This Quick and Healthy Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet is a simple, tasty meal! With ground turkey, fresh zucchini, and a mix of spices, it’s colorful and packed with flavor.
Perfect for busy nights, I love how it all cooks in one pan! Less cleanup means more time to enjoy it. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies without anyone noticing! 🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the heart of the dish and is leaner than beef, making it a healthier choice. If you’re looking for a different protein, ground chicken or a plant-based meat alternative works well too!
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini gives this dish a light texture. If you don’t have any, yellow squash is a great substitute. You could even try eggplant, but it may need a bit more cooking time.
Onion and Garlic: These add depth of flavor. While I prefer yellow onions, white or red onions can also be used. If garlic isn’t your thing, you can skip it or use garlic powder sparingly.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add sweetness and freshness. If they’re out of season, regular tomatoes diced up will do just fine. You can also skip them, depending on your preference.
Spices: Oregano and cumin blend beautifully in this dish. Feel free to switch it up with Italian seasoning or chili powder if you want a different flavor profile!
How Do I Cook Ground Turkey and Zucchini to Perfection?
Cooking ground turkey and zucchini can be simple, but proper technique makes all the difference. First, don’t rush the cooking stage for the turkey. Make sure it’s browned all over before adding other ingredients, as this enhances the flavor.
- Use medium heat for even cooking; turning the heat too high can dry it out.
- When adding zucchini, remember it cooks quickly. Stir occasionally but don’t overcook to keep it tender-crisp.
- If you choose to add cherry tomatoes, wait until the zucchini is nearly done to keep them fresh and juicy, that way they won’t get mushy!
By following these steps, your skillet will turn out delightful, colorful, and healthy!
Quick and Healthy Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for added color and freshness)
For Flavor:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick, yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
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 enough to sizzle when you add the onion!
2. Sauté the Onion:
Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook it for about 2-3 minutes. You want it to be soft and translucent—just perfect for building flavor for our dish.
3. Add Garlic:
Now, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. The garlic will smell amazing, so keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn!
4. Cook the Turkey:
Next, add the ground turkey to your skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s browned and no longer pink.
5. Add Zucchini and Spices:
Once the turkey is cooked, add the diced zucchini, dried oregano, ground cumin, crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), along with salt and pepper. Stir everything together well to combine.
6. Sauté the Zucchini:
Let it cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the zucchini to be tender but still with a little crunch—no need for mushy veggies!
7. Stir in Cherry Tomatoes:
If you’re using cherry tomatoes, now’s the time to add them. Stir them in and cook for an additional 2 minutes, just until they soften slightly.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Give everything a taste. If it needs a little more seasoning, go ahead and adjust to your liking. Then, remove the skillet from heat and add a squeeze of lemon juice for that zesty brightness!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finish up by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or basil. It looks great and adds flavor! Serve it alone or over some quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a healthy meal.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!
FAQ for Quick and Healthy Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and offers a similar taste and texture. Just follow the same cooking instructions as you would for ground turkey.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can easily customize this dish by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times slightly depending on the vegetable to ensure they cook evenly!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make this dish in advance! Cook it as stated, let it cool, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
