Ugh, weeknights. Am I right? Between work, the kids, and trying to remember if I actually showered that day, dinner can be a total disaster. That’s where my Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet comes in to save the day! Seriously, this is one of those meals that I can whip up in, like, 20 minutes flat, and it’s actually good for you. I’ve been making skillet meals like this for years – they’re my go-to when I need something fast, healthy, and that doesn’t involve a ton of dishes. Trust me, this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a lifesaver!
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
Okay, so why *should* you make this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet? Let me tell ya, it’s a winner because:
Quick and Easy Dinner
Seriously, from fridge to table in under 20 minutes? I’m not kidding! Perfect for those nights when you’re starving and patience is, like, *totally* gone.
Healthy and Delicious
Zucchini is packed with goodness, and lean ground turkey? Yes, please! You’re getting a healthy, flavorful meal that won’t leave you feeling guilty.
One-Pan Meal for Easy Cleanup
My absolute *favorite* part? One pan! That means less scrubbing and more time relaxing. Hallelujah!
Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Ingredients
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing fancy here, promise. You’ll need 1 pound of ground turkey – the leaner, the better, I say! Grab 2 medium zucchini, and dice ’em up. Half an onion, chopped, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Don’t skimp on the garlic, trust me! You’ll also need 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning (my secret weapon!), half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Oh, and a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese, but that’s totally optional. I love it, though!
How to Make Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get cooking! This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is so simple, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. Promise!
Preparing the Ground Turkey
First, grab a large skillet – cast iron is my fave, but anything works! Pop it on the stove over medium heat. Add that teaspoon of olive oil and let it heat up for a sec. Then, dump in your pound of ground turkey. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns. Once it’s all browned, carefully drain off any extra fat. Nobody wants a greasy skillet!
Adding Aromatics and Vegetables
Now for the yummy stuff! Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook ’em until the onion is soft and translucent – about 3 minutes should do it. Oh, and your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now! Next, add your diced zucchini, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine.
Cooking the Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet to Perfection
Alright, almost there! Cook the Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet until the zucchini is tender – usually around 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcook it, though; nobody likes mushy zucchini! If you’re using Parmesan cheese (and I totally recommend it!), stir it in during the last minute. That’s it! Serve this baby up immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
Want to take your Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet from good to *amazing*? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years:
First, don’t overcrowd the pan! If you pile in too much zucchini at once, it’ll steam instead of getting that nice, slightly browned texture. Cook in batches if you need to!
Also, keep an eye on that zucchini! Overcooked zucchini is nobody’s friend. You want it tender, but still with a little bite.
And finally, don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning. A little more Italian seasoning? A pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick? Go for it! Make it *yours*!
Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Variations
Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet recipe? Awesome! Now, let’s get crazy and mix it up! This recipe is seriously a blank canvas for all sorts of deliciousness.
For example, swap out the Italian seasoning for some smoked paprika and a pinch of cumin for a totally different vibe. Or, if you’re feeling spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes (like I mentioned before!) or even a diced jalapeño. Whoa!
Don’t be afraid to toss in other veggies too! Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach… whatever you’ve got hanging out in the fridge. And, of course, you can always experiment with different cheeses. Feta? Mozzarella? Go wild!
Serving Suggestions for Your Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
So, you’ve got this amazing Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet… now what? Well, it’s awesome on its own, but if you want to make it a full meal, I’ve got some ideas! It’s fab served over rice or quinoa. Pasta works great too! Or, keep it light with a simple side salad. Boom! Dinner is served!
FAQ About Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
Got questions about this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about this recipe:
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Totally! If you’re not a turkey fan, ground beef works just as well in this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet. Just be sure to drain off any extra fat after browning. You could even use ground chicken or sausage… get creative!
How do I store leftover Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet?
Super easy! Let the Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet cool down completely, then pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or in a skillet until it’s warmed through. It’s just as yummy the next day!
Is this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet recipe low carb?
Yep, it sure is! With all those veggies and lean protein, this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a great option if you’re watching your carbs. Just be mindful of what you serve it with. Rice and pasta will add carbs, so maybe stick to a salad or cauliflower rice if you’re keeping it super low carb!
Nutritional Information for Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
Okay, so everyone always asks about the nitty-gritty nutritional info. Here’s the deal: I can give you an estimate, but remember that it can totally change depending on the brands you use, how much oil you add, and, well, if you sneak a little extra Parmesan (oops!). So, just keep in mind that these are approximate values and not, like, set in stone. Alright? Good!
Enjoyed This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe?
Woohoo! If you loved this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet as much as I do, leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share it with your friends! They’ll thank you, promise!
Print
Disgustingly Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet: 20 Min
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Quick and easy ground turkey and zucchini skillet recipe. A healthy and flavorful meal ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchini, diced
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add zucchini, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until zucchini is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or pasta.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
