Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet: Quick Dinner (Print Version)
Make a quick Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet for an easy weeknight meal. It's packed with flavor, simple to make, and a total family favorite.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American (Homestyle)
Dietary: Gluten-Free, High Protein, Low Carb
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 tbsp olive oil
02 -
1 lb lean ground turkey
03 -
1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 -
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
2 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
06 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
→ Flavor Boosters
07 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
08 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
09 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
10 -
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
11 -
1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
→ Finishing Touches
12 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
13 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
→ Optional Extras
14 -
1/4 cup chicken broth (for a saucier dish)
15 -
1 cup fresh spinach, added at the end
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, let's get those veggies ready. Slice your zucchini into nice half-moons, not too thick, not too thin—we want them to hold their shape but still get tender. Dice up your onion, and mince that garlic. I swear, the smell of fresh garlic hitting the cutting board always makes me feel like a real chef, even when I'm just making a simple Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet. It's where all the good flavors start, honestly.
02 -
Heat a large skillet (my trusty cast iron is always my choice for this!) over medium-high heat with a splash of olive oil. Add the ground turkey and break it up with a spoon. Cook it until it's nicely browned all over, about 5-7 minutes. This is where I always forget to season it a bit at this stage, but a pinch of salt and pepper here makes a big difference. Don't drain the fat unless there's an excessive amount, as it carries flavor!
03 -
Once the turkey is browned, push it to one side of the skillet. Add the diced onion to the empty side and cook until it starts to soften and turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Oh, that smell! It's just incredible, seriously. Be careful not to burn the garlic; that's an oops moment I've had too many times.
04 -
Now, stir the cooked turkey, onion, and garlic all together. Add your sliced zucchini and the can of diced tomatoes (undrained!). This is where the Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet really starts to come together. Give everything a good stir to combine. I love seeing all those vibrant colors in the pan, it just makes me happy, you know?
05 -
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to make sure all those delicious spices coat everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This lets the zucchini soften and all the flavors meld together beautifully. Sometimes I peek and give it a stir, just because I'm impatient.
06 -
Once the zucchini is tender-crisp (I like a little bite, but you can cook it longer if you prefer it softer), remove the skillet from the heat. Give it a final taste and adjust seasonings if needed. I always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and a generous grating of Parmesan cheese over the top before serving. It just adds that little something extra, a fresh brightness that makes this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet shine!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd your skillet, especially when browning the turkey, or it'll steam instead of brown.
02 -
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop for the best texture, microwaving can make zucchini mushy.
03 -
If you're out of diced tomatoes, a can of crushed tomatoes works, but it will be saucier.
04 -
Serving this with a side of crusty bread for dipping into the juices is seriously my favorite!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 -
cutting board
03 -
chef's knife
04 -
measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 30g