This Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a quick and tasty meal. Just cook some ground turkey with fresh zucchini, onions, and your favorite spices for a colorful, healthy dish!
I love how simple it is—everything cooks in one pan, making clean-up a breeze. Perfect for busy nights when you want something good without the fuss! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This lean meat is the star of the dish. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. You can substitute ground chicken or even a plant-based meat alternative if you want a lighter or vegetarian option.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds a nice texture and mild flavor. You can swap it for yellow squash, eggplant, or bell peppers if zucchini isn’t available.
Onion: A small onion adds depth to the dish. If you’d like a milder flavor, try shallots or green onions instead.
Paprika: This gives a warm, slightly smoky flavor. Sweet paprika is great, but if you want a kick, try smoked paprika or cayenne pepper instead.
How Do I Properly Sauté Vegetables Without Burning Them?
Sautéing is key for bringing out the best flavors in your veggies. Here’s how you can do it right:
- Start with medium heat; too high can burn the onions quickly.
- Add oil first, and let it heat up but don’t let it smoke.
- Add chopped onions and stir frequently until they’re soft and translucent.
- Once they’re softened, add garlic and cook for just 30 seconds; it’s sensitive and can burn fast!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly sautéed vegetables every time! Happy cooking!
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 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced (optional for color and sweetness)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 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)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy skillet recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at around 25 minutes for a delicious, healthy meal that’s quick to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Skillet:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil hot enough that it glistens but not too hot that it smokes.
2. Sauté the Onion:
Add the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. This step takes the raw edge off the onion and adds a lovely flavor.
3. Add Garlic for Flavor:
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it in and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
4. Cook the Turkey:
Now, add the ground turkey. Use a spoon to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook until the turkey is no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add Veggies:
Stir in the diced zucchini and red bell pepper, if you’re using it. Cook everything together for an additional 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have a little crunch.
6. Season to Perfection:
Season your mixture with oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well and let it cook for another 2 minutes so the flavors can blend together beautifully.
7. Finish & Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. If you’d like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra cheesy touch. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Enjoy your healthy and flavorful ground turkey and zucchini skillet! It’s perfect on its own or served over rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
FAQs for Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
Can I Use Frozen Ground Turkey?
Absolutely! If you have frozen ground turkey, be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave for a quicker option. Once thawed, follow the recipe as normal.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or carrots. Just be mindful of cooking times; leafy greens will need less time than firmer veggies like carrots.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lower in Carbs?
For a lower-carb version, skip the bell pepper and serve the turkey and zucchini mix over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. This keeps it filling without the extra carbs!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
