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- 1 pound ground turkey - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 yellow onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - ½ teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 lime, juiced - Fresh cilantro, for garnish Ground turkey is the star of this dish. It offers a lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. The bell peppers add vibrant colors and a sweet crunch. Onions and garlic create a savory base, enriching the overall taste. Spices like smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder bring warmth and depth. Black beans and corn add texture and nutrients, making the meal hearty. For the best flavor, choose fresh vegetables. Look for firm bell peppers and a crisp onion. Fresh garlic cloves add more punch than pre-minced options. Use high-quality ground turkey, preferably lean, for a healthy dish. Look for organic or non-GMO black beans if possible. Fresh lime juice is better than bottled for brightness. Always check expiration dates on canned goods for the best quality. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 1 pound ground turkey - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 1 yellow onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - ½ teaspoon chili powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) - 1 lime, juiced - Fresh cilantro, for garnish Chop the onion, garlic, and peppers. Make sure to rinse the beans. This step helps to prep your dish for quick cooking. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until it is soft and translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for another minute until you smell the aroma. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes. It should be browned and no longer pink. Season the turkey with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure the flavors mix nicely. Now, toss in the diced red and green bell peppers. Sauté these for 4-5 minutes until they are tender. After that, mix in the black beans and corn. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through. Finally, squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and stir. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your meal with fresh cilantro. This adds a pop of color and flavor. Serve the turkey and pepper skillet hot. It pairs well with rice or tortillas. You can also enjoy it on its own for a lighter meal. This dish is not only tasty but also quick to make on busy weeknights. To get the best texture, start with a hot skillet. This helps the turkey brown nicely. When you add the onion, cook it until it's soft. This step builds a great base. Make sure to break up the turkey well as it cooks. This prevents clumps and lets the meat brown evenly. When you add the peppers, don’t rush it. Give them time to get tender. This will bring out their sweet taste. To boost flavor, use fresh herbs. I love adding cilantro right before serving. It gives a fresh taste that brightens the dish. Don’t skip the lime juice. It adds a nice zing that makes everything pop. If you like heat, try adding diced jalapeños. You can also mix in some hot sauce for an extra kick. For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika. It adds depth without being too spicy. One common mistake is overcooking the turkey. This can make it dry. Cook it just until it’s no longer pink. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Avoid adding too many ingredients at once. This can lower the heat in your pan, making it hard to brown the meat. Lastly, don’t forget to let the dish rest for a minute before serving. This lets the flavors meld together. Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Opt for 93% lean ground turkey for a healthier dish with less fat while still being flavorful. Add More Veggies: Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrients and color. Spice it Up: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your taste; add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick! Serve with Toppings: Consider serving with toppings like avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese for added creaminess and flavor. {{image_2}} You can swap ground turkey for other proteins. Ground chicken works well. It has a similar taste and texture. You can also use lean ground beef. This gives a heartier flavor. If you want something different, try ground pork. For a spicy kick, chorizo adds great taste. Just adjust the spices to match the protein you use. If you want a meatless dish, there are many options. Use plant-based ground meat as a substitute. This keeps the texture but adds no meat. You can also use lentils for extra fiber. Cooked quinoa is another great choice. It brings a nice nutty flavor. Simply replace the turkey with your chosen option and follow the same steps. You can easily change some ingredients if needed. Bell peppers can be swapped for zucchini or mushrooms. Both add nice flavor and texture. If you don’t have black beans, kidney beans work too. You can even use chickpeas for a twist. Fresh cilantro can be replaced with parsley for a different taste. Just keep the core spices like paprika and cumin for that bold flavor. After enjoying your Turkey and Pepper Skillet, store the leftovers right away. Let the dish cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps the meal fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Label the container with the date so you know when to use it. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Portion the skillet into smaller containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the food will expand when it freezes. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat your Turkey and Pepper Skillet on the stove for the best results. Use low to medium heat and stir often to avoid burning. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or broth. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat in short bursts. Stir in between until it’s hot all the way through. Enjoy your meal again! To add some heat, use more chili powder. You can also add a diced jalapeño. If you want even more spice, try a splash of hot sauce. Another option is to sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Taste as you go to make sure it’s just right for you. Yes, ground chicken works well in this dish. It has a similar texture and flavor. Just cook it the same way as the turkey. You may want to adjust the spices slightly, as chicken can be milder. This swap keeps the meal light and healthy. Turkey and Pepper Skillet pairs nicely with rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with warm tortillas for a fun twist. A fresh salad on the side adds crunch and color. For a heartier meal, consider adding some avocado or guacamole. This blog post covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for making Turkey and Pepper Skillet. You learned about choosing quality ingredients and enhancing flavors. We explored protein options, storage methods, and common mistakes to avoid. Remember, the right ingredients and techniques lead to a great dish. Use this guide to create tasty meals that impress. Happy cooking!

Turkey and Pepper Skillet

A quick and flavorful skillet dish featuring ground turkey, bell peppers, and black beans.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 whole red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 whole green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 whole yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon chili powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 whole lime, juiced
  • for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Season the turkey with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  • Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until they are tender.
  • Mix in the black beans and corn, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until everything is heated through.
  • Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and stir to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste.
Keyword healthy, quick meal, skillet, turkey