You know those nights when you crave something hearty, nourishing, and packed with color, but you need it on the table in a flash? That’s exactly where the Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet shines! It’s a one-pan wonder brimming with lean protein, tender veggies, and layers of herby, bold flavors—plus, cleanup is a breeze. Perfect for busy evenings or meal prep, this skillet is my delicious go-to when I want wholesome comfort without sacrificing taste or time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Simplicity: Everything—from browning the turkey to simmering the veggies—happens in a single skillet, so you spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
- Flavor-Packed and Nutritious: This dish doesn’t skimp on taste or nutrition, thanks to a vibrant assortment of veggies, lean protein, and a blend of savory spices.
- Quick Comfort Food: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something cozy but fuss-free.
- Versatile and Customizable: Whether you’re gluten-free, dairy-free, or looking to work with what’s in your fridge, this skillet adapts like a dream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I adore about this Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is how approachable each ingredient is—you might already have most of them waiting in your kitchen! Every element in the recipe adds its own special flair, from the juicy turkey to the garden-fresh veggies and that bright pop of tomato paste. Here’s a quick rundown to inspire your prep:
- Lean ground turkey (1 lb): The star of the show; choose lean for a lighter skillet, or swap in ground beef for extra richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Classic seasonings to build the foundational flavors and bring out the best in the turkey and veggies.
- Chili powder, dried oregano, paprika: These spices lend warmth, earthiness, and just a little kick to keep each bite interesting.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the whole dish with irresistible aroma and depth—don’t skip it!
- Olive or avocado oil (1½ tbsp): Adds richness and helps brown the veggies; avocado oil also has a higher smoke point, great for sautéing.
- Zucchini (2 medium, cubed): Tender, mildly sweet, and perfect for soaking up all those herby, savory flavors.
- Bell pepper (any color): Adds crunch, color, and a touch of sweetness—go for red, yellow, or orange for the prettiest skillet.
- Onion (white or yellow): Building block for sweetness and umami; dice it to match the veggie size for even bites.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: A double-down of flavor to complement the fresh aromatics.
- Dried oregano & dried basil: These Italian-inspired herbs keep the flavors bright and a little woodsy.
- Paprika & black pepper: Yes, more paprika! It adds color and subtle smokiness, while pepper keeps things lively.
- Water (½ cup): Helps create just enough steam and sauce to meld all the flavors together.
- Tomato paste (2 tbsp): For a savory, umami-rich backbone that ties everything together and adds stunning color.
- Fresh baby spinach (5 oz): Wilts down in moments, adding bonus greens and a lovely finishing touch.
Variations
This Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is your culinary playground—customization is not just allowed, it’s encouraged! Whether you want to sneak in more veggies, dial up the heat, or adapt it to a specific diet, you’re in total control.
- Use Different Proteins: Try ground chicken, ground beef, or plant-based crumbles for a new twist.
- Veggie Swap: Add mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, kale, or even broccoli—whatever you have on hand will bring extra texture and nutrients.
- Make it Spicy: Toss in diced jalapeño, extra chili powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Dairy Boost: Finish with a sprinkle of feta, goat cheese, or shredded mozzarella for creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Low-Carb Lunch: Serve it over cauliflower rice or stir in spiralized zucchini for a full-on veggie bowl.
How to Make Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat and crumble in your ground turkey (or beef). Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks, letting it brown and sizzle beautifully—this adds so much savory flavor as the base of your skillet. Don’t rush the browning; those little golden bits are culinary gold!
Step 2: Season and Sauté the Aromatics
Once the turkey is cooked through, sprinkle it with salt, pepper, chili powder, dried oregano, paprika, and minced garlic. Let the garlic cook for about a minute with the meat, just until fragrant and golden—be careful not to let it burn. This step is where the flavor starts to layer and bloom!
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Remove the seasoned turkey and set aside. Lower the heat to medium, add your olive or avocado oil, and toss in the zucchini, chopped bell pepper, and onion—try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly. Sprinkle with their special blend of spices and sauté, stirring occasionally, just until the onions are see-through and the zucchini and peppers are nearly fork-tender (about 5–10 minutes).
Step 4: Combine, Simmer & Wilt the Spinach
Now, return the browned turkey mixture to the skillet. Pour in the water and stir in the tomato paste until it dissolves into a vibrant, silky sauce. Add the fresh baby spinach on top, cover, and let everything simmer for another 5–10 minutes, just until the spinach is wilted and the flavors are mingling beautifully. Stir one more time, taste, and adjust seasonings if needed—your Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is ready!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
- Veggie Size Matters: Keep your zucchini, pepper, and onion pieces around 3/4 inch so they cook evenly and offer a satisfying, juicy bite every time.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give everything a little breathing room so veggies get a chance to caramelize instead of steam—this brings out the best flavors and textures.
- Go Bold with Garlic: Use freshly minced garlic for the brightest aroma—pre-minced will work, but nothing beats the real deal here.
- Spinach Goes in Last: Add baby spinach right at the end and cover, letting it wilt just enough—you want it bright and lively, not mushy!
How to Serve Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
Garnishes
This skillet loves a finishing flourish! Try showering it with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a fresh, herbal lift. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta adds a salty, creamy contrast, while a drizzle of good olive oil gives a lovely sheen and richness. Lemon zest is also a fabulous, zippy touch if you’re feeling extra.
Side Dishes
The Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is wonderfully filling on its own, but it’s also fantastic spooned over fluffy rice, buttery quinoa, or even a bowl of pasta for extra coziness. If you’re after a low-carb spread, try serving with cauliflower rice, or tuck it into lettuce cups for a light, handheld meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For meal prepping, portion the skillet into glass containers with your favorite grain for grab-and-go lunches. For family style, bring the skillet right to the table—it looks so inviting! Or try stuffing the mixture into roasted bell pepper halves or hollowed zucchinis for a fun, make-ahead twist that’s perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the joys of this dish is how well it keeps! Let your Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for lunches or busy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This skillet freezes like a charm. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (let out the extra air). Lay them flat for efficient storage and freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid mushy veggies, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently—spinach will soften a bit but the flavors only get better!
Reheating
Reheating is easy: microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway, or warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep things saucy if needed. The flavors are even richer the next day!
FAQs
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Can I make the Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet ahead of time?
Absolutely! This skillet is perfect for meal prep. Cook it as directed, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze portions for up to two months, making it a fabulous grab-and-heat option for busy days.
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What other vegetables can I use in this skillet?
So many! Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, spinach alternatives like kale, or even diced eggplant or shredded carrots work beautifully. Just try to keep the total veggie quantity about the same for best results.
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How can I make this skillet more filling?
Serve your Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet over brown rice, quinoa, or your favorite pasta to add more sustenance. You can also toss in cooked lentils or chickpeas for an extra protein and fiber boost.
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Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?
Yes! The base recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, as long as you check your spices and tomato paste for hidden ingredients. If you’d like to add cheese, just choose your favorite dairy or plant-based option.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a fast and fabulous weeknight dinner, you honestly can’t go wrong with this Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet. It’s got everything I love in a meal: flavor, nutrition, and simplicity—all in one colorful skillet. I can’t wait for you to make this for your family or friends and watch it become a staple in your kitchen, too. Happy cooking!
Print
Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Lean ground turkey is cooked with a medley of colorful vegetables and aromatic spices for a wholesome and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey Mixture:
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
Veggies:
- 1 1/2 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- 2 medium zucchini, cubed
- 1 bell pepper, any color, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
- 1/2 white or yellow onion, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Turkey: In a large skillet on the stovetop, cook the ground turkey until browned. Stir in salt, pepper, chili powder, oregano, paprika, and minced garlic. Set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté zucchini, onion, and bell pepper with seasonings until tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked turkey to the skillet, add water, tomato paste, and spinach. Cover and simmer until heated through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
