Introducing a comforting, easy-to-make dish that packs a flavorful punch: Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers. This recipe brings warmth to your table with vibrant colors and savory aromas that will make your kitchen feel like home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy Ingredients: Lean ground turkey and fresh peppers offer a nutritious alternative to heavier meals.
- Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the chipotle or chili powder to suit your personal spiciness preference.
- Versatile Pairing: Enjoy it on its own or serve it over rice or noodles for an even heartier meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish is delightfully simple, relying on a handful of core ingredients to create a harmonious blend of flavors. Each element adds its own characteristic to ensure this meal is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps to sauté the vegetables to perfection.
- Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that elevates the dish.
- Bell Pepper: Opt for red or yellow to add sweetness and vibrant color.
- Ground Turkey: Use turkey thighs for a juicier, more flavorful bite.
- Chipotle Powder: Introduces a smoky heat that balances the freshness of the veggies.
Variations
Feel free to make Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers your own. This recipe can be easily adapted to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs, ensuring everyone at the table is satisfied.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground turkey with crumbled tofu for a plant-based alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Add some sliced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra heat boost.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional grains.
How to Make Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers
Step 1: Sauté the Base
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and bell pepper, stirring until they soften. This is the flavor base that anchors the dish in rich aroma.
Step 2: Brown the Turkey
Push the veggies to one side of the pan and add more oil if needed. Crumble the ground turkey into the cleared space, seasoning with salt and chipotle powder. Let it brown without stirring to create a deep, caramelized flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Finish
Once the turkey is cooked through, mix it with the onions and peppers. Taste for seasoning, adding more chili powder or salt as desired. Finally, stir in fresh parsley or cilantro to brighten up the dish.
Pro Tips for Making Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers
- Control the Heat: Adjust the heat by altering the amount of chipotle powder to suit your taste.
- Veggie Texture: Sauté the onions and peppers until they soften but still maintain a bit of crunch.
- Browning Technique: Allow the turkey to brown without stirring to develop a richer flavor.
- Herb Freshness: Use fresh parsley or cilantro at the end to boost freshness and color.
How to Serve Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers
Garnishes
Top this dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh herbs or a zest of lime for an extra burst of freshness that elevates the overall taste experience.
Side Dishes
This savory dish pairs beautifully with a side of jasmine rice or whole wheat noodles, which offer a perfect canvas for soaking up all the delicious flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in bell pepper halves for a fun and colorful twist or layer over a bed of mixed greens for an invigorating salad option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days, keeping it fresh and ready for another quick meal.
Freezing
Store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or in a microwave-safe dish to maintain moisture and flavor integrity.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of meat for Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or beef can also be used, but remember that the flavor profile and cooking times may slightly vary.
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What if I don’t have chipotle powder?
No worries! Substitute with regular chili powder, or for a smokier flavor, try smoked paprika.
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Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep. Cook it a day in advance, and let the flavors meld further before serving.
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What can I substitute for olive oil?
Use any neutral cooking oil like canola or avocado oil. They’ll perform similarly without altering the taste significantly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a reliable, go-to meal that is as satisfying as it is simple, give Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers a try. It’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your culinary repertoire, delivering comfort and flavor with every bite.
Print
Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers is a quick, flavorful, and healthy skillet dish. It features tender ground turkey cooked with colorful peppers, onions, and aromatic garlic, seasoned with chili or chipotle powder for a smoky kick. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and versatile, serving well over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground turkey, preferably ground turkey thighs
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow preferred), chopped
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- Some chopped greens from green onions, if available
Oil and Seasonings
- 3 to 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon chipotle powder or chili powder (or to taste)
Herbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and bell pepper, cooking until they are softened, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey: Push the vegetables to one side of the pan. Add a little more oil if needed to the empty side. Place crumbled ground turkey in the pan, sprinkle with salt and chili powder, and cook without stirring until browned on one side, about 4-5 minutes.
- Brown the turkey: Turn the pieces over to brown the other side, making sure the turkey is cooked through and no longer pink, about 4-5 minutes.
- Combine and season: Mix the browned turkey with the cooked vegetables. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and chili powder if desired. Stir in freshly chopped parsley or cilantro, then remove from heat.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute green peppers with yellow or orange for a sweeter flavor.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder or chipotle for spiciness preference.
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated easily.
- Adding a squeeze of lime or lemon juice before serving adds brightness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
