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Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet – Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet
This Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet brings together lean protein and fresh vegetables in one delicious, easy-to-make meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful dish that’s both nutritious and satisfying. The combination of seasoned ground turkey with tender zucchini creates a balanced meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation that takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish
- Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables for a nutritious, well-balanced meal
- One-pan cooking means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience for busy families
- Versatile recipe that works perfectly for meal prep and leftovers throughout the week
- Budget-friendly ingredients that deliver maximum flavor without breaking the bank
Why This Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it balances flavors and textures perfectly. The lean ground turkey provides excellent protein while staying tender and juicy. The zucchini adds a mild, fresh taste that complements the meat without overpowering it.
The key lies in the seasoning blend and cooking technique. By browning the turkey first, you develop deep flavors that enhance the entire dish. The vegetables cook just until tender, maintaining their texture and nutritional value.
The addition of fresh spinach at the end adds color, nutrients, and a subtle earthy flavor that ties everything together. This method ensures each ingredient shines while creating a cohesive, delicious meal.
What You’ll Need for Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey (or lean ground beef if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (divided)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1½ tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- 2 medium zucchini, cubed
- 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into ¾ inch pieces
- ½ white or yellow onion, cut into ¾ inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
Tools
You’ll need a large skillet or cast-iron pan, a wooden spatula for stirring, and a sharp knife for chopping vegetables. A cutting board and measuring spoons complete your essential tools.
A lid for your skillet is important for the final simmering step. Having prep bowls ready helps organize your ingredients and makes cooking smoother.
How to Make Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet
| Step 1: | Add ground turkey to a large skillet on the stovetop. Use a spatula to crumble the meat. Cook on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned. |
| Step 2: | Stir in salt, pepper, chili powder, oregano, paprika, and minced garlic. Sauté for one more minute so garlic is golden in color. Remove meat mixture from pan and set aside. |
| Step 3: | Reduce heat to medium. Add oil to skillet with zucchini, onion, and bell pepper. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, paprika, and pepper. Stir and sauté until onion is translucent and vegetables are tender, about 5-10 minutes. |
| Step 4: | Return cooked ground turkey to the skillet. Add water, tomato paste, and fresh spinach. Stir, cover, and simmer for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and spinach is wilted. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning turkey – this ensures proper browning instead of steaming
- Cut all vegetables to similar sizes for even cooking and better presentation
- Let the turkey rest briefly after cooking to retain its juices before combining with vegetables
- Add spinach gradually if your skillet is small, allowing each handful to wilt before adding more
- Taste and adjust seasonings at the end, as different brands of ingredients can vary in saltiness
Serving and Storage Tips for Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet
Serving Tips
Serve this Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet hot, straight from the pan. It pairs wonderfully with cauliflower rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad. For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
This dish works great as a standalone meal or as part of a larger spread. Consider serving it alongside other healthy options like our Ultimate Chicken Casserole for variety.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet
Don’t rush the browning process for the turkey. Proper browning develops essential flavors that make this dish exceptional. Avoid moving the meat too frequently during the initial cooking phase.
Overcooking the zucchini is another common mistake. Zucchini should be tender but still have a slight bite. Mushy vegetables can ruin the texture of your entire dish.
Skipping the seasoning layers is problematic. Season the turkey separately from the vegetables to ensure each component is properly flavored throughout the cooking process.
You Must Know
- Ground turkey can dry out quickly, so don’t overcook it during the initial browning phase
- Fresh spinach wilts dramatically, so don’t be alarmed when 5 ounces reduces to a small amount
- Tomato paste adds concentrated flavor – don’t skip this ingredient as it enhances the overall taste
- The water helps create steam for the final cooking phase and prevents the mixture from sticking
Suggestions for Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet
Try different vegetable combinations to keep this recipe interesting. Yellow squash, mushrooms, or diced tomatoes work beautifully. You can also experiment with different protein options if desired.
For meal prep enthusiasts, this recipe doubles easily and freezes well for up to 3 months. Consider making a large batch and portioning it for future quick meals.
Spice lovers can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley make excellent finishing touches. Check out similar recipes like Turkey Spaghetti Zoodles for more inspiration.
This recipe complements other healthy dishes perfectly. Try it with our 5-Ingredient Easy Keto Cloud Cake for a complete meal experience.
FAQs:
Yes, you can substitute lean ground beef for turkey in this recipe. The cooking method remains the same, though beef may take slightly longer to brown properly.
Cut zucchini into uniform pieces and don’t overcook them. They should be tender but still have a slight bite when finished.
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead of time. Store cooked skillet in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Yellow squash, mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or broccoli florets all work wonderfully. Keep pieces similar in size for even cooking.
Absolutely! This Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet stores well and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for weekly meal prep sessions.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet delivers everything you want in a weeknight dinner – it’s quick, nutritious, and absolutely delicious. The combination of lean protein and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, this recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this versatile dish fits perfectly into any routine.
Try this recipe tonight and discover how easy it is to create restaurant-quality flavors in your own kitchen. Your family will be asking for this Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet again and again!
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📖 Recipe Card
Easy Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground turkey (or lean ground beef if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (divided)
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1½ tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- 2 medium zucchini, cubed
- 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into ¾ inch pieces
- ½ white or yellow onion, cut into ¾ inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Add ground turkey to a large skillet on the stovetop. Use a spatula to crumble the meat. Cook on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned.
- Stir in salt, pepper, chili powder, oregano, paprika, and minced garlic. Sauté for one more minute so garlic is golden in color. Remove meat mixture from pan and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add oil to skillet with zucchini, onion, and bell pepper. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, paprika, and pepper. Stir and sauté until onion is translucent and vegetables are tender, about 5-10 minutes.
- Return cooked ground turkey to the skillet. Add water, tomato paste, and fresh spinach. Stir, cover, and simmer for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and spinach is wilted.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning turkey – this ensures proper browning instead of steaming
- Cut all vegetables to similar sizes for even cooking and better presentation
- Ground turkey can dry out quickly, so don’t overcook it during the initial browning phase
- Fresh spinach wilts dramatically, so don’t be alarmed when 5 ounces reduces to a small amount
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
