If you’re looking for a fuss-free, wholesome dinner that feels homey and satisfying without weighing you down, the Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe will absolutely hit the spot. It’s a vibrant one-pan meal that features lean ground turkey, colorful veggies, and a sprinkle of gooey cheese, all coming together in 30 minutes flat. The heartiness of turkey, the freshness of zucchini, and the burst of Italian-inspired seasonings will make you want to save this meal to your regular weeknight rotation. The best part? Everything cooks up in just one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything on this short ingredient list has a special role to play in building big flavor and gorgeous color in your skillet. Each item is easy to find and thoughtfully chosen for its contribution to taste and texture, ensuring that your Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe turns out delicious every single time.
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely richness and helps brown the turkey and soften the veggies beautifully.
- Ground turkey: Lean yet juicy, this is the star protein that soaks up every bit of seasoning.
- Onion: Diced onion offers a naturally sweet, savory base and a touch of color.
- Garlic: Two cloves, minced, bring that irresistible aromatic kick you expect from a home-cooked skillet meal.
- Zucchini: Fresh, tender half-moons of zucchini add bulk, mild flavor, and gorgeous green color.
- Red bell pepper: Its bright red hue and gentle sweetness offset the other veggies perfectly.
- Italian seasoning: This blend ties together all the flavors with notes of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Paprika: Brings gentle warmth and a subtle smokiness to the mix.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick—add as much or as little as you want!
- Diced tomatoes (canned, drained): Offer moisture, tang, and that unmistakable “skillet supper” vibe.
- Chicken broth or water: Adds just enough liquid to help everything cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Shredded mozzarella or parmesan (optional): Melts into gooey or savory goodness on top—your choice of cheese, or leave it out for dairy-free.
- Salt and black pepper: Both are crucial for dialing in the seasoning.
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish): Brings a burst of color and herby freshness just before serving.
How to Make Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the ground turkey and break it apart with a sturdy spoon. You’ll want to cook it until it’s golden brown and no longer pink. The key here is to get a bit of color on the meat, as this will help build rich, savory flavor at the base of your Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the turkey is beautifully browned, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté these together until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. These classic aromatics set the savory tone for the rest of the dish and make your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Next, toss in the chopped zucchini and red bell pepper. Stir everything together and let the veggies cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The zucchini will start to look glossy and the bell pepper should look bright, both just beginning to soften—this stage keeps the veggies vibrant so they don’t get mushy later.
Step 4: Season and Bring in the Flavor
Now it’s time to sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Season generously with salt and black pepper, then stir well. This step gives your entire skillet a delicious, layered flavor profile that makes the Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe stand out from the crowd.
Step 5: Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and chicken broth (or water if you prefer). Reduce the heat to medium and let everything simmer together for 8–10 minutes. This simmering step helps the flavors meld while the veggies finish softening and the turkey stays nice and juicy.
Step 6: Add Cheese (Optional) and Finish
If you love a little extra comfort factor, sprinkle your skillet with mozzarella or parmesan cheese. Cover the pan so the cheese melts into gooey, golden perfection. Once melted, take your skillet off the heat, garnish generously with fresh parsley or basil, and get ready to dig in while it’s piping hot.
How to Serve Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Go all out with a shower of chopped fresh parsley or basil right before serving—this burst of green not only looks beautiful but adds a final touch of fresh flavor. A sprinkle of extra cheese or a dash of cracked black pepper on top never hurts, either!
Side Dishes
This skillet is incredibly versatile. Serve it just as it is for a low-carb dinner, or spoon it over white rice, fluffy quinoa, or even a bed of creamy mashed potatoes if you’re looking to make it extra hearty. Garlic bread or a crisp green salad also pair perfectly and round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by stuffing the skillet mixture into halved bell peppers for a fun twist, or serve it taco-style in warm tortillas for a playful dinner. You can also tuck leftovers into a lunchbox with cooked farro or brown rice for a meal prep superstar that tastes even better the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe after dinner, simply let it cool a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its flavor or texture. This makes it an ideal dish for tasty, homemade lunches.
Freezing
Want to stash away some for future dinners? Freeze cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just keep in mind that zucchini may soften more after freezing, but the flavors remain delicious.
Reheating
To reheat your Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. A splash of broth helps restore any lost moisture. For quick lunches, microwave a serving in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Definitely! This recipe is flexible and will work with ground chicken or beef if that’s what you have. Just note that ground beef will add a bit more richness, while chicken remains on the lighter side, similar to turkey.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries—just mix up your own blend using dried basil, oregano, and thyme, or use whatever herb mix you enjoy. The key is giving the skillet that pop of Mediterranean flavor.
Is this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe gluten free?
Yes, the ingredients as listed are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your chicken broth and cheese if you’re being extra cautious about cross-contamination or additives.
Can I double the recipe for meal prep or a bigger group?
Absolutely! Simply use a larger skillet or cook in batches if needed. This recipe scales up beautifully for meal preppers or hungry families—just keep an eye on the cooking time as you might need a few extra minutes when the skillet is fuller.
What cheese works best for topping?
Both mozzarella and parmesan are great choices: mozzarella melts beautifully and makes for a gooey finish, while parmesan gives a salty, umami-rich bite. You can even try a mix or substitute with a dairy-free cheese for a vegan option.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something wonderful about a recipe that’s easy enough for busy weeknights but still feels special every time. Give this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how much everyone loves the balance of hearty turkey, vibrant veggies, and classic Italian flavors. One skillet, endless possibilities, and a dinner that’s always a win!
Print
Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a flavorful and nutritious one-pan meal that is quick and easy to prepare. Packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables, it’s a perfect dish for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey Skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Zucchini Skillet:
- 2 medium zucchinis, chopped into half-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional:
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned. Stir in onion and garlic.
- Add zucchini and red bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, stirring well.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth, then reduce heat to medium and let simmer for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese if desired and cover until melted. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or quinoa.
- For a dairy-free option, omit the cheese or use a plant-based substitute.
- Ground chicken or beef can be used as alternatives to turkey.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
