Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine with this incredible Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet. This one-pan wonder is the perfect solution for busy evenings, delivering a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. It’s a dish packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and savory spices that your whole family will love. Forget the pile of dishes and the complicated steps; this recipe is all about simplicity and delicious results.
We combine tender ground turkey, crisp zucchini, sweet bell peppers, and onions, all brought together with a savory blend of garlic and Italian herbs. It’s a naturally low-carb, high-protein meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a last-minute dinner, this ground turkey and zucchini recipe is a reliable and delicious choice.
Why This Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet Recipe Is a Must-Try
There are countless reasons to love this dish, but here are a few that will make it a staple in your kitchen:
- One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze. It’s the perfect recipe for those nights when you just can’t face a sink full of dishes.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, this meal is ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights when time is short but you still want a wholesome, home-cooked meal.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from the turkey and loaded with vitamins and fiber from the zucchini and other vegetables, it’s a meal you can feel great about serving. It easily fits into low-carb and keto lifestyles.
- Incredibly Versatile: This recipe is a great starting point. Feel free to customize it with different vegetables, spices, or cheeses. It’s easy to adapt to what you have on hand. For a different take on a simple weeknight meal, you might also love this easy lasagna soup recipe.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this flavorful skillet to life:
A full ingredient list with precise measurements is available in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Ground Turkey: I recommend using 93/7 lean ground turkey. It provides great flavor without being too greasy.
- Zucchini: The star vegetable! Two medium zucchinis, diced, add a wonderful texture and subtle sweetness.
- Onion & Bell Pepper: A yellow onion and a red bell pepper create a classic, aromatic base that adds depth and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for building a savory foundation.
- Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes (undrained) adds moisture and a tangy flavor that ties everything together.
- Italian Seasoning: This convenient blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme provides the signature Italian-inspired flavor.
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the turkey.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste, to enhance all the other flavors.
- Optional Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese at the end adds a delicious, salty, and nutty finish.
How to Make the Perfect Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet
Making this dish is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps for a flawless meal every time.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until they begin to soften, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it’s browned all over, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain off any excess fat from the pan.
- Combine and Simmer: Stir in the diced zucchini, the can of undrained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender-crisp.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat. If you’re using it, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Serve your delicious Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
To ensure your skillet dinner is perfect every time, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcook the Zucchini: For the best texture, cook the zucchini until it’s tender-crisp, not mushy. It should still have a slight bite to it.
- Use a Large Skillet: A 12-inch skillet provides enough room to brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables without overcrowding the pan, which ensures everything cooks evenly.
- Drain the Fat: After browning the turkey, be sure to drain any excess liquid or fat. This keeps the final dish from becoming greasy.
Flavor Variations and Add-Ins
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a little bit of heat.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or corn. Add heartier vegetables like mushrooms with the onions and quick-cooking ones like spinach at the very end.
- Cheese it Up: For an extra cheesy version, top the skillet with a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. Cover the pan until the cheese is melted and bubbly. It’s a similar satisfying feeling you get from a great classic patty melt.
- Switch up the Protein: This recipe works wonderfully with ground chicken or ground beef as well.
What to Serve with Your Skillet Dinner
This Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet is a fantastic standalone meal, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it over a bed of quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a more filling meal. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any juices, and a simple green salad can complete the dinner. For another comforting meal idea, try these homemade sloppy joes.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping lunches for the week.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the zucchini can become watery and mushy upon thawing.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat this skillet is in a pan over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. You can easily substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken, ground beef, or even ground Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
This dish is naturally low in carbs, but to ensure it’s fully keto-friendly, use a brand of diced tomatoes with no added sugar and be mindful of the onion and bell pepper content, as they contain some carbs. Otherwise, it’s a great keto option!
The key is to not overcook it. Sauté the zucchini until it’s ‘tender-crisp,’ meaning it’s cooked through but still has a slight bite. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes of simmering.
Yes, it’s excellent for meal prep! The flavors meld together beautifully overnight. Simply portion the cooled skillet into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
You can add many other vegetables! Mushrooms, yellow squash, eggplant, or a handful of spinach at the end would all be delicious additions. Adjust cooking times as needed depending on the vegetable.
Your Go-To Healthy Skillet Dinner
This Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy people who crave healthy, delicious, and easy meals. It’s proof that you don’t need a lot of time or complicated ingredients to put something truly wonderful on the dinner table. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will become a regular in your meal rotation.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to save it to your favorite board on Pinterest!
Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet
Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet: Your New Weeknight Favorite
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, until they begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the diced zucchini, undrained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, until zucchini is tender-crisp.
- Remove from heat. Stir in the optional grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.
Notes
Tip 2: Use a 12-inch skillet to ensure the ingredients aren't overcrowded and cook evenly.
Tip 3: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a bit of heat.
