Looking for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal? This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is the answer! Packed with lean protein from ground turkey and fresh zucchini, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights. It’s flavorful, filling, and loaded with nutrients – a true powerhouse meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Turkey: A lean protein that cooks quickly and adds a savory depth to the dish.
- Zucchini: Fresh, mild, and nutrient-rich, zucchini adds a perfect texture to the skillet.
- Seasonings: Garlic, onion, paprika, and a hint of chili flakes for a little heat (optional).
- Optional Extras: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs (like parsley or basil), or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish.
How to Make Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
This recipe is as easy as it gets! Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by dicing the zucchini into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic and onion. This will help everything cook quickly and evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once the turkey is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Zucchini and Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the diced onion and garlic until fragrant and softened. Add the zucchini and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s tender yet still has a slight bite.
Step 4: Combine and Season
Once the zucchini is cooked to your liking, return the ground turkey to the skillet. Season with paprika, salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer. Stir everything together to allow the flavors to meld for a couple of minutes. Optional: finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
Tips for Perfect Skillet Meal
- Use a heavy-bottom skillet: This ensures even heat distribution and prevents food from sticking or burning.
- Don’t overcook the zucchini: Zucchini cooks quickly, and you want it to retain some texture, so be careful not to overcook it.
- Customize the flavors: Spice it up with chili flakes, or add chopped bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
Variations and Serving Ideas
This skillet meal is super versatile. Here are some fun ways to make it your own:
- Add More Veggies: Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to the skillet for a colorful veggie-packed meal.
- Serve Over Grains: For a heartier meal, serve it over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
- Low-Carb Option: Enjoy it as-is for a light, low-carb dinner or pair it with a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
Storing and Reheating
This ground turkey and zucchini skillet makes great leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Storage: Allow the skillet to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can cook it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat when ready to eat!
- Can I use other types of meat? Yes! You can swap the ground turkey with ground chicken, beef, or even a vegetarian protein like lentils or tofu.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone following a gluten-free diet.
25-Minute Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe
This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is the ideal weeknight meal – easy, quick, and full of flavor! Combining lean ground turkey with fresh zucchini and aromatic spices, this one-pan dish is both delicious and nutritious. With just a few simple ingredients and under 30 minutes of cook time, you’ll have a satisfying dinner on the table in no time.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean)
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh herbs (parsley or basil), for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Dice zucchini into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic and onion.
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Zucchini and Aromatics: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté onion and garlic until softened and fragrant. Add zucchini and cook for 5-7 minutes, until tender but still slightly firm.
- Combine and Season: Add the cooked turkey back into the skillet. Season with paprika, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes. Stir to combine and let the flavors meld for a couple of minutes. Optional: top with Parmesan and fresh lemon juice before serving.
Enjoy your flavorful, quick, and healthy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet!