This Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet is a quick, lighter take on comfort food that comes together in one pan. Juicy ground turkey, tender zucchini, and sweet bell pepper are sautéed with garlic, herbs, and a touch of Parmesan for a flavorful, protein-packed meal that’s weeknight-friendly and naturally low-carb.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up into small crumbles and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Stir in the diced zucchini and chopped bell pepper. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the skillet and let it melt slightly, about 1 minute.
- Remove from the heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot straight from the skillet.
Variation
- Add a small can of diced tomatoes or a handful of cherry tomatoes for extra juiciness and a touch of acidity.
- Stir in a handful of baby spinach or kale at the end of cooking and let it wilt for a boost of greens.
- Swap the Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, skip the Parmesan, and serve as a Tex-Mex–inspired turkey and veggie skillet.
Cooking Notes
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning the turkey; giving it space helps it brown instead of steam.
- If you prefer a bit of sauce, add 1/4–1/3 cup chicken broth or tomato sauce during the last few minutes and let it simmer briefly.
- Zucchini cooks quickly stop cooking when it’s just tender to keep some bite and prevent it from becoming watery.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over cooked brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a more filling, yet still light, meal.
- Spoon into lettuce cups or tortillas for an easy handheld option with a fresh crunch.
- Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt, extra Parmesan, or a squeeze of lemon for a bright, creamy finish.
Tips
- Pat the ground turkey dry with a paper towel before cooking to help it brown better.
- Season in layers add a pinch of salt when cooking the turkey and adjust again at the end for best flavor.
- For meal prep, let the skillet cool completely, then portion into containers; it reheats well for quick lunches or dinners.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Yes, ground chicken or lean ground beef both work well; just drain any excess fat before adding the vegetables. - Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free grated cheese alternative. - How long does this skillet keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. - Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes. Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet is a fast, flavorful way to get a balanced dinner on the table with minimal fuss. Lean turkey, fresh vegetables, and simple seasonings come together in one pan for a protein-rich, low-carb meal that’s just as perfect for busy weeknights as it is for meal prep and leftovers.
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Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low-Carb Friendly, High Protein
Description
This Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet is a quick, lighter take on comfort food that comes together in one pan. Juicy ground turkey, tender zucchini, and sweet bell pepper are sautéed with garlic, herbs, and a touch of Parmesan for a flavorful, protein-packed meal that’s weeknight-friendly and naturally low-carb.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up into small crumbles and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Stir in the diced zucchini and chopped bell pepper. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- If using, sprinkle the grated Parmesan evenly over the skillet and let it melt slightly, about 1 minute.
- Remove from the heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot straight from the skillet.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey (93% lean or similar) for a nice balance of flavor and lighter nutrition.
- Dice the zucchini and bell pepper into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly and stay pleasantly tender.
- If the pan starts to look dry at any point, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and help soften the vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 420 mg (approx., varies with added salt and cheese)
- Fat: 20 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 5 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 2 g (approx.)
- Protein: 28 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 95 mg (approx.)
Keywords: ground turkey zucchini skillet, healthy skillet dinner, low carb turkey recipe, one-pan ground turkey, easy weeknight meal