GROUND TURKEY AND ZUCCHINI SKILLET EASY

Craving a meal that’s both satisfying and good for you, but short on time? Imagine tender, flavorful ground turkey mingling with sweet, slightly crisp zucchini, all in a savory sauce that comes together in minutes. This Ground Turkey And Zucchini Skillet is your answer – a one-pan wonder that’s ready in a flash, and I promise you, it’ll become a weeknight staple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, a dollop of ricotta cheese

Let’s Talk Turkey (and Zucchini!) – Choosing the Right Ingredients

This recipe is super flexible, but here are a few tips to make sure you get the best results.

• Ground Turkey: I usually go for 93% lean ground turkey. It has a good balance of flavor and it’s still nice and lean, making it perfect for Healthy Ground Turkey Recipes. You can use leaner, but just be aware that it might be a bit drier.
• Zucchini: Look for firm zucchini with smooth skin. Smaller to medium-sized zucchini tend to have fewer seeds. If your zucchini is huge, you might want to scoop out the seeds before dicing.
• Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add great texture, but you can also use crushed tomatoes if you prefer a smoother sauce.
• Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs are always amazing, but dried herbs work perfectly fine in this recipe. Feel free to experiment with other herbs you like, such as thyme or rosemary.

Step-by-Step Instructions: From Skillet to Supper

Getting Started:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

Adding the Aromatics and Veggies:

3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced zucchini and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until it starts to soften. Don’t overcook it – you want it to still have a little bite.

Simmering in Deliciousness:

5. Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving Time!:

7. Remove from heat and let stand for a couple of minutes.
8. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or a dollop of ricotta cheese, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for Skillet Success

Okay, let’s be honest, sometimes even the simplest recipes can have a hiccup or two. Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way to help you nail this Ground Turkey Zucchini skillet every time.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re doubling the recipe, it’s best to cook the ground turkey in batches to ensure it browns properly. Overcrowding the pan will steam the turkey instead of browning it.
• Preventing Soggy Zucchini: The key to avoiding soggy zucchini is to not overcook it. You want it to be tender-crisp. Also, salting the zucchini before cooking can help draw out excess moisture. Just be sure to pat it dry with paper towels before adding it to the skillet.
• Spice It Up (or Down): I like a little kick, so I add red pepper flakes. But if you’re not a fan of spice, feel free to leave them out. You can also add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning.
• Make it a Meal: While this skillet is great on its own, you can also serve it over pasta, rice, or quinoa for a heartier meal. It’s also delicious stuffed into bell peppers or zucchini boats!

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

One of the best things about this Ground Turkey Zucchini recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Mediterranean Twist: Add some Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Mexican Fiesta: Stir in some black beans, corn, and salsa for a Tex-Mex twist. Top with avocado and a dollop of sour cream. It would be similar to Tex Mex Zucchini Chicken.
• Italian Sausage Substitute: For a richer flavor, try using Italian sausage instead of ground turkey. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease.
• Creamy Delight: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a creamier sauce.

Making it a Healthy Ground Turkey Recipe

This skillet is already a pretty healthy option, packed with lean protein and veggies. But here are a few ways to make it even better for you:

• Load up on the veggies: Add more zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to boost the nutrient content.
• Use whole wheat pasta or quinoa: If you’re serving this over pasta or grains, choose whole wheat or quinoa for added fiber.
• Reduce the sodium: Use low-sodium diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, and be mindful of how much salt you add.
• Control the fat: Use extra-lean ground turkey and minimal olive oil.

These are all easy ways to enjoy Healthy Turkey Recipes without sacrificing flavor. For another great recipe using similar ingredients, check out this Ground Turkey Zucchini Casserole.

Storage and Reheating – Meal Prep Made Easy

This skillet is perfect for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. You can also freeze this skillet for longer storage. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Other Great Recipes to Try

If you’re looking for more easy and delicious recipes like this, be sure to check out these other favorites:

• Ground Beef And Dumplings: A comforting classic.
• Tex Mex Chicken And Zucchini Skillet: A flavor-packed one-pan meal.
• Chicken Zucchini Stir Fry: Another quick and easy weeknight dinner.
• Ground Turkey And Zucchini Skillet: The ultimate healthy skillet.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey And Zucchini Skillet is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for busy weeknights, a healthy option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, and a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. So go ahead, give it a try – I know you’ll love it as much as I do!