The perfect combination of lean ground turkey, colorful bell peppers, and warming herbs makes this dish a family favorite. It’s cooked all in one skillet, which means easy prep and quick cleanup—a win-win for busy weeknights. With a base of simple pantry ingredients and bold flavor from sautéed aromatics and tomatoes, this dish is endlessly adaptable. Add a side of rice, wrap it in a tortilla, or spoon it over a salad for a wholesome and satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding kids, cooking for one, or meal prepping for the week, this is comfort food you can feel good about.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium yellow onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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1/2 teaspoon dried basil
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the chopped onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
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Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
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Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
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Season with oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
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Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and stir to combine.
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Lower heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes until peppers are tender and flavors meld.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 260 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Taste of Comfort: The Origins of Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers
Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers is a beloved recipe that has found its way into many family kitchens thanks to its comforting flavors, simplicity, and wholesome ingredients. Inspired by homestyle cooking traditions, this dish often brings back memories of warm dinners around the table. While the original recipe stems from American weeknight cooking culture, it has Mediterranean influences through its use of herbs like oregano and basil and its inclusion of bell peppers and tomatoes—ingredients often found in Southern European kitchens.
Over time, it has evolved as a staple “go-to” meal because it strikes the perfect balance between nutrition and heartiness. The use of lean ground turkey instead of beef makes it lighter, but no less satisfying. It’s also flexible enough to be tailored to different diets and lifestyles, which contributes to its popularity.
Why Ground Turkey is a Smart Choice
Ground turkey is an excellent alternative to ground beef or pork. It is leaner, meaning it contains less saturated fat, which can help support heart health and weight management goals. It’s also rich in high-quality protein, making it ideal for those trying to increase their protein intake without consuming excess calories.
In this recipe, turkey takes on the bold flavors of sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers while staying juicy and tender. Because of its mild flavor, it’s a perfect canvas for seasoning and herb combinations, making it ideal for families with varying taste preferences.
Bell Peppers: More Than Just Colorful Veggies
Bell peppers aren’t just added to this dish for their vibrant appearance—they’re nutritional powerhouses. They are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Red, yellow, and green peppers each bring subtle differences in flavor, from sweet to grassy to earthy.
In this dish, they add both texture and freshness. The slight crunch of sautéed peppers complements the savory ground turkey beautifully, making every bite feel balanced and satisfying. They also help stretch the dish, increasing volume without adding many calories, which is great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal Effort, Maximum Reward
One of the best things about this ground turkey and peppers dish is that it all comes together in one skillet. That means fewer dishes, quicker cleanup, and a stress-free cooking experience. For busy individuals, parents, or beginner cooks, the simplicity of a one-pan meal makes cooking less intimidating and more enjoyable.
Not only is this method efficient, but it also allows the flavors to build and meld. The turkey absorbs the juices from the tomatoes and the aroma of the herbs, while the peppers soften slightly and contribute their own sweetness to the dish. It’s kitchen harmony with minimal effort.
Customizable for Every Diet and Preference
This recipe can be tailored to meet a variety of dietary needs. It’s naturally gluten-free and low in carbs, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals or those on keto or Whole30-style diets. For added fiber and carbs, it pairs beautifully with quinoa, brown rice, or whole grain pasta.
Want to make it vegetarian? Substitute the turkey with plant-based ground meat or hearty legumes like lentils or chickpeas. You can also turn it into a wrap or use it as a taco filling for a fun twist on presentation.
Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers
One of the unsung benefits of Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers is how well it keeps in the fridge. It reheats beautifully, making it a meal prep superstar. Store it in airtight containers and enjoy it for up to 4 days. It can be served over rice, in lettuce cups, or even stuffed into baked sweet potatoes.
It’s also freezer-friendly. You can cook a double batch, freeze half, and have a flavorful homemade meal ready to go on those days when cooking from scratch feels impossible.
Flavor You Can Count On
Every bite of this dish is infused with well-rounded flavors. The aromatics (onions and garlic) form a savory base, while the tomatoes and herbs add brightness and depth. The crushed red pepper flakes provide just a hint of heat—enough to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming the dish.
If you love a spicier meal, you can easily add extra heat with jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce. Prefer it more herbaceous? Add fresh basil or thyme before serving. The recipe is simple but not bland, and that’s why so many people return to it again and again.
Budget-Friendly Without Sacrificing Quality
Affordable ingredients are one of the key features that make this dish so accessible. Ground turkey, bell peppers, canned tomatoes, and dried herbs are often pantry staples or available at a low cost. Despite the humble ingredients, the result is a colorful, flavorful dish that feels anything but ordinary.
For households on a budget, meals like this make healthy eating possible without breaking the bank. It proves that you don’t need expensive cuts of meat or gourmet ingredients to create something wholesome and satisfying.
A Family Favorite for All Ages
Whether you’re feeding toddlers, teens, or adults, this dish tends to be a universal crowd-pleaser. The textures and flavors are soft, warm, and comforting—perfect for picky eaters or anyone who appreciates a homestyle meal. You can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes if making it for kids, or serve with a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese to tone down any spice.
It’s also a great recipe to get the whole family involved. Little ones can help wash and slice the peppers (with supervision), stir the skillet, or sprinkle herbs on top. Cooking together turns a simple dinner into a shared experience.
Pairings and Serving Suggestions
While the dish is hearty enough to stand alone, it also pairs beautifully with:
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A side of brown or jasmine rice
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Roasted sweet potatoes or cauliflower
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A crisp green salad
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Warm crusty bread or garlic toast
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A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or tzatziki on top
If you’re serving guests, consider adding a side of grilled zucchini, couscous, or even topping it with shredded parmesan or feta for a Mediterranean twist.
Conclusion
Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers is more than just a meal—it’s a symbol of nourishing simplicity. It embodies everything we love about home-cooked food: wholesome ingredients, comforting aromas, easy preparation, and adaptability. Whether you’re new to cooking, juggling a busy schedule, or simply looking for something healthy and delicious to add to your weekly routine, this recipe delivers. It’s a no-fuss, high-reward kind of dish that keeps people coming back for more. This humble skillet meal deserves a permanent place in your kitchen rotation. Once you try it, it’ll become one of those “back pocket” recipes you can always rely on to nourish and delight.