Name: Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean); 2 medium zucchini, sliced into ¼-inch half-moons; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained; 2 tablespoon tomato paste; 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided; ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish); ½ cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan (optional)

A Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is the weeknight hero you didn't know you needed! This one-pan meal is bursting with juicy turkey, caramelized onions, and tender zucchini, all kissed with Italian herbs and just a hint of garlic. The flavors are bright and savory, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that's both hearty and light.

What makes this skillet truly irresistible is how easy it is-everything cooks up in one pan in under 40 minutes. It's the perfect way to use up seasonal zucchini, sneak extra veggies into your dinner, and keep cleanup to a minimum.

This is my go-to for busy nights when I want something healthy but crave big, comforting flavors. It's a family favorite and perfect for meal prep, too!

Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet - a healthy, easy one-pan meal for busy nights!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish-perfect for busy weeknights!
One-pan cleanup means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your meal.
Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies for a balanced, filling dinner.
Versatile: easily customize with your favorite veggies or spices.

Key Ingredients for Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Ground Turkey

Lean ground turkey gives this dish its hearty, satisfying base. It's lower in fat and calories than beef but still brings plenty of flavor. For the juiciest results, opt for 93% lean. You can swap in ground chicken or even ground beef if you prefer, but the turkey keeps things light and lets the veggies shine.

Zucchini

Fresh zucchini adds a tender, slightly sweet bite and bulks up the skillet with wholesome nutrition. Slice your zucchini into half-moons about ¼-inch thick for even cooking. Not a zucchini fan? Yellow squash or eggplant work beautifully as substitutes.

Onion

Sautéed onion lends gentle sweetness and depth to the dish. Yellow or white onions are both great choices. If you love a little extra punch, try adding a small shallot or use red onion for color.

Bell Pepper

Colorful bell peppers add crunch, sweetness, and a pop of brightness. Use any color you like-red, yellow, or orange are especially tasty and vibrant. No bell pepper? Toss in mushrooms or a handful of spinach near the end of cooking for extra veggies.

Italian Seasoning

This blend of dried herbs brings classic, cozy flavor to every bite. If you don't have Italian seasoning, substitute with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes!

Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet cooking process

Instructions for Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Veggies

Start by prepping all your veggies-dice the onion and bell pepper, slice the zucchini, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and quick!

Sauté the Onion and Peppers

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent.

Brown the Ground Turkey

Push the veggies to the side of the skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the ground turkey to the open space. Break it up with a spatula and cook for 4-5 minutes, until it's no longer pink and starting to brown. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika as it cooks.

Add Garlic and Zucchini

Stir in the minced garlic and sliced zucchini. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the zucchini begins to soften and the garlic is fragrant. Don't overcook-the zucchini should still hold its shape.

Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Stir everything together to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and the veggies are tender.

Finish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, if using, and let it melt for a minute. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot!

Recipe Variations

Make It Spicy

Like a little heat? Throw in ¼-½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes along with the seasonings, or top with sliced jalapeño for some real zing.

Dairy-Free & Paleo

Skip the cheese or use your favorite dairy-free alternative to keep this dish paleo or Whole30-friendly. Nutritional yeast sprinkled on top also adds a cheesy touch without the dairy!

Veggie-Loaded

Amp up the veggie power by adding mushrooms, spinach, or chopped kale during the last few minutes of cooking. You can even toss in corn or peas for extra color and sweetness.

Swap the Protein

No turkey on hand? This recipe works well with ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust the cook time as needed.

Low-Carb and Keto

The recipe is already fairly low-carb, but for an even lighter version, skip the tomatoes and tomato paste, and just season with herbs and a squeeze of lemon. Serve with cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet shines as a main course all on its own, but it's also delicious served over brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a heartier meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad or crusty whole-grain bread to round things out. A sprinkle of fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice make for the perfect finishing touch!

For more healthy side ideas, check out this list of easy salad recipes, or pair it with roasted sweet potatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, or warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat until hot. This recipe freezes well-just portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet (FAQ)

Q: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

A: Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great alternative and will work just as well. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Q: How do I keep zucchini from getting mushy in the skillet?

A: Don't overcook it-add the zucchini toward the end and sauté just until tender-crisp. Cut it into thicker slices for more bite.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, it's naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to double-check your seasonings and canned tomatoes to avoid hidden gluten.

Q: Can I meal prep this dish?

A: Definitely! It reheats beautifully and makes a quick, healthy lunch or dinner throughout the week.

This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is everything you want in a weeknight dinner-easy, healthy, and absolutely packed with flavor. I hope you give it a try soon! If you loved this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. Your feedback means so much!

Why You'll Love This Recipe