Ground turkey is like that versatile friend who’s always up for anything, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy Sunday feast. It’s lean, yet somehow manages to soak up all the flavors you throw at it—like a sponge of deliciousness! Just the other day, I whipped up a turkey stir-fry with whatever veggies I had left in the fridge, and let me tell you, it was like a dance party for my taste buds.
Steps
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and bell pepper, cooking until they soften, which should take a few minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Move the vegetables to one side of the pan and position it so that side is off the heat. Add another tablespoon or two of oil to the empty side, ensuring it’s coated. Place crumbled ground turkey into the pan and season with salt and chipotle or chili powder.
- Allow the turkey to brown on one side without stirring, then flip to brown the other side. Once the turkey is cooked through, mix it with the onions and peppers, seasoning with additional salt and chili powder to taste. Remove the pan from heat.
- Add fresh chopped parsley or cilantro to the mixture and stir to combine. Serve the dish on its own or pair it with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup of chopped yellow onion
- Some chopped greens from green onions (optional)
- 1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1 pound of ground turkey, preferably ground turkey thighs
- 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder or chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1804 | Fat: 136g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Cholesterol: 480mg | Sodium: 792mg | Carbohydrates: 36g | Dietary Fiber: 8g | Sugars: 16g | Protein: 120g | Vitamin C: 220mg | Calcium: 324mg | Iron: 12mg | Potassium: 1964mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground turkey?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with other meats such as ground chicken or beef, but keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile and possibly the cooking time.
- What can I serve with ground turkey and peppers?
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, but you can also serve it with a baked potato or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- How can I spice up this dish?
- You can personalize this recipe by adding ingredients like shredded cheese, cream cheese, jerk sauce, or mushrooms. Some people also enjoy topping it with pesto sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
- Is it possible to make this dish in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian?
- To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground turkey with a plant-based meat alternative or chickpeas, and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Tips
- If you’re preparing a larger batch of this dish, consider cooking the vegetables separately from the turkey to prevent overcrowding in the pan, which helps both components cook more evenly.
- For enhanced flavor, opt for ground turkey thighs as they tend to be more flavorful compared to other cuts of ground turkey.
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chipotle or chili powder to suit your taste preference, or experiment with different spices like jerk sauce or add-ins like mushrooms for a unique twist.
- To add a creamy texture, consider incorporating cheese or cream cheese, as some readers have done, or serve the dish over a baked potato for a satisfying meal.
Equipment
- Large Skillet – A good quality large skillet is essential for the one-pan cooking method used in this recipe.
- Chef’s Knife – A sharp chef’s knife is useful for chopping the onions, bell pepper, garlic, and herbs.
- Cutting Board – A sturdy cutting board is needed for preparing the vegetables and herbs.
- Garlic Press (optional) – If you prefer not to mince garlic by hand, a garlic press can be handy.
- Measuring Spoons – Useful for accurately measuring the olive oil and chipotle or chili powder.
