Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a nourishing, one-pan meal that combines the savory flavors of lean ground turkey with the fresh, crunchy texture of zucchini. This quick and easy dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights. With the added goodness of garlic, sweet onions, and colorful bell peppers, it’s a vibrant and wholesome meal that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for weeknights when you want something healthy but fast.
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One-pan meal: Minimal cleanup is required, making it even more convenient for busy nights.
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Packed with flavor: The savory ground turkey pairs beautifully with the fresh zucchini, garlic, and Italian seasoning, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
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Customizable: Swap the zucchini for spinach, add red pepper flakes for spice, or toss in any other vegetables you like.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb lean ground turkey
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2 medium zucchinis, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 medium onion, diced
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1 bell pepper (any color), diced
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper to taste
directions
1. Heat the Skillet
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Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil and allow it to heat up.
2. Sauté Vegetables
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Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they’re softened and the onion is translucent.
3. Add Garlic
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Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
4. Cook the Ground Turkey
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Crumble in the ground turkey and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and fully cooked.
5. Add Zucchini and Seasoning
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Add the sliced zucchini, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the zucchini is tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp.
6. Adjust Seasoning
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Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. Serve the dish hot from the skillet.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Add greens: Swap zucchini for spinach or kale for added nutrition.
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Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to introduce a little heat to the dish.
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More veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, tomatoes, or eggplant for a heartier dish.
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Cheese: Top with shredded cheese like mozzarella or Parmesan for extra flavor.
storage/reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the texture of the turkey and vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables instead of zucchini?
Yes, you can swap zucchini for other vegetables like spinach, kale, or even cauliflower, depending on what you have available.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the turkey and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat before serving.
Can I add a carb to this dish?
Absolutely! You can serve this skillet over rice, quinoa, or couscous to make it more filling.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-based ingredients.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, include red pepper flakes, chili powder, or fresh chopped jalapeños during the cooking process.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a healthy, quick, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With lean ground turkey, fresh veggies, and savory seasonings, it’s a nourishing dish that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be customized with your favorite veggies and spices!
Print
Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a nourishing, one-pan meal that combines the savory flavors of lean ground turkey with the fresh, crunchy texture of zucchini. This quick and easy dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights. With the added goodness of garlic, sweet onions, and colorful bell peppers, it’s a vibrant and wholesome meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground turkey
2 medium zucchinis, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 bell pepper (any color), diced
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the Skillet: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil and allow it to heat up.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they’re softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Crumble in the ground turkey and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and fully cooked.
- Add Zucchini and Seasoning: Add the sliced zucchini, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the zucchini is tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. Serve the dish hot from the skillet.
Notes
- Add greens: Swap zucchini for spinach or kale for added nutrition.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder to introduce a little heat to the dish.
- More veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, tomatoes, or eggplant for a heartier dish.
- Cheese: Top with shredded cheese like mozzarella or Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
