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A close-up shows a delicious Italian Ground Turkey Skillet, showcasing its vibrant colors and hearty ingredients.

Easy Italian Ground Turkey Skillet

Avatar photoAmelia 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.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
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.