Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers: A Delicious Family Recipe
Table of Contents
Introduction
There’s something truly special about a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers is exactly that kind of treasured family meal. This delicious ground turkey recipe combines lean protein with colorful bell peppers for a nutritious, satisfying dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a reliable meat recipe that delivers on both flavor and nutrition, this ground turkey dish has been winning over families for years.
At dailymeatrecipe.com, we believe the best meals combine simplicity with incredible taste, and this ground turkey and peppers recipe perfectly embodies that philosophy. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or sophisticated palates, this versatile meat dish adapts to any table while maintaining its homestyle charm. Let’s dive into this wonderful recipe that might just become your family’s new favorite weeknight staple!
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 lb (450g) | Lean ground turkey |
| 1 | Large red bell pepper, diced |
| 1 | Large green bell pepper, diced |
| 1 | Medium yellow onion, finely chopped |
| 3 | Garlic cloves, minced |
| 1 can (14.5 oz) | Diced tomatoes |
| 2 tbsp | Olive oil |
| 1 tbsp | Italian seasoning |
| 1 tsp | Paprika |
| ½ tsp | Red pepper flakes (optional) |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| ¼ cup | Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) |
| ¼ cup | Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) |
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbs | 12g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 410mg |
| Calcium | 60mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Nutrition facts based on recipe divided into 4 servings.
Preparation Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers recipe in your own kitchen:
- Prep your workspace: Gather all ingredients and chop the vegetables before starting. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
- Heat the pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook the aromatics: Add the chopped onions to the hot oil and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent.
- Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Brown the meat: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until the meat is no longer pink and has started to brown slightly.
- Season the mixture: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper over the turkey. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the meat.
- Add the peppers: Mix in the diced red and green bell peppers, stirring to combine with the seasoned ground turkey.
- Incorporate tomatoes: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer and reduce: Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers have softened and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Taste and adjust: Sample the dish and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Transform Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers recipe into a complete meal with these serving ideas:
- Spoon the turkey and peppers mixture over cooked brown rice or quinoa for a wholesome, filling dinner
- Serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes for a colorful, nutritious plate
- Use as a filling for stuffed bell peppers by hollowing out peppers and baking until tender
- Wrap in warm tortillas with a sprinkle of cheese for easy turkey pepper tacos
- Toss with pasta and a touch of olive oil for a quick pasta dish
- Serve over a bed of sautéed zucchini noodles for a low-carb option
- Pile onto toasted hoagie rolls and top with provolone cheese for a turkey pepper sandwich
Pro Tips
Take your Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers recipe to the next level with these expert tips from dailymeatrecipe.com:
- Don’t overcook the turkey: Ground turkey can dry out quickly, so remove it from heat as soon as it’s cooked through.
- Add depth of flavor: For an extra savory meat recipe, add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce when browning the turkey.
- Control moisture: If your mixture becomes too watery, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Prep ahead: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. The flavors actually improve overnight!
- Uniform cutting: Dice the peppers and onions to similar sizes for even cooking throughout the dish.
- Quality matters: Use the freshest ground turkey you can find for the best flavor in this meat recipe.
- Seasoning secret: Adding a pinch of sugar can help balance the acidity of the tomatoes if needed.
Variations
Customize Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers recipe to suit your dietary needs and taste preferences:
Mexican-Inspired Version: Replace the Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add a diced jalapeño, and stir in some black beans and corn. Top with cilantro instead of parsley.
Mediterranean Twist: Mix in olives, capers, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese instead of Parmesan.
Spicy Lover’s Edition: Double the red pepper flakes and add a diced hot pepper or two. A dash of hot sauce before serving will take the heat to the next level.
Low-Carb Adaptation: Serve the turkey and peppers mixture in lettuce cups instead of with rice or pasta for a lighter meal option.
Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute the ground turkey with plant-based ground meat alternative or crumbled firm tofu. Add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
FAQ
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of turkey in this recipe? A: Absolutely! Ground beef works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be aware that it may change the nutrition facts slightly, typically increasing the fat content.
Q: How long will Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers keep in the refrigerator? A: When stored in an airtight container, this dish will keep well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep.
Q: Can I freeze this ground turkey recipe? A: Yes! This recipe freezes excellently for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Q: What can I do if my mixture is too watery? A: If your turkey and peppers mixture seems too watery, continue simmering uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate, or add a tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, as written, Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check your canned tomatoes and seasonings to confirm they don’t contain any gluten ingredients.
Conclusion
Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special when combined with love and tradition. This versatile, nutritious dish brings the comfort of home cooking to your table in less than 30 minutes – perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a reliable dinner solution that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
We hope this ground turkey recipe becomes a favorite in your household just as it has for countless families who visit dailymeatrecipe.com. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability – make it your own by trying our suggested variations or creating unique twists that suit your family’s tastes.
Ready to explore more delicious meat recipes? Visit www.dailymeatrecipe.com for hundreds of tested, family-friendly dishes that celebrate the versatility of meat in home cooking. Don’t forget to leave a comment letting us know how you enjoyed Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers, and share any personal touches you added to make it your own!
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