Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry

This quick Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry is the answer when you want something both healthy and delicious with minimal prep. Tender turkey cooks up fast with colorful bell peppers and spices for a meal the whole family will love. It is my go to for those busy nights when I want dinner on the table in 30 minutes and I never get any complaints

I started making this after a friend brought it to a potluck. Now it is a staple in my meal rotation especially since I can swap in whatever peppers I have on hand

Ingredients

• Ground turkey: lean and full of protein Look for pink fresh meat for the best flavor
• Bell peppers: bring vibrant color and sweet bite Choose a mix of red orange or yellow for the most appeal
• Onion: adds sweetness and depth Yellow onions are great but red will work too
• Garlic: brings unmistakable aroma and richness Use fresh cloves for best results
• Olive oil: for sautéing and rich mouthfeel Go with extra virgin if you can
• Cumin: earthy spice that boosts the savoriness Pick ground cumin with bright aroma
• Paprika: mild smoky warmth Spanish paprika has extra depth
• Salt and pepper: to bring all the flavors forward Use kosher salt for even seasoning
• Fresh cilantro: for a pop of freshness Optional but wakes up the whole dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the Oil:

Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet and warm over medium heat until the surface shimmers You want it hot but not smoking so it gently softens the aromatics

Sauté Aromatics:

Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about a minute The goal is to get just golden edges and that irresistible smell without letting the garlic burn

Brown the Turkey:

Add the ground turkey to the pan and break it apart with the back of a spoon Spread it out so all the meat is in contact with the pan Cook it for about five to six minutes stirring frequently until it loses all pinkness and you see browned bits This brings out the best flavor

Cook Vegetables:

Add the sliced bell peppers and onion directly to the skillet Stir so they begin to soften and absorb the seasoned juices Continue cooking for five to seven minutes until the peppers are just tender and onion is see through but not mushy

Season:

Sprinkle in the cumin paprika salt and pepper Stir well to make sure every bite gets coated in warm spice Let it all cook for two or three minutes longer so the flavors really meld together

Finish and Garnish:

Taste and adjust salt if needed Remove the pan from heat and scatter fresh chopped cilantro over the top if you like Serve warm while the peppers still have a bit of bite

Save

The bell peppers are my favorite part I love the sweetness and crunch they bring to every bite My kids love picking out their favorite color peppers and helping me chop them It turns dinner into a family event

Storage Tips

Leftovers go straight into an airtight container and will keep in the fridge for up to four days The flavors keep getting better with time To reheat use a skillet over medium heat or give it a minute or two in the microwave Add a splash of water if it looks a bit dry

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground chicken or lean beef both work well in place of turkey You can use poblano or mini sweet peppers instead of bell peppers For extra heat a pinch of crushed red pepper is great Fresh parsley works if you are out of cilantro

Serving Suggestions

Spoon the stir fry over warm rice quinoa or cauliflower rice for a hearty meal It is also great wrapped in tortillas for quick fajitas or piled onto mixed greens for a crunchy salad I sometimes top with sliced avocado or a dollop of Greek yogurt

Quick Weeknight Favorite

This is the kind of dish that adapts to your fridge Use it to clear out extra veggies like zucchini spinach or mushrooms That flexibility makes it a weeknight winner and the speedy cook time means you can get a nourishing meal fast

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ How do you prevent ground turkey from drying out in a stir-fry?

Cook ground turkey just until browned and avoid overcooking. The addition of bell peppers and onion helps retain moisture, and a splash of olive oil adds juiciness.

→ Can I use other vegetables besides bell peppers?

Yes, zucchini, snap peas, or broccoli make excellent additions or substitutions for a varied vegetable mix.

→ What grains pair well with this dish?

Serve alongside steamed rice, quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option.

→ How can I enhance the flavor of the stir-fry?

Add a squeeze of lime juice or a splash of soy sauce at the end of cooking for extra brightness and depth.

→ Is this meal suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! This dish holds up well in the fridge for several days and reheats easily for quick lunches or dinners.