Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry

Ah, the joys of a simple stir-fry! There’s something incredibly satisfying about tossing together fresh ingredients in a hot skillet and watching them transform into a vibrant dish before your eyes. Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry has become one of my go-to meals, and I can’t wait to share this gem with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Why make this recipe? Let me tell you! This dish is a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a real crowd-pleaser at your dinner table or a cozy solo meal on a weeknight. Ground turkey is such a fantastic alternative to beef or pork; it’s lean, versatile, and absorbs flavors like a sponge—especially with spices like cumin and paprika dancing around in the pan.

Think about the last time you craved something both comforting and hearty without the baggage of feeling too heavy. That’s what this stir-fry delivers! Plus, it’s brightened up with colorful bell peppers and onions, which add a layer of sweetness. If you’re pressed for time, this recipe cooks up in less than 30 minutes, giving you a delicious dinner without the fuss.

Oh, and did I mention the health benefits? Lean turkey offers a protein punch while being lower in fat, paired with the vitamins from the peppers and onions. Trust me, with this dish, you’ll feel good about what you’re putting on your plate.

Gather These Ingredients

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this flavorful stir-fry!

• Ground Turkey (1 lb): Choose lean turkey for a healthy spin, but if you fancy a richer flavor, go for a fattier blend—just be mindful of cooking times.
• Bell Peppers (2, sliced): A splash of color and sweetness! Green, red, yellow—they all pack their unique flavors. You can even mix them up if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Onion (1, sliced): Sweet or yellow onions work beautifully, giving depth to the dish. Don’t hesitate to add a little extra if you adore that onion flavor.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): This is where the aromatic goodness starts! Fresh garlic brings a pungent kick that harmonizes beautifully with turkey and veggies.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for that rich, fruity flavor that coats your ingredients nicely as they sauté.
• Cumin (1 tsp): It’s earthy and warm—a crucial spice that cranks up the flavor profile.
• Paprika (1 tsp): Add a hint of smokiness or sweetness—opt for smoked paprika for a touch of flair.
• Salt and Pepper to taste: Don’t skip these; they’re essential to balancing the flavors!
• Fresh Cilantro (optional): For those fresh herb lovers, it’s a bright finishing touch that makes all the difference.

How This Recipe Comes Together

Ready? Let’s make magic happen in your kitchen!

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. It should shimmer just slightly—this means it’s the perfect temperature.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. You want to unleash that fragrant aroma but not burn the garlic.

3. Toss in the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Let it cook until nicely browned; this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally so it cooks evenly.

4. Stir in your sliced bell peppers and onion. Let them mingle with the turkey for about 5-7 minutes until tender. The veggies should be vibrant and just crisp-tender.

5. Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. This is where the magic happens!

6. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you’re using it, and serve warm.

Best Way to Enjoy It

How to serve this delightful stir-fry? You can go classic and serve it over rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Or, if you’re watching your carbs, try it in lettuce wraps for a refreshing crunch.

For an added kick, consider a squeeze of lime juice over the top, which brightens the flavors and makes it pop! You could pair it with simple steamed broccoli or a light salad on the side to complete the meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? Oh yes, please! This stir-fry keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, just warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave—add a splash of water or broth if it seems too dry.

Thinking about freezing it? You certainly can! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It should be good for about 2 months. Remember, don’t re-freeze after it’s been thawed—food safety rules!

Pro Chef Tips

Need some pro tips to elevate your stir-fry game? You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or toss in mushrooms for an umami kick. Feel free to play with different spices, too! A bit of turmeric or curry powder could lend an interesting twist.

And a golden nugget: toast your spices in the oil before adding other ingredients. It’s a simple step that enhances their flavors significantly—don’t skip it!

Creative Twists

Looking to mix things up? Consider these variations:

• Protein swaps: Ground chicken or beef could also be used—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Add some crunch: Toss in chopped walnuts or cashews as a topping for extra texture.
• Different veggies: Try adding zucchini, snap peas, or carrots—whatever suits your fridge!

Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own—a touch of your personality will transform this dish into something truly special!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 bell peppers, sliced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions to Follow

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
3. Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned.
4. Stir in sliced bell peppers and onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes until veggies are tender.
5. Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve warm.

Your Questions Answered

1. What can I serve with this? Rice or quinoa is perfect, or go lighter with lettuce wraps!
2. How long does it take to prep? About 10 minutes, plus another 15-20 for cooking!
3. Can I use frozen turkey? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it properly before cooking.
4. How can I make this vegetarian? Swap the turkey for tempeh or chickpeas—season them well!
5. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

With its deliciously vibrant flavors and quick cooking time, Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it out, make it your own, and don’t forget to share your creations! Happy cooking, my friend! 🍳

Print Recipe

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Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry

Cuisine: Chinese

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Cooking Temp: medium  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 350

Description

This Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry is a quick and healthy meal that combines lean turkey with vibrant bell peppers and aromatic spices.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey (lean turkey recommended)
• 2 bell peppers, sliced (any color mix)
• 1 onion, sliced (sweet or yellow onions)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic preferred)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin suggested)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika for added flavor)
• to taste salt and pepper
• optional fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

1. Heat the Oil

   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until slightly shimmering.
   Mark as complete

2. Sauté Garlic

   Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
   Be careful not to burn the garlic.
   Mark as complete

3. Cook Turkey

   Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes.
   Stir occasionally.
   Mark as complete

4. Add Vegetables

   Stir in sliced bell peppers and onion. Cook until veggies are vibrant and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
   Mark as complete

5. Season the Dish

   Season with cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
   Mark as complete

6. Garnish and Serve

   Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve warm.
   Enjoy it with rice, quinoa, or as lettuce wraps.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 13g20%

Saturated Fat 2g10%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 100mg34%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 20g7%

Dietary Fiber 4g16%

Sugars 5g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 30 IU

Vitamin C 100 mg

Calcium 4 mg

Iron 10 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 10 mcg

Thiamin 10 mg

Riboflavin 6 mg

Niacin 50 mg

Vitamin B6 15 mg

Folate 15 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 10 mg

Phosphorus 25 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 10 mg

Zinc 15 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 5 mg

Manganese 0 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Great for leftovers, stores for 3 days in an airtight container.

Keywords: stir-fry, ground turkey, quick meal, healthy dinner