy and Balanced: Lean ground turkey is a great source of protein, while the peppers add vitamins and a pop of color.

Quick and Easy: This one-pan dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.

Customizable: Swap out the bell peppers or seasonings to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.

Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients make this a cost-effective meal without compromising on taste.

Ingredients for Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers

For the Main Dish:

1 pound ground turkey
3 bell peppers (any colors, sliced into strips or diced)
1 medium onion (chopped)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Seasoning:

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano (optional)

Optional Add-Ins:

1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (for a savory umami flavor)
1 tablespoon tomato paste (for a richer sauce)

How to Make Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Slice the bell peppers into thin strips or dice them, depending on your preference. Chop the onion and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground turkey and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Remove the turkey from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the bell peppers and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still slightly crisp.

Step 4: Combine and Season

Return the cooked turkey to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together and sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, oregano (if using), and red pepper flakes. If you’re using diced tomatoes or tomato paste, stir them in at this point for added moisture and flavor.

Let the mixture cook for another 3–5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and serve the ground turkey and peppers warm.

How to Serve Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers

This versatile dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some serving ideas:

With Rice: Serve over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
In a Wrap: Use the turkey and peppers as a filling for tortillas or flatbreads to make wraps or tacos.
On a Salad: Spoon the mixture over a bed of fresh greens for a hearty salad.
With Pasta: Toss the turkey and peppers with cooked pasta for a quick and flavorful pasta dish.

Tips for Making the Best Ground Turkey and Peppers

Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh bell peppers and ground turkey for the best flavor and texture.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the turkey and vegetables in batches if your skillet is small to ensure even cooking and browning.

Adjust Spice Levels: Add more or less red pepper flakes depending on your heat preference.

Add a Sauce: If you prefer a saucier dish, add a splash of chicken broth, soy sauce, or tomato sauce to the skillet.

Meal Prep-Friendly: This dish stores well and is perfect for meal prepping.

Storing and Reheating

Storing: Let the dish cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.

Freezing: Ground turkey and peppers freeze beautifully. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Variations

Turkey and Zucchini: Replace the bell peppers with diced zucchini for a lighter option.

Turkey and Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy twist.

Asian-Inspired Turkey and Peppers: Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of ginger for an Asian flair.

Turkey and Sweet Peppers: Use sweet mini bell peppers for a sweeter taste and a pop of color.

Why This Recipe is a Classic

Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers is a simple, wholesome dish that brings together fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and warm memories. It’s an easy recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or whenever you need a healthy and satisfying meal.

With its versatility and ability to please everyone at the table, this dish has earned its place as a classic family favorite.

Final Thoughts on Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers

If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal, Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers is the perfect choice. It’s a no-fuss recipe that’s easy to customize, budget-friendly, and packed with wholesome ingredients.

Whether you serve it with rice, in a wrap, or on its own, this dish will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Give it a try, and enjoy the comfort of a home-cooked meal that’s as delicious as it is simple!