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Flavorful Ground Turkey

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This Flavorful Ground Turkey is a hearty, protein-packed dish simmered with beans, corn, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. It’s versatile enough to serve as chili, taco or burrito filling, nacho topping, or even stuffed into peppers—making it the perfect base recipe for countless meals.

  • Author: Chef Sarah
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: One-Pot Simmer
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 red bell pepper, finely diced

1 green bell pepper, finely diced

1 pound ground turkey (93% lean or leaner)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup frozen corn

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Optional toppings: sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar, tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

  2. Add onion and sauté 5–7 minutes until softened.

  3. Stir in garlic and bell peppers; cook 3–5 minutes until softened.

  4. Increase heat to medium-high and add ground turkey. Break apart and cook 7–10 minutes until browned. Drain fat if needed.

  5. Stir in oregano, basil, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toast spices for 1–2 minutes.

  6. Add diced tomatoes with liquid and tomato sauce, scraping the pot bottom.

  7. Stir in kidney beans, black beans, and corn. Bring to a simmer.

  8. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  9. Adjust seasoning to taste. Stir in cilantro before serving if desired.

  10. Serve hot with toppings or use as filling for tacos, burritos, or stuffed peppers.

Notes

  • Use ground chicken, beef, or sausage instead of turkey if preferred.
  • Add zucchini, carrots, or celery for more vegetables.
  • For smoky depth, use fire-roasted tomatoes.
  • Make it spicy with jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or extra cayenne.
  • Slow cooker: Brown turkey/veggies, then cook on low 6–8 hrs or high 3–4 hrs.
  • Instant Pot: Brown turkey/veggies, then cook on high pressure 15 mins, natural release.
  • Freezer-friendly: Portion and freeze for up to 3 months.

Find it online: https://cookingwithsarah.com/flavorful-ground-turkey/