Easy Turkey Skillet for Dinner

This Easy Turkey Skillet is a one-pan, weeknight winner full of lean ground turkey, colorful vegetables, and warm spices. It cooks quickly in a single skillet, delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup, and pairs perfectly with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for a balanced family dinner. Light yet satisfying, it’s a healthier take on comfort food that’s ready in about 30 minutes.

Easy Turkey Skillet for Dinner

Ingredients

For 4 to 6 servings, gather these simple items:

  • 500 grams lean ground turkey
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (400 grams) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup frozen peas or corn
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon red chili flakes for heat, fresh coriander or parsley for garnish
  • Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)

Direction

  • Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook 6–8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no pink remains. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir well.
  • Step 2: Add chopped onion, diced bell peppers, and sliced carrots. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften.
  • Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Step 4: Pour in diced tomatoes with juice. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 8–10 minutes to let flavors meld and sauce thicken slightly.
  • Step 5: Add frozen peas or corn. Stir and cook 3–5 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning—more salt, pepper, or a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
  • Step 6: Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh coriander or parsley if desired. Serve hot over rice or quinoa.

Nutrients Information

Per serving (about 1½ cups, approximate values with lean turkey):

  • Calories: 260 to 300
  • Total Fat: 10 to 12 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 2 to 3 grams
  • Cholesterol: 70 to 90 milligrams
  • Sodium: 400 to 550 milligrams (lower with low-sodium tomatoes)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18 to 22 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 5 to 7 grams
  • Sugars: 7 grams (natural from veggies/tomatoes)
  • Protein: 25 to 29 grams
  • High in lean protein from turkey for muscle support, fiber from vegetables for digestion, vitamin C from bell peppers, and potassium for energy. A low-carb, nutrient-dense skillet meal when served with whole grains.

Recipes Credit

Contributed by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Extension Service