Savory, colorful, and endlessly comforting, Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers is the ultimate skillet dinner I turn to on busy weeknights. Juicy ground turkey mingles with tender peppers, sweet onions, and a smoky hint of chipotle, creating a dish that’s both nourishing and full of flavor. Trust me—you’ll want to enjoy this hearty recipe on repeat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Weeknight Wonder: With just 30 minutes start-to-finish, Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers brings wholesome, home-cooked flavor to even your busiest days.
Colorful & Nutritious: Bell peppers, onions, and fresh herbs add bright color, irresistible crunch, and loads of vitamins.
Smoky, Satisfying Flavor: A touch of chipotle powder infuses every bite with a satisfying kick that’s never overpowering.
Family-Friendly & Adaptable: Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or keep it low-carb, everyone can make it their own favorite meal.

Mom's Ground Turkey and Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers is how it relies on just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients—but each adds its own special flair. Every item plays a key role in building hearty flavor, beautiful color, and that satisfying, homey texture we all crave.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3 to 4 tablespoons): Rich and fragrant, it brings a silkiness to the veggies and helps brown the turkey beautifully.
Yellow Onion (1 cup, chopped): Adds subtle sweetness and a flavorful base; don’t skip it!
Green Onion Greens (optional): If you have some, toss them in for a gentle bite and a burst of fresh color.
Bell Pepper (1, red or yellow preferred, chopped): Choose the ripest pepper you can find—its natural sweetness uplifts the whole dish.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential for aroma and a garlicky depth that makes this dish sing.
Kosher Salt: Brings out the flavors of every ingredient and makes the turkey shine.
Ground Turkey (1 pound, preferably thigh): Tender and juicy thighs are my go-to, but any ground turkey works well.
Chipotle Powder or Chili Powder (1 teaspoon, or to taste): Adds warmth, smokiness, and that gentle kick which makes this recipe truly addictive.
Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped): For a bright, herbal finish—choose whichever you love most, or use both!

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Loved as-is or customized, Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers is surprisingly flexible. Get creative with what’s in your fridge, or tailor the flavors to suit dietary needs and craving of the day—the results are always delicious!

Use Ground Chicken or Beef: Swap the turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef for a tasty, protein-packed variation.
Make It Spicier: Add diced jalapeño alongside the bell pepper or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat lovers.
Add Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, zucchini, or even chopped mushrooms for more color, texture, and nutrition.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the rice and serve over greens or in lettuce cups for a fresh, light meal.

How to Make Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers

Step 1: Sauté the Onions, Peppers & Garlic

Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your chopped yellow onion and bright bell pepper, then cook for about 2–3 minutes until everything turns irresistibly fragrant and softens slightly. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more—this step brings out all those sweet and savory veggie flavors!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Push your sautéed veggies to the edge of the pan, making room for the turkey. Drizzle in another tablespoon (or two) of olive oil to coat the empty side, then crumble the ground turkey right onto that hot surface. Sprinkle it with kosher salt and your chipotle or chili powder. Let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes—this forms delicious browned bits—then flip to brown the opposite side.

Step 3: Bring It All Together & Add Herbs

Once the turkey is just cooked through, stir the tender onions and peppers back into the mix. You can taste and add extra salt or spice if desired. Finish by stirring in fresh parsley or cilantro (or a mix!), then take it off the heat so every green leaf stays extra vibrant and bright.

Pro Tips for Making Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers

Perfect Turkey Browning: Let the turkey cook undisturbed on one side (don’t stir right away!) to get juicy bites with that delicious, caramelized edge.
Pepper Rainbow: Mix and match red, yellow, or even orange bell peppers for a sweeter, visually stunning skillet.
Herb Swap: Use cilantro for zesty, Tex-Mex flavor—or parsley for a classic finish; both pack fresh vibrancy!
Oil Generously: Adding extra olive oil to the skillet before browning the turkey ensures it won’t dry out and helps the spices deeply infuse the meat.

How to Serve Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers

Garnishes

A shower of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro elevates every bowl, making the colors pop and the flavors sparkle. For even more flair, try a quick squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of sliced green onion greens on top before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish begs to be paired with perfectly fluffy steamed rice, but it’s also fantastic over tender noodles, creamy mashed potatoes, or even spooned onto toasted flatbread for a modern twist. For a lighter touch, white beans or a simple salad are fabulous as well!

Creative Ways to Present

Transform leftovers of Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers into a vibrant taco filling, stuff it into baked sweet potatoes, or pile it high in lettuce cups for a low-carb crowd-pleaser. These little tweaks keep things fresh and make meal prepping a joy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers into an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days, ready for whenever you need a cozy meal in minutes.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream! Portion cooled turkey and peppers into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, and let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as usual.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep everything juicy. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring in between to warm it evenly without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I make Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the entire recipe as instructed, cool, and refrigerate. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious for meal-prep lunches or another night’s dinner.
What can I use instead of chipotle powder?

If you don’t have chipotle powder, chili powder or smoked paprika are wonderful substitutes. Each will bring its own gentle warmth and deep flavor—play around to see what you love best!
Is this recipe spicy?

Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers has just a hint of gentle heat from the chipotle powder, but you’re in control. Add more or less depending on how spicy you like your meals!
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Simply use a larger pan or two skillets; make sure not to overcrowd the pan when browning the turkey. Double all ingredients, and you’ll have plenty to feed a hungry group.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving simple comfort with a pop of colorful freshness, you’ll fall in love with Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers. Give it a try for your next family dinner—you might just find it adds a whole new favorite to your kitchen traditions. Enjoy every smoky, savory bite!

Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers Recipe