Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight meal. Combining lean turkey with tender zucchini and savory spices, it’s an easy one-pan dish that satisfies without fuss.

Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Peel and finely chop the onion.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
5. Step 5: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Step 6: Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon.
7. Step 7: Cook the turkey for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and no longer pink.
8. Step 8: Wash the zucchinis, trim the ends, then cut in half lengthwise.
9. Step 9: Slice each zucchini half into 1/4-inch thick half-moon shapes.
10. Step 10: Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and stir to combine with the turkey.
11. Step 11: Cook for 4-5 minutes until zucchini starts to soften but remains firm.
12. Step 12: Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the mixture.
13. Step 13: Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together.
14. Step 14: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld flavors.
15. Step 15: Once zucchini is tender and broth has reduced slightly, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the skillet.
16. Step 16: Stir the cheese into the mixture until melted and evenly coating the ingredients.
17. Step 17: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.
18. Step 18: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if you like.

Tips & Variations

• Use yellow squash instead of zucchini for a slightly sweeter flavor.
• For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter along with the Parmesan cheese.
• Add a handful of fresh chopped basil or parsley for a bright, fresh note.
• If you prefer less heat, omit the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of chicken broth when reheating helps keep the dish moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground chicken or lean ground beef works well in this recipe and will produce a similar texture and flavor.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. It stores well and can be portioned out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat as needed.

Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 257 reviews

A quick and nutritious Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet recipe featuring lean ground turkey cooked with fresh zucchini, aromatic garlic, and onion, seasoned with oregano and red pepper flakes, and finished with Parmesan cheese for a delicious, low-carb meal.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup chicken broth

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
2. Prep onion: Peel and finely chop the onion into small pieces for even cooking and flavor release.
3. Sauté onion: Add the chopped onion to the hot skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent, building a flavorful base.
4. Prep garlic: Peel and mince the garlic cloves finely to release their aroma and flavor quickly.
5. Cook garlic: Add minced garlic to the skillet with the onion and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant without browning.
6. Add turkey: Crumble ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon evenly as it cooks.
7. Brown turkey: Cook the ground turkey for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully browned and no longer pink to ensure thorough cooking.
8. Prep zucchini: Wash zucchinis, trim ends, cut in half lengthwise, and slice into 1/4 inch half-moon shapes for even cooking.
9. Add zucchini: Incorporate the sliced zucchini into the skillet with the turkey mixture, stirring to combine.
10. Cook zucchini: Cook for 4-5 minutes until zucchini softens but still retains slight firmness, maintaining texture.
11. Season: Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the mixture to infuse aromatic spice and flavor.
12. Add broth: Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine all ingredients, adding moisture and deglazing the skillet.
13. Simmer: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes letting flavors meld and broth reduce slightly for richness.
14. Add cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the skillet mixture and stir until cheese melts and coats everything evenly.
15. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired to perfect the flavor.
16. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if preferred for an added savory touch.

Notes

• Use lean ground turkey to keep the dish low in fat.
• For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh chili.
• Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
• Chicken broth can be replaced with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To keep the zucchini firm, avoid overcooking and monitor the sauté time closely.

Keywords: ground turkey, zucchini skillet, healthy dinner, low carb, quick recipe, easy weeknight meal, parmesan cheese, sautéed vegetables