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A serving of lightened-up ground turkey meal in a bowl, showing lean meat and vegetables.

Classic Lightened-Up Ground Turkey Meal

This classic lightened-up ground turkey meal is a healthy and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Lean ground turkey is simmered with vegetables and a rich tomato sauce, seasoned with Italian herbs.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Breakfast
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color) chopped
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a little kick
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook ground turkey until no longer pink, draining excess fat if needed.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
  3. Stir in bell pepper, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15-20 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside your preferred sides.

Notes

This meal is versatile; feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. It pairs well with rice, pasta, or a side salad.