This Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a quick and healthy meal! The turkey is lean and tender, while the zucchini adds a nice crunch and fresh taste.
I love how simple it is to make—just toss everything in the skillet! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in veggies, and the whole family enjoys it. Can you say “dinner win”? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This lean meat is great for healthy meals. If you prefer, you can substitute it with ground chicken or even a plant-based option like lentils or veggie crumbles for a vegetarian dish.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a lovely texture. If zucchini is not available, yellow squash or bell peppers work well, too. Chopped kale or spinach can also be added for extra nutrients!
Onion: I recommend using yellow onion for its sweetness, but white or red onions will also do. If you’re in a pinch, use onion powder instead—around a teaspoon will add a nice flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: While this is an optional ingredient, it brings richness to the dish. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Ground Turkey Evenly?
Cooking ground turkey well is key to a delicious dish. Here’s how to get it perfectly browned and flavorful:
- Start with a hot skillet; this helps to sear the meat.
- Make sure to break up the turkey with a spatula as it cooks. This ensures even cooking and browning.
- Don’t rush the cooking process! Allow it to brown before stirring too much. This will create a nice color and deepen the flavors.
Following these tips will help you achieve juicy, well-seasoned turkey in your skillet dish!
Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, totaling around 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking.
2. Sauté the Onion:
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks soft and slightly shiny!
3. Add Garlic:
Mix in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. You want it to be fragrant, not burnt, so keep an eye on it!
4. Brown the Turkey:
Next, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up, and cook it for about 6-8 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Cook until there is no pink left!
5. Spice It Up:
Season the turkey with dried oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well, allowing those flavors to blend.
6. Add the Zucchini:
Now, toss in the diced zucchini. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes, until the zucchini is tender but still has a little crunch.
7. Optional Cheese:
If you want to add Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the mixture now. Stir until the cheese melts into the skillet, making it even creamier!
8. Serve It Up:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if you’d like, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!
This dish is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor and nutrition—perfect for the whole family! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Ground Turkey?
Yes, you can use frozen ground turkey! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave’s defrost setting. Once thawed, cook as directed above.
What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini, you can use yellow squash, bell peppers, or even chopped spinach or kale. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or use the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground turkey with lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based meat alternative. Just sauté the vegetables as directed and mix in your choice of vegetarian protein.
