Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Name: Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean recommended); 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon paprika (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; ¼ cup chicken broth or water (optional); Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Posted on May 22, 2025

Healthy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet in a Cast Iron Pan

Dinner

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Looking for a quick, healthy dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is your new go-to! It’s a one-pan wonder packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and savory seasoning — all done in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up a fuss-free weeknight dinner, this skillet dish delivers big flavor with minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s low-carb, gluten-free, and easily customizable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet checks all the boxes — it’s quick, healthy, and totally satisfying. You’ll love how the zucchini soaks up the delicious flavors while keeping things light and fresh. The lean ground turkey makes it high in protein but lower in fat, and it all comes together in just one skillet (hello, easy cleanup!). It’s perfect for busy weeknights, and with just a handful of simple ingredients, you likely already have most of them on hand.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you can find at any grocery store. Feel free to tweak the seasonings to suit your taste!

You’ll need:

1 lb ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a bit of warmth)
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup chicken broth or water (optional, for extra moisture)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

This one-skillet meal is super simple and comes together in under 30 minutes. Here’s how to make it:

Heat the oil
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, toss in the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and turkey
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
Season the turkey
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the turkey with the spices.
Add zucchini
Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet. Cook for another 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
Optional: Add broth
If the mixture seems dry or you want a saucier texture, pour in a bit of chicken broth or water. Stir and let simmer for a few minutes.
Garnish and serve
Remove from heat and top with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep days — fast, filling, and flavorful!

Servings:
Makes about 4 servings — perfect for a family dinner or saving leftovers for lunch.

Timing:

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: Around 30 minutes

Tips and Variations

Want to switch things up or make it even easier? Here are some fun and useful ideas:

Cheese it up: Add shredded mozzarella or parmesan on top for a cheesy finish. Let it melt right in the skillet before serving.
Add more veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach mix in perfectly and boost the nutrition.
Spice it up: Like a little kick? Toss in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Make it saucy: Stir in a spoonful of marinara or pesto for a saucy twist.
Low-carb meal prep: Serve it on its own or over cauliflower rice.
Not low-carb?: Spoon it over quinoa, brown rice, or even pasta for a heartier meal.

Storage

Got leftovers? Great news — this dish stores really well and tastes just as good the next day!

Refrigerator:
Let the skillet cool completely, then store in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer:
You can also freeze it! Place in a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating tips:
Warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to rehydrate.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and has a similar texture and flavor.

2. What kind of zucchini should I use?
Any standard green zucchini will work. Make sure they’re firm and not overripe for the best texture.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip any optional cheese additions and you’re good to go — the base recipe is naturally dairy-free.

4. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs, making it great for keto or low-carb diets.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Definitely — just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

6. What can I serve this with?
It’s great on its own, or serve it with cauliflower rice, quinoa, or a side salad.

7. Can I meal prep this in advance?
Yes! It holds up well for a few days, making it perfect for prepping lunches or dinners ahead of time.

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is everything we love in a weeknight dinner — quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor. With just one pan and a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a satisfying meal on the table in no time. Whether you’re cooking for family, prepping lunches, or just trying to eat a little cleaner, this skillet is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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