Name: Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground turkey; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 2 medium zucchini, chopped; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping (optional)

Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly flavorful and healthy dish that comes together in under 30 minutes! Forget boring weeknight dinners; this recipe is a game-changer. I’m so excited to share this one with you because it’s become a staple in my own kitchen.

While the exact origins of combining ground meat with zucchini in a skillet are somewhat obscure, the concept itself is rooted in resourceful cooking. Throughout history, cultures have utilized readily available ingredients to create nourishing and satisfying meals. Zucchini, known for its mild flavor and abundance during the summer months, pairs beautifully with the savory richness of ground turkey.

What makes this Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The lean ground turkey provides a hearty protein base, while the zucchini adds a delightful tenderness and subtle sweetness. Seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, every bite is an explosion of flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Serve it as a standalone meal, over rice or quinoa, or even stuff it into bell peppers for a complete and satisfying dinner. People love this dish because it’s quick, easy, healthy, and, most importantly, delicious! I know you’ll love it too!

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 medium zucchini, chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping (optional)

Preparing the Ground Turkey and Vegetables

First, let’s get started by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure your skillet is nice and roomy; we’ll be adding a lot of ingredients!
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces. We want it to brown evenly, so keep stirring occasionally. Cook the turkey until it’s no longer pink, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Don’t worry about getting it perfectly cooked through at this stage, as it will continue to cook with the vegetables.
Once the turkey is browned, drain off any excess grease. This step is important to prevent the skillet from becoming too oily. You can carefully tilt the skillet and use a spoon to remove the grease, or you can transfer the turkey to a colander to drain it completely.
Now, add the chopped yellow onion to the skillet. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes softened and translucent. Stir it frequently to prevent it from burning.
Next, add the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and the bell pepper is slightly softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Add the chopped zucchini to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender-crisp. We don’t want it to become mushy, so keep an eye on it and stir it frequently.

Simmering the Sauce

Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (undrained) and the can of tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more seasoning later, so start with a little and adjust as needed.
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
After simmering, taste the skillet and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, oregano, or basil to suit your preferences. A pinch of sugar can also help to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, if desired.

Serving and Optional Toppings

Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley. This adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
If you’re using mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it over the top of the skillet. Place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch it carefully to prevent it from burning.
Serve the Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet hot. It’s delicious on its own, or you can serve it over rice, pasta, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes. It also makes a great filling for tacos or stuffed bell peppers.
Optional Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Some other ideas include:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Chopped avocado
- A sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat
- A drizzle of hot sauce

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

Use different ground meat: If you’re not a fan of ground turkey, you can easily substitute it with ground beef, ground chicken, or even ground sausage. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as mushrooms, carrots, spinach, or kale. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the skillet. You can also use a spicy sausage instead of ground turkey.
Add beans: For a heartier meal, add a can of drained and rinsed beans to the skillet, such as kidney beans, black beans, or cannellini beans.
Make it cheesy: In addition to mozzarella cheese, you can also add other types of cheese to the skillet, such as cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or provolone cheese.
Make it a casserole: Transfer the skillet mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Make it ahead of time: This skillet can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Freeze it: This skillet can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Low Carb Option: To make this a low carb meal, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice or pasta.
Spice it up with different herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a bay leaf during the simmering process to add depth of flavor.

Detailed Ingredient Notes

Let’s dive a little deeper into some of the ingredients and why they work so well in this recipe:

Ground Turkey: I prefer using lean ground turkey (93% lean) to keep the dish relatively healthy, but you can use any ground turkey you like. Remember that higher fat content will result in more grease to drain.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a nice flavor, but you can use any cooking oil you prefer, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or coconut oil.
Yellow Onion: Yellow onions are my go-to for most recipes because they have a good balance of sweetness and sharpness. You could also use white onions or even red onions, although red onions will have a stronger flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is always best, but you can use jarred minced garlic in a pinch. One clove of garlic is roughly equivalent to 1 teaspoon of minced garlic.
Red Bell Pepper: Red bell peppers add a touch of sweetness and color to the dish. You can also use other colors of bell peppers, such as green, yellow, or orange.
Zucchini: Choose zucchini that are firm and have smooth, unblemished skin. Smaller zucchini tend to be more tender and have fewer seeds.

Conclusion:

This Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and I truly believe you need to try it! The combination of lean ground turkey, tender zucchini, and those perfectly balanced spices creates a dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly healthy. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies without sacrificing taste. What more could you ask for?

But beyond the simplicity and health benefits, this recipe is a must-try because it’s incredibly versatile. Think of it as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Craving something cheesy? Stir in some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese right at the end. Want to make it even heartier? Toss in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or chickpeas. The possibilities are truly endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* As is: Enjoy it straight from the skillet for a simple and satisfying meal.
* Over rice or quinoa: Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a more substantial dish. This is a great way to stretch the recipe and make it go further.
* In lettuce wraps: Spoon the mixture into crisp lettuce cups for a light and refreshing low-carb option.
* As a filling: Use it as a filling for tacos, burritos, or stuffed peppers.
* With pasta: Toss it with your favorite pasta shape for a quick and easy pasta dinner. A light tomato sauce would complement the flavors beautifully.
* Topped with a fried egg: Add a fried egg on top for a protein-packed breakfast or brunch.
* Mediterranean twist: Add some crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.
* Spicy kick: Incorporate some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for those who like a little heat.

I’ve personally made this Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet countless times, and I’m always amazed at how quickly it comes together and how much everyone enjoys it. It’s become a staple in my household, and I have a feeling it will become one in yours too.

Don’t just take my word for it – give it a try! I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And when you do, please, please, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what variations you tried, what you served it with, and what your family thought. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this delicious and versatile dish. So, get cooking, and let me know what you think! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear about your Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet success!