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Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Simple Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

A quick, healthy, one-pan dinner featuring lean ground turkey and tender zucchini simmered in a savory tomato sauce. Ready in under 45 minutes, this dish is perfect for a delicious weeknight meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 275

Ingredients
  

Skillet Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 medium yellow onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 medium zucchini diced into half-inch pieces
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes, undrained
Seasoning & Topping
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste
  • 1/4 cup shredded fresh Parmesan cheese for topping or mixing in
  • Fresh basil or parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large, Deep Skillet (or Dutch Oven)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and translucent.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  3. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until it is fully browned and no pink remains (6 to 8 minutes). If using non-lean turkey, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet before proceeding.
  4. Sprinkle the browned turkey with the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to ensure the spices evenly coat the turkey.
  5. Add the diced zucchini to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini begins to soften slightly but still holds its shape.
  6. Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine them with the turkey mixture. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet loosely, and let the mixture cook for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the zucchini to finish cooking until it is tender-crisp.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese if you prefer it mixed throughout the dish. Taste the mixture and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Ladle the Simple Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet into bowls. Garnish each serving with the remaining fresh Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley before serving immediately.

Notes

To make this dish lower carb, serve it on its own or over cauliflower rice. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid entirely during the final 5-10 minutes of simmering to allow excess liquid to evaporate.