This delightful recipe is a heartwarming ode to home-cooked meals, featuring the humble ground turkey and peppers. Reminiscent of mom's cooking, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It's a great choice for a comforting weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Most of the ingredients are pretty common and likely to be found in your pantry. However, chipotle powder might not be a staple in everyone's kitchen. This spice adds a smoky and spicy kick to dishes and is widely available in supermarkets. Also, ground turkey can be found in the meat section, but if you're unable to find it, you can substitute with ground chicken or beef.
Mom's Ground Turkey and Peppers Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil: It is used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the turkey, adding a rich and robust flavor.
Yellow onion: It provides a sweet and savory flavor that forms the base of the dish.
Bell pepper: It adds a crunchy texture and sweet notes.
Garlic: It infuses the dish with its unique pungent and spicy flavor.
Kosher salt: It enhances all the flavors of the ingredients.
Ground turkey: Chosen for its lean protein, it's the star of this recipe.
Chipotle powder: It gives the dish a smoky and spicy depth.
Fresh parsley: It adds a fresh and slightly peppery layer of flavor.
One reader, Fraze Barela says:
This ground turkey and peppers recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are so vibrant and the dish is incredibly satisfying. It's a go-to for a quick, healthy meal. The combination of spices and fresh parsley is just perfect. It's become a family favorite in no time!
Techniques Required for Making This Tasty Dish
How to brown ground turkey: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add crumpled chunks of ground turkey to the pan, sprinkle with salt and chipotle powder. Cook the turkey without stirring until it is browned on one side, then turn the pieces over to brown the other side.
How to sauté onions and peppers: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
How to season to taste: After cooking the turkey, stir in the sautéed onions and peppers, then sprinkle with more salt and chipotle powder to taste.
How To Make Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers
Ground turkey is cooked with bell peppers, onion, and chili for this delicious one-pan dish. Serve with parsley for added flavor.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4tbspextra virgin olive oil
- 1cupyellow onion,chopped, including some chopped greens from scallions or green onions
- 1bell pepper,red or yellow preferred, chopped
- 2clovesgarlic,minced
- kosher salt
- 1lbground turkey,preferably ground turkey thighs
- 1tspchipotle powder,or chili powder or to taste
- 2tbspfresh parsley,or cilantro, chopped
Instructions
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Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until onions and peppers are softened.
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Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
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Push the vegetables to the edge of one side of the pan and position that side of the pan so that it is off the burner, away from the heat. The empty part of the pan should be right over the burner.
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Add 1 or 2 more tablespoons of oil to coat the empty part of the pan. Put crumpled chunks of ground turkey in the pan, sprinkle with salt and chipotle or chili powder.
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Cook the turkey without stirring until it is browned on one side, then turn the pieces over to brown the other side.
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Once the turkey is just cooked through, stir in the onions and peppers, and sprinkle with more salt and chili powder to taste. Remove from heat.
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Stir in fresh chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve alone or with steamed rice or noodles.
Nutrition
- Calories: 317.21kcal
- Fat: 22.43g
- Saturated Fat: 4.20g
- Trans Fat: 0.12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12.87g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.01g
- Carbohydrates: 6.48g
- Fiber: 1.63g
- Sugar: 3.03g
- Protein: 23.27g
- Cholesterol: 78.24mg
- Sodium: 466.78mg
- Calcium: 40.76mg
- Potassium: 419.84mg
- Iron: 1.79mg
- Vitamin A: 87.40µg
- Vitamin C: 43.95mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Ground Turkey and Peppers
When browning the ground turkey, resist the urge to stir it too often. Letting it sit undisturbed in the pan allows it to develop a nice, flavorful crust. Once it's browned on one side, then you can flip it over to brown the other side. This method will give your dish a deeper flavor profile.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Mom's Ground Turkey and Peppers Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and store onions, peppers, and garlic in advance to save time during the cooking process.
One-pot wonder: Use a large skillet to cook the entire dish in one pan, minimizing cleanup and saving time.
Batch cooking: Make a larger portion and store leftovers for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
Multitask: While the turkey is browning, use that time to chop the vegetables or prepare the side dish.
Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize the time spent on post-cooking cleanup.
Substitute Ingredients For Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers Recipe
extra virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar high smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable replacement for extra virgin olive oil in this recipe.
yellow onion - Substitute with white onion: White onions have a slightly milder flavor compared to yellow onions and can be used as a substitute in this recipe without significantly altering the taste.
bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers have a mild heat and a slightly smoky flavor, which can add a unique twist to the dish while still providing the desired texture and color.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute, providing a similar flavor profile to the dish.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt, providing a similar level of salinity to the dish.
ground turkey - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken can be used as a substitute for ground turkey, offering a similar texture and flavor profile in the recipe.
chipotle powder - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can provide a similar smoky flavor and mild heat to the dish, replacing the chipotle powder effectively.
fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Fresh cilantro can be used as a substitute for parsley, adding a bright, fresh flavor to the dish.
Best Way to Present Mom's Delicious Creation
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually appealing arrangement. Use colorful and vibrant ingredients to add visual interest to the plate.
Incorporate fresh herbs: Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the overall presentation.
Focus on symmetry: Arrange the components of the dish in a symmetrical and balanced manner on the plate to create a visually pleasing presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to stand out and capture attention.
Add a drizzle of olive oil: Before serving, delicately drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil over the dish to enhance its visual appeal and add a touch of richness.
Incorporate a pop of color: Consider adding a vibrant element, such as a small side salad or a colorful vegetable medley, to bring a burst of color to the plate.
Use elegant serving ware: Select elegant and sophisticated serving ware that complements the dish and enhances the overall presentation.
Pay attention to plate composition: Carefully consider the composition of the plate, ensuring that each element is strategically placed to create a visually stunning presentation.
Emphasize the main ingredient: Highlight the ground turkey and peppers as the focal point of the dish, allowing their natural colors and textures to shine through.
Incorporate a touch of heat: Consider adding a subtle sprinkle of chipotle powder around the rim of the plate to add a hint of heat and intrigue to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Ground Turkey and Peppers
- Cutting board: A flat board on which to cut and prepare ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and sloping sides, used for sautéing, frying, and searing foods.
- Garlic press: A tool used to crush garlic cloves, extracting the pulp and juices.
- Measuring cups: Utensils used to measure liquid or dry ingredients accurately.
- Measuring spoons: Small spoons used to measure small amounts of ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: A sturdy cooking spoon made of wood, used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible utensil used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients.
- Tongs: A kitchen tool with two arms and a pivot, used for picking up and manipulating food.
- Cooking pot: A deep, round container with a handle and often a lid, used for cooking on the stovetop.
Storing and Freezing Instructions for Mom's Recipe
- Let the ground turkey and peppers cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cooled mixture in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag for up to 2-3 months.
- To prevent freezer burn, remove as much air as possible from the container or bag before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification.
- To reheat, thaw the frozen mixture in the refrigerator overnight.
- Transfer the thawed mixture to a skillet and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Add a splash of water or chicken broth if the mixture seems dry.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the mixture in the microwave.
- Place the thawed mixture in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
How to Reheat Leftover Ground Turkey and Peppers
To reheat leftover mom's ground turkey and peppers recipe, the best method is to use a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium heat, then add the leftovers and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. This method helps to retain the texture and flavor of the ground turkey and peppers.
Another option is to use the microwave. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the dish is heated through. While this method is quick and convenient, it may result in slightly softer textures compared to the stovetop method.
For a crispy twist, you can reheat the leftovers in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the ground turkey and peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp up the top. This method works well if you have a larger quantity of leftovers to reheat.
If you want to add some extra flavor and moisture to the leftovers, try stirring in some chicken broth or tomato sauce before reheating. This will help to prevent the dish from drying out and add a new dimension of flavor.
Lastly, you can repurpose the leftovers by using them as a filling for tacos, burritos, or stuffed bell peppers. Simply reheat the mixture using one of the above methods, then spoon it into your chosen vessel and enjoy a whole new meal!
Interesting Trivia About Ground Turkey and Peppers
Ground turkey is a lean and healthy alternative to beef, as it contains less fat and fewer calories. It's a great source of protein and can be used in a variety of dishes, making it a versatile option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
Is This Recipe Budget-Friendly for Home Cooking?
This ground turkey and peppers recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Ground turkey is an affordable and lean protein option, while peppers and onions are budget-friendly vegetables. The addition of olive oil and spices enhances the flavors without adding significant cost. Overall, this recipe is a solid 9 in terms of cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $12-$15, making it an economical and nutritious meal option.
Is This Ground Turkey and Peppers Recipe Healthy?
This recipe for mom's ground turkey and peppers is a relatively healthy dish, offering several nutritious ingredients:
- Ground turkey is a lean protein source, lower in saturated fat compared to ground beef
- Bell peppers and onions provide vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber
- Garlic offers potential health benefits, such as boosting the immune system
- Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat source
- Parsley is rich in antioxidants and vitamins
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the dish even healthier:
- Opt for low-sodium or no-salt-added broth to reduce the overall sodium content
- Use a variety of colorful bell peppers to increase the diversity of nutrients
- Incorporate additional vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, to boost the fiber content and overall nutrient density
- Experiment with whole grain rice or pasta to provide more complex carbohydrates and fiber
- Consider using a mix of lean ground meats, such as turkey and chicken, for a slight variation in flavor and nutrient profile
- Adjust the amount of oil used based on personal dietary needs and preferences
- Enhance the flavor with additional herbs and spices, like oregano or smoked paprika, to reduce the need for added salt
Editor's Opinion on This Flavorful Ground Turkey Recipe
This ground turkey and peppers recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of chipotle powder adds a smoky and spicy kick, while the fresh parsley brings a burst of freshness. The method of cooking the ground turkey without stirring allows for a beautiful caramelization, enhancing the overall depth of flavor. The dish can be served alone for a light and satisfying meal, or paired with steamed rice or noodles for a heartier option. It's a versatile and delicious recipe that is sure to become a family favorite.
Enhance Your Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Mom’s Ground Turkey and Peppers Recipe:
This recipe is a family favorite, passed down through generations, and has been enjoyed by countless individuals. The combination of ground turkey, bell peppers, and chipotle powder creates a flavorful and nutritious dish. The use of extra virgin olive oil and fresh parsley enhances the overall taste and adds a touch of freshness. Trust in the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe, as it has been a staple in many households and has received rave reviews.
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