EASY ITALIAN GROUND TURKEY SKILLET

Imagine the savory aroma of Italian herbs mingling with browned ground turkey, sweet peppers, and a touch of garlic – all simmering together in one glorious pan. This Italian Ground Turkey Skillet is your answer to a fast, flavorful, and healthy dinner that even the busiest weeknight can’t derail. Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create a meal that tastes like it came straight from a cozy Italian trattoria.

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Skillet:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh basil, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Getting Started:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Browning the Turkey:

2. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly browned; we’re going to build even more flavor later!

Building the Flavor Base:

3. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. The aroma alone is going to make your mouth water!

Adding the Veggies:

4. Stir in the chopped bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes, until slightly tender. I love using both red and green peppers for color and sweetness, but feel free to use your favorites!

Simmering to Perfection:

5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add the oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. This is where the magic happens, so don’t rush it!

Serving Suggestions:

6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. You can also top it with shredded mozzarella cheese and let it melt for an extra cheesy treat.

Why I Love This Recipe: It’s All About the Ease and Flavor!

Okay, friends, let’s talk about why this Italian Ground Turkey Skillet is a total game-changer. First off, it’s a one-pan wonder, which means fewer dishes – and who doesn’t love that? Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those crazy weeknights when you’re short on time but still craving something delicious and healthy. I always find that a good Ground Turkey Skillet recipe is a great base for a nutritious meal.

Secrets to Skillet Success: Tips and Tricks

Even though this recipe is super simple, a few little tweaks can take it from good to *amazing*. Here are my top tips for skillet success:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re doubling the recipe, cook the turkey in batches to ensure it browns properly. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, which can affect the flavor.
• Spice it up (or down): Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can omit them altogether. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Fresh herbs are your friend: While dried herbs work great in this recipe, fresh herbs will take it to the next level. If you have fresh basil, oregano, or thyme on hand, add them towards the end of cooking for a burst of flavor.
• Add some veggies: Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables. Mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or even kale would be delicious additions. Just add them along with the bell peppers and cook until tender. Thinking about zucchini? You might enjoy these Mushroom Ricotta Zucchini Boats!

Making it Your Own: Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Italian Ground Turkey Skillet is how easily you can adapt it to your own tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Make it low-carb: Serve the skillet over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb meal.
• Add some beans: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or kidney beans for added protein and fiber.
• Swap the meat: If you’re not a fan of ground turkey, you can easily substitute ground chicken or Italian sausage.
• Pressure Cooker Pasta: While this recipe is designed for the skillet, you can adapt it for a pressure cooker! Brown the turkey and veggies as directed, then add the remaining ingredients and about 1 cup of broth or water. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. Stir in cooked pasta (like penne or rotini) before serving.

Serving Suggestions: From Simple to Spectacular

This versatile Italian Ground Turkey Skillet can be served in so many ways! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Over pasta: Toss it with your favorite pasta shape for a classic Italian dinner.
• In lettuce wraps: Spoon the skillet mixture into lettuce cups for a light and refreshing meal.
• As a filling: Use it as a filling for stuffed peppers, zucchini boats, or even lasagna.
• With crusty bread: Serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.
• As a dip: Top tortilla chips for a crowd pleasing appetizer.

Ground Turkey Meal Prep: Make Ahead Magic

This recipe is also perfect for Ground Turkey Meal Prep! Cook a big batch on Sunday and portion it out into containers for easy lunches and dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Beyond the Skillet: Exploring Other Ground Turkey Delights

If you’re looking for more ways to use ground turkey, you’re in luck! Ground turkey is such a versatile and healthy protein source. Have you ever tried a Ground Turkey And Peppers Stir-fry? It’s surprisingly delicious and quick to make. For a cozy and comforting option, you can try Italian Penicillin Soup. And if you are looking for a family favorite, try these Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes, which you can adapt for turkey too! Also, if you’re looking for a lighter option, consider a Ground Turkey And Zucchini Skillet.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Dinner

So, there you have it! A foolproof Italian Ground Turkey Skillet recipe that’s guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy, healthy, customizable, and bursting with flavor. What more could you ask for? Now go forth and create a delicious dinner that everyone will love!

Easy Italian Ground Turkey Skillet

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Italian Ground Turkey Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines browned ground turkey with Italian herbs, sweet peppers, and crushed tomatoes for a delicious and healthy dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Can opener
• Lid for skillet

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh basil, chopped optional, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for garnish
• Shredded mozzarella cheese optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
• Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the chopped bell peppers and cook for another 5 minutes, until slightly tender.
• Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add the oregano, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
• Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. You can also top it with shredded mozzarella cheese and let it melt.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the pan: If doubling the recipe, cook the turkey in batches. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. Fresh herbs will enhance the flavor. Customize with your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or kale. For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Add a can of drained beans for added protein and fiber. Ground chicken or Italian sausage can be substituted for ground turkey. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.