Name: Ground Turkey and Colorful Bell Peppers Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1 small onion, diced; 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat); ½ tsp salt (or to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos; Juice of ½ lime (optional, for brightness); Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

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Introduction

Ground turkey and peppers is a quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight meal featuring lean ground turkey cooked with colorful bell peppers and aromatic spices. It’s a satisfying dish that comes together in about 30 minutes and is perfect served over rice, quinoa, or in lettuce wraps.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with a colorful dish made of ground meat mixed with chopped red, yellow, and green bell peppers, along with translucent cooked onion pieces. The meat has a rich brown color and slightly crumbly texture, while the peppers add bright, fresh pops of red, yellow, and green. Small green herb leaves are scattered throughout, adding vibrant green accents. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred leafy green background outside the window. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
Juice of ½ lime (optional, for brightness)
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
Step 3: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the turkey evenly with the spices.
Step 4: Add the sliced bell peppers and stir everything together. Cook for 3-4 minutes, just until the peppers start to soften but still retain some crunch.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, tomato paste, and soy sauce. Stir until the tomato paste is fully incorporated. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 6: Turn off the heat and squeeze in the fresh lime juice for brightness. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

Prep all ingredients ahead of time to speed up cooking.
Mix different bell pepper colors for a vibrant and appealing dish.
Adjust the chili powder or add diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Try substituting ground turkey with lentils or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Serve in lettuce wraps instead of rice for a low-carb option.
Add shredded cheese near the end for a creamy twist.
Don’t skip the lime juice—it brightens and balances the flavors beautifully.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white bowl filled with a colorful mix of cooked ground meat and chopped vegetables; the dish has three main layers visible: the bottom layer consists of finely cooked ground meat in brown tones, the middle layer is made of diced yellow, red, and green bell peppers along with translucent chunks of cooked onion, scattered evenly throughout the bowl, and the top layer has small pieces of fresh green herbs sprinkled on top, adding brightness to the dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a soft, natural light coming from the upper right side, slightly blurring the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken, beef, or plant-based alternatives work well. Just adjust cooking times as needed for the type of meat you choose.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase chili powder, add diced jalapeños, or sprinkle in red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level.