If you’re in the mood for a vibrant, protein-packed dinner that comes together fast, look no further than this Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry! Juicy morsels of turkey, colorful peppers, and aromatic spices combine in minutes for a fresh, healthy meal that’s anything but boring.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Weeknight Wonder: This entire dinner comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a true lifesaver on busy nights.
Colorful and Nutritious: Every bite is packed with a rainbow of veggies and lean protein for a meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
Customizable for Your Crew: Easily swap veggies or spices to suit picky eaters or whatever’s in your fridge—this stir-fry plays well with others!
Leftover-Friendly: Enjoy it hot out of the skillet, or meal prep for the week—it tastes just as great reheated for lunch.

Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry is in its straightforward ingredient list—each item adds vibrant color, texture, and flavor you can really taste. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity; these pantry and fridge staples transform into something crave-worthy when combined!

Ground turkey: Lean and quick-cooking, it soaks up the flavors of the stir-fry for a juicy, satisfying bite.
Bell peppers: Use any color you like—the more variety, the prettier your skillet! Their sweetness balances the savory spices.
Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and savory depth that ties the whole dish together.
Garlic: Essential for that addictive savory aroma and punchy flavor base.
Olive oil: Brings everything together while lending a hint of richness.
Cumin: This warming spice gives the dish an earthy, slightly smoky undertone.
Paprika: For gentle heat and a gorgeous red hue—smoked or sweet both work well.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning never goes out of style; add to taste for the perfect balance.
Fresh cilantro (optional): A sprinkle at the end adds fresh, herby brightness if you love that flavor pop.

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

This Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry is the ultimate “clean out the fridge” meal. Swap, add, or adjust to suit your mood, what’s on hand, or your family’s favorites—it’s almost impossible to go wrong here!

Make it spicy: Toss in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a stir-fry with real kick.
Switch up the veggies: Zucchini, snap peas, broccoli florets, or shredded carrots blend in beautifully for extra color and crunch.
Soy-ginger upgrade: Add a splash of soy sauce and a little grated fresh ginger to give the stir-fry an umami-packed, Asian-inspired twist.
Low-carb style: Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps for a lighter take that’s still super filling.

How to Make Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry

Step 1: Sauté the Garlic

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your minced garlic and cook for about a minute—just until fragrant. This little step creates a foundation of flavor that makes the whole dish sing!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey

Push the garlic to the edges and add in the ground turkey, breaking it into small pieces with your spoon or spatula. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is no longer pink and has a nice golden color in spots.

Step 3: Add Peppers and Onion

Stir in the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté everything together for 5–7 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp, so don’t overcook—those colors mean flavor and nutrition!

Step 4: Season and Finish

Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, and plenty of salt and pepper. Give it all a good toss so the spices coat every bite, then let the mixture cook for another 2–3 minutes until the flavors mingle and your kitchen smells irresistible. Off the heat, add fresh cilantro if you like, and serve warm.

Pro Tips for Making Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry

Maximize Flavor with Browning: Give your ground turkey time to brown before adding the veggies—this adds so much savory depth you don’t want to miss.
Slice Veggies Evenly: Cutting peppers and onions into similar sizes ensures they cook evenly and look gorgeous in every bite.
Spice Layering: Add the spices at the end of cooking for punchy, pronounced flavor instead of letting them get muted by early overcooking.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: If you double the recipe, use a larger skillet or cook in batches so everything sautés (not steams) and the texture stays perfect.

How to Serve Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro is a classic for this stir-fry, but you can also toss on sliced green onions or a squeeze of lime for a little zip. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil takes it totally over the top if you’re feeling fancy!

Side Dishes

This dish is super versatile—spoon it over steamy rice (white, brown, or jasmine), fluffy quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option. It’s also excellent stuffed into warmed pita bread, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or alongside simple roasted potatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-ready twist, pile Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry onto a platter and let everyone build their own bowls with grains and toppings. Try serving it in bell pepper cups, or roll it up in tortillas with avocado and hot sauce for colorful handheld wraps the kids will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully! Transfer cooled Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better as they mingle overnight.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away for later, this stir-fry is freezer friendly. Freeze portions in a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until hot throughout. If things look a little dry, just splash in a tablespoon of water or broth and stir to revive the moisture and tenderness.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef both work well in this recipe—the flavor will change slightly depending on your choice, but the method and seasoning remain the same.
How do I keep my peppers from getting mushy?

Don’t overcook them! Sauté the peppers just long enough to become tender but still have a gentle crunch. Also, slice them a little thicker if you want more bite in your stir-fry.
What’s the best way to reheat Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry for meal prep?

For the best texture and moisture, reheat quickly in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, stirring gently just until warmed through. This helps revive the veggies and keeps the turkey juicy.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Just make sure to use a large enough skillet or cook in batches so everything browns and sautés instead of steaming. The vibrant colors and flavors are perfect for feeding a group.

Final Thoughts

I hope this cozy, flavor-packed Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry finds a spot in your regular dinner rotation! It’s easy, colorful, and endlessly flexible—share it with friends or save the leftovers just for you. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own.

Ground Turkey and Peppers Stir-Fry Recipe