Unstuffed Pepper Skillet with Ground Turkey

Introduction

Turn classic stuffed peppers into a quick, one-pan dinner with the Unstuffed Pepper Skillet with Ground Turkey. This hearty meal delivers all the savory flavors of traditional stuffed peppers, but in a fraction of the time and with less cleanup. It’s a family-friendly crowd pleaser that comes together on a busy weeknight yet feels comforting and nourishing—a perfect blend of vibrant bell peppers, lean ground turkey, and just the right blend of spices.

Deliciously Unique Unstuffed Pepper Skillet

Why choose this recipe? Unstuffed Pepper Skillet with Ground Turkey brings together the colorful crunch of bell peppers and the lightness of turkey for a deeply flavorful, feel-good dinner. By skipping the stuffing and baking steps, everything cooks together in one pan, allowing the flavors to meld while saving you time. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable—serve as-is, over rice, or with a scoop of cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.

Perfecting the Skillet’s Flavor Base

The secret to a standout unstuffed pepper skillet is in the layer of aromatics. Sauté onions and garlic until golden, then add bell peppers for a slight char, and finish with ground turkey seasoned just right. A touch of tomato sauce brings everything together, resulting in a saucy, simmered skillet that stays moist, with tender-crisp vegetables and flavorful protein in every bite.

Easy Assembly in a Single Pan

Begin with a hot skillet, building layers of flavor step-by-step. Sauté, season, simmer, and serve—no oven, no extra dishes. You can even meal prep extra portions to enjoy throughout the week! Top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or shredded cheese right before serving for that perfect finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions for a Standout Dinner

This colorful skillet is satisfying on its own but also pairs beautifully with cooked rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the saucy goodness. For a lighter option, serve over a bed of greens or cauliflower rice. A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream adds creaminess and tang, making each bite even more delicious.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings. Each portion, without additional grains or toppings, contains roughly 250 to 300 calories, packed with lean protein, fiber, and a medley of vitamins from the veggies. Perfect for anyone looking for a nutritious and filling weeknight meal.

Unstuffed Pepper Skillet (Recap)

All the flavors of a stuffed pepper—bright peppers, savory turkey, comforting tomato sauce—come together in one simple skillet. This streamlined twist on a classic delivers serious flavor, minimal effort, and guaranteed requests for seconds.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook, stirring often, until browned and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes).
4. Stir in the diced bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until just tender but still brightly colored.
5. Add the diced tomatoes (with juice) and tomato sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. If serving with rice, stir cooked rice directly into the skillet or serve on the side.
7. Sprinkle chopped parsley or shredded cheese over the top before serving, if desired.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!

Weekly Meal Planning

This Unstuffed Pepper Skillet is a fantastic addition to your weekly meal prep or dinner planning—we recommend doubling the batch and enjoying leftovers for lunch! Save and schedule this recipe to plan your cooking days and generate smart shopping lists that combine ingredients from all your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculate total quantities across recipes so you buy exactly what you need
– Organize shopping lists by store sections for quick, streamlined shopping
– Eliminate duplicate purchases and reduce forgotten ingredients
– Easily adjust serving sizes for families or singles

Pro tip: When you schedule your recipes for the week, see overlapping ingredients—like onions or bell peppers—so your shopping list tallies the total amount needed, saving you money and time.

Cook and Prep Times

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