Description
This Simple Ground Turkey Skillet Dinner is a hearty, one-pan meal made with ground turkey, peppers, onions, and a savory tomato-based sauce. Optional rice and cheese make it flexible and satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced (or red or orange)
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 3–4 tbsp tomato paste
- 3/4–1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (or 3/4 tsp garlic powder)
- 1 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2–1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- 1/4–1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1–1 1/2 cups cooked rice (optional)
- Shredded cheese for topping (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Sauté the diced bell peppers and red onion for 2–3 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the ground turkey. Cook, breaking it apart as it browns, until fully cooked through.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the tomato paste, 3/4 cup tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- If using rice, stir it in and add additional tomato sauce as needed for desired consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. Top with shredded cheese and fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use frozen peppers and onions to save time.
- Omit or reduce red pepper flakes for a milder version.
- Replace rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa for a low-carb option.
- This dish freezes well and is great for meal prep.
- Add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for more nutrition.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
