Description
Cottage Cheese Turkey Pepper Skillet — a high-protein, low-carb, meal-prep friendly skillet recipe that’s creamy, colorful, and ready in 25 minutes. This healthy dinner idea features lean ground turkey browned to golden perfection, sautéed red, green (and optional yellow) bell peppers, sweet onions, and a velvety cottage cheese finish that melts into a rich, satisfying sauce. Perfect for weight-loss plans, keto-adaptable menus, or anyone looking for a filling high-protein weeknight meal. Packed with protein, vibrant veggies, and savory spices, this one-pan wonder reheats beautifully and doubles as a grab-and-go lunch for busy days. Ideal for Pinterest boards like ‘high protein dinners’, ‘low carb recipes’, ‘easy meal prep’, and ‘healthy comfort food’.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% preferred)
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper (optional), thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional add-ins: 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 cup mushrooms, 1 small zucchini sliced
Instructions
- Prep the vegetables: thinly slice the peppers and onion so they cook quickly and evenly.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Sauté the onions and peppers for 4–5 minutes until softened and beginning to caramelize; transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Add the ground turkey to the same skillet, break it apart, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes.
- Season the turkey while it cooks with chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; optionally add garlic or red pepper flakes when the turkey is nearly done.
- Return the sautéed peppers and onions to the skillet and toss to combine with the turkey.
- Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the cottage cheese, heating gently for 2–3 minutes until it just begins to melt and coat the mixture — do not boil.
- Taste and adjust seasoning; sprinkle chopped parsley on top for freshness and color.
- Serve hot straight from the skillet, over cauliflower rice, brown rice, or in low-carb wraps; refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Pro tip: Use a nonstick skillet to prevent the cottage cheese from sticking and to get a nice golden edge on the turkey.
- For creamier texture: blend the cottage cheese briefly before adding, or use a mix of cottage cheese and a spoonful of Greek yogurt.
- Make it keto: skip rice and add shredded cheddar at the end for extra fat and melty texture.
- Meal prep: divide into 4 airtight containers with cauliflower rice or roasted veggies for quick lunches.
- Flavor boost: add a squeeze of fresh lemon or a splash of apple cider vinegar right before serving to brighten flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Cottage Cheese Turkey Pepper Skillet, high protein dinner, low carb skillet, meal prep recipe, keto-friendly cottage cheese recipe, healthy one pan meal