Description
This Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a nutritious and flavorful one-pan meal that combines lean ground turkey with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner packed with protein and vibrant veggies.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound lean ground turkey (can use lean ground beef if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
Vegetables and Spices
- 1½ tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- 2 medium zucchini (cubed)
- 1 bell pepper (any color, cut into 3/4 inch pieces)
- ½ white or yellow onion (cut into 3/4 inch pieces)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Add your ground turkey (or beef) to a large skillet on the stovetop. Use a spatula to crumble the meat. Cook on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned.
- Season the Meat: Stir in salt, pepper, chili powder, oregano, paprika, and minced garlic. Sauté for one more minute until the garlic turns golden. Remove the meat mixture from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium. Add the oil to the skillet with the zucchini, onion, and bell pepper. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, paprika, and pepper. Stir and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the peppers and zucchini are nearly tender, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked ground turkey and garlic to the skillet. Add water, tomato paste, and fresh spinach. Stir well to combine. Cover and simmer everything for 5 to 10 minutes or until warmed through and the spinach has wilted.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with plant-based ground meat or extra firm tofu crumbles.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper when seasoning the meat.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or with warm tortillas for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
