Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

If weeknight dinners are starting to feel like a chore, the Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet might just become your new culinary best friend. This dish blends lean ground turkey with vibrant veggies in a single skillet for a meal that’s as healthy as it is satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy nights.
  • Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and colorful veggies for a balanced meal.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet.
  • Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit dietary preferences and ingredient availability.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s dive into the treasure trove of simple ingredients that make this Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet a flavor powerhouse. Each element adds its own flair, from the earthiness of oregano to the gentle bite of fresh spinach, creating a symphony of taste.

  • Lean Ground Turkey: Opt for turkey for a lighter protein option. Ground beef can also be a tasty alternative if you prefer.
  • Zucchini: Adds a tender texture and mild sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory turkey.
  • Bell Pepper: Choose any color to add a burst of color and crispiness.
  • Onion: The essential aromatic that forms the flavor base.
  • Spinach: A handful of spinach ensures this meal packs a nutritional punch.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The beauty of the Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is its amazing versatility. You can tailor it to suit your personal taste or dietary needs, mixing and matching ingredients as you see fit.

  • Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
  • Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground turkey for your favorite plant-based protein for a vegetarian skillet.
  • Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top for a cheesy delight.

How to Make Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by adding your ground turkey to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a spatula to break it up, cooking until it browns beautifully. This is where the juicy, savory base of your dish begins.

Step 2: Add Flavor

Next, sprinkle in salt, pepper, chili powder, oregano, and paprika, infusing the meat with robust seasoning. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for an additional minute until it turns a luscious golden-brown.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Remove the meat from the pan, then introduce the oil along with the zucchini, onion, and bell pepper. Season these veggies and let them dance around, becoming translucent and richly tender.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the savory meat to the skillet, stirring in the water, tomato paste, and spinach. Cover and simmer briefly until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are gloriously melded together.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

  • Veggie Tenderness Check: Pierce the zucchini with a fork to ensure it’s perfectly tender before adding back the turkey.
  • Flavor Boost: For added depth, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding the tomato paste.
  • Heat Regulation: Keep a close eye on the heat levels, adjusting when necessary to prevent burning the garlic.
  • Timing Spinach Addition: Add spinach just before serving; its delicate nature means it wilts quickly.

How to Serve Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Top your skillet creation with freshly grated parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor that elevates the dish.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a side of crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon. The fresh salad is a fantastic counterpoint to the savory skillet.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the skillet directly from the pan for a rustic, homey feel, or transfer portions onto pre-warmed plates for a more formal presentation. A dash of colorful bell peppers on top can add visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, place the cooled skillet contents in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors will deepen, and the dish will keep for up to three days.

Freezing

This skillet meal is an excellent candidate for freezing. Simply divide into portion-sized containers and freeze. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water if it becomes too dry during reheating.

FAQs

  1. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

    Absolutely! Ground beef adds a deeper, richer flavor and works well as a substitute in this recipe.

  2. What other vegetables can I add?

    You can experiment with mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or even shredded carrots for added variety and nutrition.

  3. Is there a dairy-free option?

    Simply omit any cheese toppings and enjoy the naturally dairy-free skillet as is, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

  4. How can I make it spicier?

    Add extra chili powder, a sprinkle of cayenne, or a dash of hot sauce to dial up the heat according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, this cozy recipe has inspired you to try something new! Gather your ingredients and a skillet to create this Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet. It’s sure to bring joy and delicious aromas to your kitchen. Enjoy!

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Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 506 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a healthy and flavorful one-pan meal that combines lean ground turkey with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it offers a balanced mix of protein and vegetables, cooked to perfection in just 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Meat and Seasonings

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey or lean ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced

Veggies and Oil

  • 1 1/2 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
  • 2 medium zucchini, cubed
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into 3/4 inch pieces
  • 1/2 white or yellow onion, cut into 3/4 inch pieces

Sauces and Additional Ingredients

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (additional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (additional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (additional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (additional)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 5 ounces fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped or whole

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey (or beef) to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a spatula to crumble the meat and cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
  2. Season the Meat: Stir in salt, pepper, chili powder, oregano, paprika, and minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute until the garlic is golden. Remove the cooked meat mixture from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium. Add oil to the skillet along with zucchini, onion, and bell pepper. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, paprika, and pepper. Stir well and sauté for 5-10 minutes until vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent.
  4. Combine Ingredients and Simmer: Return the cooked ground turkey and garlic to the skillet. Add water, tomato paste, and spinach. Mix well, then cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes until heated through and spinach is wilted.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef for ground turkey if preferred.
  • Adjust the spice levels according to your taste, adding more chili powder or pepper if desired.
  • This dish can be served over rice or with crusty bread for a more filling meal.
  • For a dairy-free option, omit any cheese or creamy additions.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

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