Name: Ground turkey zucchini skillet: 20-minute easy magic
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 2 zucchinis sliced; 1 onion diced; 2 garlic cloves minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

I remember the first time I needed a healthy dinner on the table in under thirty minutes. My fridge was nearly empty but I had a pack of lean meat and a couple of garden vegetables. That is how this ground turkey zucchini skillet was born. It quickly became a staple in my home because it is light packed with protein and requires only one pan to clean. You are going to love how the savory turkey pairs with the tender zucchini and a hint of garlic. It is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want to feel good about what you are eating without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet

You are going to obsess over this recipe because it is a total lifesaver for those nights when you just cannot deal with a mountain of dishes. Since everything happens in one pan the cleanup is a breeze. It is also a dream for anyone following a keto or paleo lifestyle because it is naturally low in carbs. I find that even the kids enjoy it because the flavors are simple and delicious. You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now and the best part is that it takes less than 25 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients for Your Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet

I love using lean ground turkey for this because it soaks up all the spices without being too heavy. Here is what you need to gather from your kitchen.

1 pound lean ground turkey
2 medium zucchinis sliced into half moons
1 small yellow onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 bell pepper chopped for extra color
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh parsley or parmesan cheese for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

If you do not have turkey in the freezer do not sweat it. Ground chicken or even lean ground beef works perfectly fine here. You can also swap the zucchini for yellow summer squash to make the dish look even more vibrant. For those of you who like a little heat I recommend adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while everything is sizzling in the pan.

How to Make a Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet Step-by-Step

The secret here is all about the order of operations so your vegetables stay nice and crisp while the meat gets perfectly browned.

Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
Add the ground turkey and the diced onion to the pan. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks.
Keep cooking until the turkey is browned and there is no pink left.
Stir in the minced garlic oregano and smoked paprika. Let it cook for about a minute until your kitchen smells amazing.
Toss in the sliced zucchini and the chopped bell peppers.
Sauté everything together for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the zucchini to be tender but still have a little bit of a bite to it.
Season with salt and pepper to your liking then garnish and serve it up immediately.

Prep and Cook Times

This is a fast one so make sure you have your veggies chopped before you turn on the stove.

Prep time 10 minutes
Cook time 15 minutes
Total time 25 minutes

Pro Tips for the Best Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet

The biggest mistake people make is ending up with soggy zucchini. Zucchini has a ton of water in it so you have to be careful. To keep it from getting mushy make sure you cook it over medium high heat and whatever you do do not cover the pan with a lid. If you want a little bit of a sear on your vegetables push the turkey to the edges of the pan and let the zucchini sit directly in the center for a few minutes before you stir it all together.

Serving Suggestions for Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet

I usually eat this straight from the pan because I love a low carb meal. If you want something a bit more filling you can serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice or even some fluffy brown rice. It also tastes great stuffed inside a toasted pita or served with a side of crusty bread to soak up all the savory juices left in the pan.

Storing and Reheating Your Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet

If you have leftovers just pop them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 days. When you are ready to eat again use a skillet over medium heat instead of the microwave. This helps keep the texture of the zucchini from getting weird. I do not recommend freezing this dish because the zucchini turns into mush once it thaws out.

Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet FAQ

Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes you definitely should. Sprinkling some shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar over the top during the last minute of cooking makes it so creamy and delicious.

Is this recipe meal prep friendly?

Absolutely. It holds up really well for a few days which makes it a fantastic high protein lunch option to take to work.

How do I prevent the turkey from being dry?

Since turkey is so lean you want to avoid overcooking it. If you feel like it needs more moisture you can add a splash of chicken broth or a tablespoon of tomato paste to the meat while it browns.

Nutritional Information for Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet

This data is an estimate based on four servings per recipe.

Calories 245 kcal
Protein 22g
Fat 14g
Carbohydrates 8g
Fiber 2g
Sugar 4g