Zesty Turkey & Bell Pepper Skillet

Quick, Healthy, and Satisfying—Perfect for Busy Nights!

This Zesty Turkey & Bell Pepper Skillet combines lean ground turkey with vibrant bell peppers and zucchini for a nutritious, one-pan meal. Inspired by quick and flavorful skillet dinners, it’s an easy, delicious choice for a healthy, satisfying dinner.

Zesty Turkey & Bell Pepper Skillet – Quick and Healthy One-Pan Turkey Dinner with Bell Peppers

DifficultyEasy

Servings4

Prep time10 minutes

Cook time20 minutes

Total time30 minutes

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Ingredients:

For the Turkey:

• 1 lb ground turkey, (preferably lean)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Vegetables:

• 1 large bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced into half moons
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari, (for gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes, (optional for extra heat)

Instructions:

• 1

  Cook the Turkey:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the ground turkey, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook, breaking the turkey into smaller pieces, for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the turkey from the skillet and set aside.
• 2

  Sauté the Vegetables:

  • In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and zucchini. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until they start to soften but still have a bit of crunch.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• 3

  Combine Turkey and Vegetables:

  • Return the cooked turkey to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir in the soy sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes (if using). Mix everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors combine.
• 4

  Serve:

  • Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately as a quick dinner or meal prep for the week.

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife
• Cutting board

Recipe Notes and Variations:

Substitutions:

• You can swap ground turkey for chicken, lean beef, or pork for a different flavor profile.
• For a more filling dish, add cooked quinoa, rice, or cauliflower rice when combining the turkey and vegetables.
• Use red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a different color and taste.

Pro Tips:

• Use lean turkey: Choose lean ground turkey to keep this dish lower in fat, or opt for turkey breast for even leaner protein.
• Don’t overcook the vegetables: Keep the bell peppers and zucchini slightly crisp for a better texture in the dish.
• Adjust the heat: The chili flakes are optional, but if you like some spice, feel free to increase the amount.

FAQs:

Can I make this ahead of time?

• Yes, this dish is great for meal prep! Store the cooked turkey and vegetable mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this turkey skillet?

• Yes, you can freeze it! Allow the skillet to cool before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Reheat it on the stove over medium heat.

Storage & Reheating Instructions:

• Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.

Nutrition

Calories	280
Carbohydrates	14g
Cholesterol	75mg
Fat	15g
Fiber	4g
Protein	28g
Saturated Fat	3g
Sodium	520mg
Sugar	6g
Trans Fat	0g
Unsaturated Fat	9g

History, Evolution, and Inspiration

This Zesty Turkey & Bell Pepper Skillet is inspired by quick and flavorful one-pan meals that combine lean protein with vibrant vegetables. Skillet meals have become a go-to for many home cooks who want a fast, nutritious, and satisfying dinner. This particular version uses ground turkey, known for being a leaner alternative to beef, paired with colorful bell peppers and zucchini, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious meal.

The Art of Cooking Parts of the Recipe

Cooking with ground turkey allows you to create a dish that’s both flavorful and low in fat. The key to this dish is achieving the perfect balance of seasoning for the turkey and ensuring the vegetables are sautéed just long enough to keep their texture intact. The combination of soy sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes creates a zesty, tangy sauce that elevates the entire skillet, making it more than just a simple stir-fry.

Interesting Things About the Recipe

This turkey and bell pepper stir fry can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Add extra veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or carrots to make it even heartier, or switch the seasonings to match a different flavor profile (like curry powder or cumin). Plus, it’s a perfect meal for those following a low-carb or gluten-free diet, depending on the sauce options you choose.

Overview of the Parts of the Recipe

• Turkey: Cooked with savory seasonings for a flavorful base.
• Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, and onions are sautéed to provide a healthy crunch.
• Zesty Sauce: Soy sauce and lime juice give the dish a tangy finish.

What Occasions It’s Good For

This skillet is ideal for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Meal prepping
• Quick lunches
• Family-friendly meals

Why It’s the Perfect Recipe

The Zesty Turkey & Bell Pepper Skillet is the perfect quick turkey skillet for busy nights when you need something both nutritious and flavorful. It’s a great way to get in your daily serving of vegetables while enjoying the lean protein from turkey. The one-pan turkey dinner is quick to prepare and easy to clean up afterward. Whether you’re cooking for one or the whole family, this dish will be a hit!