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Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet Recipe

Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet Recipe

Are you searching for a healthy weeknight dinner that tastes amazing? This simple Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet recipe comes together in under thirty minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 310 kcal

Equipment

  • Large 12-inch heavy skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Wooden mixing spoon or spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp chef knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Cheese grater

Ingredients
  

  • Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
  • Lean ground turkey (93/7) – 1 pound
  • Medium zucchini – 2, sliced into half-moons
  • Yellow onion – 1 small, diced
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
  • Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
  • Onion powder – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt – 3/4 teaspoon
  • Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
  • Canned diced tomatoes – 1 can (14.5 ounces), drained
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese – 1 cup
  • Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped for garnish

Instructions
 

Brown the Turkey

  • Heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey to the hot pan. Break the meat into small crumble pieces using your wooden spoon. Cook for six minutes until no pink remains.

Add Onions and Garlic

  • Push browned turkey to one side of your skillet. Add diced yellow onion and minced garlic to the cleared space. Cook for three minutes until onions become soft and translucent and garlic smells fragrant.

Season the Meat

  • Sprinkle Italian seasoning, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over meat and vegetables. Stir everything together thoroughly for one full minute to evenly coat the turkey in warm, aromatic spices.

Mix in Diced Tomatoes

  • Pour the drained canned diced tomatoes into your hot skillet. Stir well to integrate tomatoes with seasoned turkey. Allow liquid to simmer gently for two minutes so flavors start melding together beautifully.

Toss in Zucchini

  • Add your fresh zucchini half-moons directly into the pan. Stir gently to combine zucchini with meat mixture. Cover skillet with a lid and cook for five minutes until zucchini softens slightly.

Melt the Cheese

  • Remove lid and turn off heat source completely. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over top of warm mixture. Cover with lid for three minutes so trapped steam melts cheese into gooey perfection.

Garnish and Serve

  • Uncover skillet carefully to reveal bubbly melted cheese layer. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over top for color. Serve hot directly from skillet into deep dinner bowls for maximum comfort and enjoyment.

Notes

  • Do not overcook zucchini: Cook until just tender-crisp to avoid excess water in the pan.
  • Swap the protein: Easily swap ground turkey for lean ground beef, ground chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives.
  • Try different cheeses: Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, or grated Parmesan taste fantastic instead of mozzarella.
  • Add extra veggies: Toss in bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or baby spinach for extra flavor.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight glass container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Heat in a skillet over low heat for 5 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts.
Keyword Savory Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet Recipe