Savory Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

why make this recipe

Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a quick, healthy meal that you can prepare in about 30 minutes. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious and satisfying. Ground turkey is lean and a great source of protein, while zucchini adds fiber and freshness. Plus, it’s a one-pan recipe, making cleanup easy!

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how to make Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 2 medium zucchinis
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Peel and finely chop the onion.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
  5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  7. Cook the ground turkey for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and no longer pink.
  8. While the turkey is cooking, wash the zucchinis.
  9. Trim the ends of the zucchinis and cut them in half lengthwise.
  10. Slice each half of zucchini into half-moon shapes about 1/4 inch thick.
  11. Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet with the ground turkey mixture.
  12. Stir the zucchini into the meat and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the zucchini starts to soften but still retains some firmness.
  13. Sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the skillet mixture.
  14. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, stirring everything to combine.
  15. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  16. Once the zucchini is tender and the broth has reduced slightly, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet.
  17. Stir the cheese into the mixture until it melts and coats the turkey and zucchini evenly.
  18. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
  19. Serve the dish immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan if desired.

how to serve Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Serve the Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet hot, straight from the pan. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. You can also top it with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.

how to store Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

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 in the microwave until heated through.

tips to make Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

  • Make sure not to overcook the zucchini; it should be tender but still have a slight crunch.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, for extra nutrition.
  • To make it a complete meal, serve it over quinoa or rice.

variation

You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if you prefer. Additionally, you can switch out the Parmesan cheese for mozzarella or another cheese of your choice.

FAQs

Can I use frozen zucchini?
It’s best to use fresh zucchini for this recipe, but you can use frozen if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess water.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten products.

Can I add other spices to it?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices, like basil, thyme, or even some Italian seasoning, to customize the flavor to your liking.

Print
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Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet


  • Author: ikramnihad
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

A quick and healthy one-pan meal featuring lean ground turkey and fresh zucchini, perfect for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 2 medium zucchinis
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Peel and finely chop the onion. Add it to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
  3. Peel and mince the garlic, then add to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks for 6-8 minutes until browned.
  5. Wash the zucchinis, trim the ends, and cut them into half-moon shapes.
  6. Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened.
  7. Sprinkle oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the mixture.
  8. Pour in chicken broth, stir to combine, and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  9. Once zucchini is tender, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet and stir until melted.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  11. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Ground Turkey, Zucchini, Quick Meal, Healthy Recipe, One-Pan Dish

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Patricia S. Bland

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