Name: Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey (preferably lean); 3 bell peppers (a mix of red, yellow, and green), sliced; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth; Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat; Optional: Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

This Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights. With lean ground turkey, colorful bell peppers, and bold seasonings, it’s a meal I keep coming back to when I want something hearty but light.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how simple and customizable this recipe is. I can prep everything in under 10 minutes, and it cooks fast without sacrificing flavor. It’s packed with protein and vegetables, making it a great balanced meal. I also like how easily I can change things up with different seasonings or add-ins, depending on what I have in the fridge.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb ground turkey
3 bell peppers (any combination of red, yellow, green), sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish

Directions

I start by slicing the bell peppers and chopping the onion and garlic.
In a large skillet over medium heat, I heat the olive oil and cook the ground turkey until browned, about 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.
I add the onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens.
Then I stir in the bell peppers, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. I let it all cook together for 5–7 minutes, until the peppers start to soften.
I pour in the broth and let it simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to come together.
Finally, I taste and adjust the seasoning, add a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want heat, and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

I sometimes serve it over rice, quinoa, or noodles for a more filling meal.
For a spicier version, I’ll add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
I like mixing in extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini when I want more fiber.
Swapping the ground turkey with ground chicken or plant-based crumbles also works great.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat until hot, or microwave it for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep it a day or two in advance. It reheats well and even tastes better the next day as the flavors develop.

What can I serve with this stir-fry?

I like serving it with steamed rice, quinoa, or even wrapped in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.

Can I use frozen peppers?

Yes, frozen sliced peppers work fine—just sauté them a bit longer to remove excess moisture.

How do I keep the turkey from drying out?

I make sure not to overcook it in the first step and add broth to keep the mix juicy and flavorful.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Definitely. I let it cool completely, store it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry is one of those reliable, go-to meals I always keep in rotation. It’s fast, full of flavor, and easy to adapt with whatever ingredients I have on hand. Whether I’m cooking for the week or whipping up dinner after work, this dish always hits the spot.