Name: Simple Ground Turkey Skillet Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 green bell pepper, diced; 1 yellow bell pepper, diced ((red or orange will work great too!)); 1/2 red onion, diced; 3-4 tbsp tomato paste; 1 can tomato sauce; 2 garlic cloves, minced ((or 1 tsp garlic powder if not available)); 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp dried oregano ((Italian seasoning will also work well)); 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/2 tsp cracked pepper; sea salt to taste; 1 1/2 cups cooked rice ((optional, can be omitted if desired)); shredded cheese for topping ((optional))

Looking for a quick and nutritious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This Simple Ground Turkey Skillet Dinner is your answer! Packed with colorful veggies, hearty ground turkey, and a rich tomato sauce, this one-pan wonder can be on your table in under 30 minutes. It’s versatile, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep for the busy week ahead. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze, which is always a win in my book!

Top Reasons to Make Simple Ground Turkey Skillet Dinner

Quick and Easy: This dish is ready in less than 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights.
Nutritious: Ground turkey is leaner than beef and packed with protein, while colorful bell peppers add essential vitamins.
Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to include your favorite vegetables or spices.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.
Family-Friendly: It’s a delicious way to get kids to eat their veggies without a fuss.

What You’ll Need

1 lb ground turkey
1 tbsp olive oil
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced (red or orange will work great too!)
1/2 red onion, diced
3-4 tbsp tomato paste
1 can tomato sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder if not available)
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried oregano (Italian seasoning will also work well)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp cracked pepper
Sea salt to taste
1 1/2 cups cooked rice (optional, can be omitted if desired)
Shredded cheese for topping (optional)

Recommended Tools

Skillet: A large skillet works best for this recipe to accommodate all the ingredients.
Spatula: A sturdy spatula will help in breaking up the turkey and mixing the ingredients well.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate measurements of ingredients.
Knife and cutting board: Essential for chopping your veggies.

Mastering Simple Ground Turkey Skillet Dinner: How-To

Step 1: Heat the Oil

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm for about a minute.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the diced green and yellow bell peppers, along with the diced red onion, to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Turkey

Push the vegetables to the side of the skillet and add the ground turkey. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Season with a pinch of sea salt, cracked pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the turkey is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Add Flavor

Once the turkey is cooked, stir in the minced garlic (or garlic powder), tomato paste, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and dried oregano. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.

Step 5: Simmer

Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. If you find the mixture too thick, you can add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Mix in the Rice

If you’re using rice, stir in 1 1/2 cups of cooked rice until well combined. Let it heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed. Top with shredded cheese if desired, allowing it to melt before serving.

Warm & Cool Weather Spins

Warm Weather: Add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a refreshing twist.
Cool Weather: Stir in some chopped spinach or kale for added nutrition and warmth.
For a Hearty Meal: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad to round out the dish.
For a Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or more red pepper flakes for heat.

Cook’s Notes

This Simple Ground Turkey Skillet Dinner is perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for quick lunches or dinners.
You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version.
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as zucchini or corn.

Prep Ahead & Store

You can chop the vegetables a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cooked dish can also be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Reader Questions

Can I use frozen ground turkey for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen ground turkey! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper texture.

What can I substitute for the Worcestershire sauce?

If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or a dash of balsamic vinegar can work as a substitute in a pinch.

Can I make this dish in advance and freeze it?

Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just cool it completely, transfer it to an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat it thoroughly before serving.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground turkey with a plant-based ground meat alternative or finely chopped mushrooms, and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Serve & Enjoy

Now that you have mastered the art of the Simple Ground Turkey Skillet Dinner, it’s time to gather your friends and family around the table and enjoy this delightful meal together. Whether you serve it with rice, enjoy it on its own, or top it with your favorite cheese, this dish is sure to become a staple in your home. Happy cooking!