Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry Recipe

This Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry is a flavorful, colorful delight that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It’s packed with vibrant bell peppers, aromatic spices, and the juicy goodness of ground turkey. Not only is it a recipe you’ll love to cook, but it’s also one that you’ll be excited to share around your dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to Cook: Ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and colorful veggies.
  • Versatile: Can be customized with your favorite spices or extra veggies.
  • Family-Friendly: A dish that pleases even the pickiest eater with its mild spices and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This stir-fry uses simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create a satisfying meal. Each element plays a crucial role, from the juicy ground turkey to the crisp bell peppers, making this dish both delicious and nutrient-rich.

  • 1 lb ground turkey: Lean protein that’s hearty and healthy.
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced: Choose assorted colors for added visual appeal and sweetness.
  • 1 onion, sliced: Adds a layer of sweetness and depth to the stir-fry.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil: Keeps everything moving in the pan without sticking.
  • 1 tsp cumin: A warm spice that complements the savory turkey.
  • 1 tsp paprika: Adds color and a subtle smoky flavor.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out all other flavors.
  • Fresh cilantro (optional): A refreshing garnish to elevate the dish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to switch things up based on what’s in your fridge or your personal dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

  • Spice It Up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick.
  • Loaded Veggies: Toss in some zucchini or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
  • Herbal Twist: Mix in fresh basil or parsley for a different herbaceous note.

How to Make Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute until you can smell that wonderful aroma wafting through your kitchen—it’s the signal that magic is about to happen!

Step 2: Cook the Turkey

Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You’ll want to keep stirring until it turns beautifully browned. This browning process adds so much flavor to the turkey.

Step 3: Add the Veggies

Once the turkey is nicely browned, toss in those vibrant bell peppers and sliced onions. Stir them in and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are perfectly tender yet still maintain a slight crunch.

Step 4: Season to Perfection

Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Let it sizzle for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors can fully meld.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

If you’re using fresh cilantro, now is the time to sprinkle it over your creation. The fresh scent is intoxicating and will make your dish look like a masterpiece. Serve it warm and enjoy the compliments!

Pro Tips for Making Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry

  • Aromatics First: Always sauté your garlic first to infuse the oil with flavor.
  • Even Veggie Cuts: Cut your bell peppers and onions evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
  • Use High Heat: For a quick and perfectly browned turkey, maintain a medium-high heat while cooking.
  • Fresh Garnishes: Adding cilantro just before serving ensures it stays vibrant and fresh.

How to Serve Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry

Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or even a dash of lime juice can elevate this dish to a new level. The cilantro adds a refreshing contrast while lime adds brightness, cutting through the richness of the turkey.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry pairs well with a light and fluffy jasmine rice or a hearty quinoa. Alternatively, serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing option.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra touch of flair, serve the stir-fry in a sizzling platter straight from the stovetop. You can also try hollowing out bell peppers and filling them with the stir-fry for a colorful and inviting presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the second serving just as delightful!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Simply allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to two months, ready for a quick meal anytime.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, use the stovetop for best results. Heat on medium until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but the stove helps maintain the lovely texture of the veggies.

FAQs

  1. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

    Absolutely! Ground beef can be an excellent substitute, bringing a slightly richer flavor. Adjust the spices as needed to complement the beef’s flavor profile.

  2. What if I don’t have cumin or paprika?

    No worries! You can use taco seasoning or chili powder as alternatives, which will also bring a robust flavor to the dish.

  3. How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?

    For a kid-friendly version, you can reduce the cumin and paprika and offer cheese or avocado as a topping. These additions can soften the spices while still keeping the dish flavorful.

  4. Is there a vegetarian version of this stir-fry?

    You can replace the ground turkey with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Both will soak up the delicious spices beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to try this Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry, a dish that’s not only quick and easy to make but also rich with flavor. It’s perfect for any busy weeknight, and your family & friends will be asking for seconds! Enjoy every bite and the joy this simple recipe brings to your table.

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Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry Recipe

Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 88 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Stir-Fry
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that combines lean ground turkey with colorful bell peppers and aromatic spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and customizable with your favorite vegetables and toppings.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 bell peppers, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Oil

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pour the olive oil into a skillet and set it over medium heat until hot, preparing for sautéing the garlic and cooking the turkey.
  2. Sauté the garlic. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Cook the ground turkey. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
  4. Add vegetables. Stir in the sliced bell peppers and onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
  5. Season the mixture. Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Garnish and serve. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm, ideally over rice, quinoa, or a leafy green salad.

Notes

  • You can customize the peppers by using different colors for a vibrant dish.
  • Add a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty kick.
  • Serve with rice, quinoa, or a leafy green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

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