Description
Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make one-pan meal packed with lean protein, colorful vegetables, and aromatic seasonings. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground turkey (or chicken/beef for variation)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if needed for cooking)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium zucchini, diced (about 2 cups)
- 2 bell peppers, diced (any color—red, yellow, or orange for sweetness)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for a kick)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth (to prevent sticking and add moisture)
- Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Optional Garnishes: Crumbled feta or grated Parmesan cheese
- Optional Garnishes: Lemon wedges, for squeezing
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon (about 6–8 minutes). If the turkey is lean and sticks to the pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil. Season the turkey with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the diced zucchini and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies are tender but still slightly crisp.
- Return the cooked turkey to the skillet with the veggies. Add the diced tomatoes and broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, crumbled feta, or grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of brightness.
Notes
- For a heartier meal, serve over quinoa, brown rice, or couscous.
- Spice it up by adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- For a Mediterranean twist, stir in Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese.
- If you’re following a low-carb diet, skip grains and serve the skillet as-is or with a side of roasted cauliflower.
- For a creamy variation, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg