Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Dinner Just Got a Whole Lot Tastier!

Picture this: a pan sizzling with ground turkey, zucchini, and a medley of aromatic herbs. It’s the sort of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth and makes your taste buds dance. This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet not only packs a flavor punch but also brings together wholesome ingredients in a flash. Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick, one-pan wonder could easily become a viral favorite on your dinner table!

Why Make This Recipe

Why is this recipe a must-try? Here’s the scoop:

• Easy Cleanup: Who wants to wash a mountain of dishes after a long day? With this skillet dinner, you only need one pan. Thank your lucky stars! 🙌

• Family-Friendly: Whether you have picky eaters or culinary adventurers at home, everyone will love the savory combination of turkey and zucchini. It’s like a delicious compromise!

• Budget-Friendly: Ground turkey and fresh veggies don’t break the bank. You can whip up a wholesome meal without emptying your wallet, which is pretty chef-worthy if you ask me! 😂

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 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

Get ready to create kitchen magic! Follow these easy steps:

1. Heat 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 soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
7. Cook the turkey for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and no longer pink.
8. Wash the zucchinis, trim the ends, and cut them in half lengthwise. Then slice them into half-moon shapes about 1/4 inch thick.
9. Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet with the turkey mixture. Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes, until slightly softened but still firm.
10. Sprinkle oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the mixture.
11. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring everything to combine.
12. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
13. Once the zucchini is tender, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the skillet.
14. Stir until the cheese melts and coats everything evenly.
15. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
16. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if you’d like.

How to Make Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet (Overview)

Imagine a cozy, uncomplicated cooking experience! Start by sautéing that finely chopped onion until it’s practically begging to be included in every bite. Then, bring in the garlic — don’t skip toasting it; it makes all the difference! 🧄

Next, layer in the ground turkey. Let it brown beautifully, infusing flavors throughout your pan. While that’s happening, chop those zucchinis; they’ll add a lovely crunch and vibrant color. Add them to the mix, sprinkle in some spices, and pour in chicken broth for an extra kick. Simmer it gently, and don’t forget the secret weapon — grated Parmesan. Trust me, that melty goodness will have you swooning. 😍

How to Serve Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Serve this delightful dish hot, perhaps in a shallow bowl, to showcase all those delicious colors! You could add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of green. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of flavor, or serve it over piping hot rice or quinoa for a heartier meal. The aroma will draw your friends and family in, and before you know it, everyone is diving in for seconds!

How to Store Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any leftover skillet in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It reheats beautifully on the stove or in the microwave — just add a splash of extra chicken broth to keep it moist. If you want to make it ahead, you can also prep the turkey mixture a day prior and cook it fresh when you’re ready!

Tips to Make Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

• Timing is everything: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the turkey for that perfect sear.

• Zucchini Diversity: Experiment with different varieties of zucchini for a fun twist. Yellow squash works just as well!

• Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the crushed red pepper based on your heat preference. We don’t all have the same spice tolerance! 😉

• Cheesy Delight: For an extra cheesy experience, try mixing in different types of cheese like mozzarella or feta.

Variation

Want to mix things up? Turn this skillet into a vegan delight by substituting ground turkey with tempeh or mushrooms. Adding in some bell peppers or spinach not only boosts nutrition but adds fabulous color and taste as well!

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey with something else?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, beef, or plant-based proteins like lentils work well too.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes beautifully! Store it in an airtight container and it’ll keep for about 3 months.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the meat mixture and refrigerate it up to a day in advance, then just cook the zucchini fresh when you’re ready to eat.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

A quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring ground turkey, zucchini, and herbs, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 medium zucchinis Washed and cut
• 1 tbsp olive oil For cooking
• 1/2 medium onion Peeled and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic Peeled and minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Adjust to taste
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese For garnishing

Method

 

Cooking

1. Heat 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 soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
7. Cook the turkey for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and no longer pink.
8. Wash the zucchinis, trim the ends, and cut them in half lengthwise. Then slice them into half-moon shapes about 1/4 inch thick.
9. Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet with the turkey mixture. Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes, until slightly softened but still firm.
10. Sprinkle oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the mixture.
11. Pour in the chicken broth, stirring everything to combine.
12. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
13. Once the zucchini is tender, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the skillet.
14. Stir until the cheese melts and coats everything evenly.
15. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
16. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if you'd like.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. This dish can be made ahead by prepping the turkey mixture a day prior.