Looking for a delicious weeknight dinner that’s wholesome, colorful, and packed with flavor? The Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet will become your new go-to! This vibrant skillet features juicy ground turkey, tender zucchini, fragrant herbs, and a touch of Parmesan for irresistible richness. It’s one of those magical recipes where a handful of fresh ingredients come together in just one pan, giving you a hearty meal with minimal fuss and even easier cleanup.

Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of the Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet: every ingredient plays a key role, from the meaty richness of ground turkey to the verdant freshness of zucchini. These simple staples create a satisfying meal that never feels heavy yet keeps you coming back for seconds. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

Ground turkey: Lean, protein-rich, and perfect for soaking up all the savory flavors in the skillet.
Zucchini: Fresh and crisp, these add color, nutrients, and a lightness that balances the dish.
Olive oil: Gives the skillet a silky base and gently browns your aromatics and meat.
Onion: Sautéed until sweet and translucent for an aromatic foundation.
Garlic: Adds depth and an irresistible scent that welcomes everyone to the kitchen.
Dried oregano: Brings a distinctly Italian flair and ties all the fresh elements together.
Salt: Essential for amplifying the flavors of every single bite.
Black pepper: Provides a subtle warmth without overwhelming the dish.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a sprinkle for that gentle kiss of heat!
Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and develops a luscious sauce as everything simmers.
Grated Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch for nutty richness and a little creamy magic.

How to Make Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the skillet warms up, peel and finely chop half an onion. Once the oil shimmers, add the onion pieces and sauté until they’re soft and translucent, which usually takes about three to four minutes. This step builds a delicious, savory base for your Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet.

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Peel and mince the garlic cloves, then toss them into the pan with the onion. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic smells wonderfully fragrant, stirring continuously so it doesn’t burn. The gentle sizzle at this stage sets the perfect savory tone for the whole dish.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey

Crumble the ground turkey directly into the skillet. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break it up into small crumbles as it cooks. Stir every so often to ensure even browning. It usually takes six to eight minutes for the turkey to cook through and lose its pink color, delivering juicy, flavorful bites in the finished Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet.

Step 4: Prepare and Add the Zucchini

While your turkey is sizzling away, wash and dry the zucchinis. Trim the ends, slice them in half lengthwise, then cut each half into half-moon shapes about a quarter-inch thick. These shapes cook quickly yet keep their texture. Stir the zucchini into the skillet, folding them into the turkey mixture, and let them cook for four to five minutes—they should soften but still have a lively bite.

Step 5: Season and Add the Broth

Sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes, spreading them evenly over the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for three to four minutes. This short simmer lets all those beautiful flavors meld together for the signature taste of the Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet.

How to Serve Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Garnishes

A generous shower of grated Parmesan cheese is all you need to finish the dish. For even more freshness, sprinkle a handful of chopped parsley or thinly sliced basil over the top. Not only do these garnishes add color and brightness, but the herby aroma really brings out the veggie goodness in your Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet.

Side Dishes

While the skillet is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a simple green salad, warm crusty bread, or fluffy brown rice can round things out. Each side soaks up the savory sauce, making sure you enjoy every flavorful drop.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet into stuffed peppers, fill warm tortillas for fast tacos, or spoon it over creamy polenta. Don’t be afraid to customize—the basic skillet is the perfect blank canvas for your weeknight creativity!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Transfer it to an airtight container once it cools, and you’ll have a delicious, ready-to-go meal that only gets better as the flavors meld.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze your Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet! Just spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure to press out any excess air. It will keep for two to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the mixture looks dry. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, loosely covered, in 30-second bursts until steamy and hot. The textures and flavors hold up beautifully for easy, tasty lunches or dinners.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Yes, ground chicken works wonderfully in this recipe. You’ll get a similar texture and mild flavor, so don’t hesitate to swap if that’s what’s in your fridge.

How can I make the Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet spicier?

For a spicier kick, simply bump up the amount of crushed red pepper flakes, or add a finely chopped jalapeño while you sauté the onion. You can also top your finished skillet with a dash of hot sauce.

Is there a dairy-free way to finish the dish?

If you need a dairy-free option, just skip the Parmesan cheese. You can sprinkle on some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to keep that craveable finish.

Will the zucchini get mushy if I make it ahead?

Zucchini does soften a bit with reheating, but if you keep the initial cook time short (just until tender-crisp), your Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet will still have a pleasant texture after storing or freezing.

Can I add other vegetables to this skillet?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes blend in beautifully, adding extra color and nutrients. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the skillet so the turkey and zucchini remain the stars.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tasted the magic of a Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet yet, you’re in for a treat! Simple ingredients shine bright, and the end result is as comforting as it is healthy. Give this meal a spot in your weekly rotation and watch how quickly it wins over everyone at your table.

Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 24 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight. Lean ground turkey is cooked with fresh zucchini, onions, and a blend of herbs and spices, creating a delicious and healthy dish that the whole family will love.

Instructions

Heat the olive oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté onion: Peel and finely chop the onion. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add garlic: Peel and mince the garlic cloves. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook turkey: Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes until fully browned.
Prepare zucchini: Wash and slice the zucchinis. Add zucchini slices to the skillet.
Cook zucchini: Stir the zucchini into the meat and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
Season: Add oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 3-4 minutes.