Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

The Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is truly one of those weeknight heroes: vibrant zucchini meets juicy seasoned turkey, all bubbling together in a single pan with just enough Parmesan to bring it over the top. Each bite delivers tender veggies and savory meat with a little kick from crushed red pepper, perfect for when you crave something hearty without being heavy. This dish is not only fast and irresistibly tasty, but manages to look gorgeous on the plate too. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving a leftover lunch, let this simple skillet dinner win you over!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet recipe serves a purpose, enhancing both the flavor and the texture of the final dish. With just a handful of staples and a couple of fresh add-ins, you’ll be amazed at how quickly something delicious and nourishing comes together.

• 1 pound ground turkey: Choose lean ground turkey for a lighter flavor and protein-packed base your skillet needs.
• 2 medium zucchinis: These bring freshness, gorgeous green color, and a slight crunch that keeps the dish from feeling heavy.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil is just enough to sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking.
• 1⁄2 medium onion: Onion lends sweetness and depth as it softens, infusing the turkey with subtle flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic is a must here, building bold, savory notes that wake up the whole skillet.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Oregano brings Mediterranean flair and savory undertones that pair perfectly with both turkey and zucchini.
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt: A dash brings all the flavors up and balances the mild ingredients.
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper: This adds gentle warmth and rounds out the seasoning.
• 1⁄4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: For a little spark of heat that brightens every bite (add more if you like it spicy!).
• 1⁄4 cup chicken broth: A splash keeps everything juicy and lets the flavors mingle and meld just right.
• 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The final flourish for salty, nutty richness that melts right into the skillet.

How to Make Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Step 1: Get Your Pan Hot

Set your largest skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Giving your pan time to heat evenly is key—you want the onions to start sizzling as soon as they hit the oil! A big pan gives everything room to cook without steaming.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Peel and finely chop your half onion, then toss it into the hot, oiled skillet. Stir frequently and watch as it softens and turns nearly translucent in just a few minutes. This is how the base flavor for our Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet starts to build!

Step 3: Add Garlic for Aroma

Mince your garlic cloves finely (or use a garlic press if you like it extra easy) and add them to the skillet with the onion. You’ll immediately notice that punchy, mouthwatering aroma. Let the garlic cook for only about 30 seconds—just until it’s fragrant but not browned, to avoid any bitterness.

Step 4: Brown the Turkey

Now, crumble the ground turkey directly into the skillet. Take your time—keep breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks so there are no large clumps, which helps the meat brown evenly and soak up all the flavors from your aromatics. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is fully browned and no pink remains.

Step 5: Prep and Add Zucchini

While the turkey browns, wash the zucchinis and trim the ends. Cut each zucchini in half lengthwise, then slice those halves into half-moon shapes about a quarter inch thick. Stir the zucchini into your turkey mixture and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, allowing them to soften but still stay pleasantly firm—they should keep their shape.

Step 6: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes evenly over the mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, then give everything a good stir. Reduce the heat to low; this short simmer (about 3 to 4 minutes) allows the zucchini and turkey to soak up all those seasonings and meld together beautifully.

Step 7: Finish with Parmesan

Once everything’s tender, shower the skillet with grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently so the cheese melts and coats every bit of turkey and zucchini, creating a satisfying, savory finish. Taste the dish and season as needed—you might want a little more salt, pepper, or heat at this point!

How to Serve Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Garnishes

Brighten up your skillet with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a handful of fresh chopped parsley, or even a squeeze of lemon juice. Each adds a little pop and freshness, making the meal feel extra special with almost no effort.

Side Dishes

This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet shines as a one-pan meal, but you can pair it with fluffy rice, roasted potatoes, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the savory juices. Sometimes, a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette makes the perfect refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the skillet mixture in hollowed zucchini boats or over baked sweet potatoes for a fun twist. A dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side brings cool creaminess and a Mediterranean touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will keep beautifully for up to three days, making it a smart option for easy weekday lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, though the zucchini may lose some of its crispness upon thawing. For best results, let the skillet cool completely and store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to two months. Be sure to label and date for quick meal prep later on!

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the skillet gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of extra broth if the mixture seems dry. You can also microwave single portions, stirring halfway through to heat evenly. The flavors deepen even more after a day or two!

FAQs

Can I substitute another protein for the ground turkey?

Absolutely! While ground turkey keeps this dish light and mild, ground chicken, lean pork, or even ground beef work beautifully. Just be mindful that beef may add a richer, deeper flavor than turkey.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

Water with a pinch of extra salt works in a pinch, or you can try vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor base. The broth simply keeps everything moist and brings the ingredients together.

Is this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet gluten free?

Yes—every ingredient listed is naturally gluten free! Always double-check your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese labels to be sure, but this dish is naturally friendly for gluten-free diets.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes are terrific add-ins that boost the veggie content and add bursts of color and flavor to your Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet.

How do I make this skillet spicier?

Easy—just increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or add a minced jalapeño with the onions for an extra punch of heat. You can finish with a few dashes of hot sauce at the table too!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about a cozy skillet dinner that brings everyone to the table with smiles. Give this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet a try the next time you need a quick, delicious meal with minimal fuss. It’s colorful, satisfying, and full of flavor—you’ll want to add it into your regular rotation!

Print