This is the dinner for using up whatever vegetables are sitting in the fridge — ground turkey browns fast, and the vegetables cook down in the same pan.
It's lean without tasting like a diet compromise, mostly because the seasoning does real work.
Ground Turkey Skillet
Season generously — ground turkey is milder than beef, and skimping on the Italian seasoning and paprika is the most common reason turkey dishes taste flat.
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Ground Turkey Skillet
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground turkey
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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1. Brown the turkey
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, breaking it apart, and cook 6-7 minutes until browned.
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2. Add vegetables
Add onion, bell pepper and garlic. Cook 4-5 minutes until softened.
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3. Finish
Add zucchini, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Cook 4-5 minutes more until zucchini is tender. Top with parmesan before serving.
Tips & Common Questions
Why does ground turkey sometimes taste dry compared to beef?
Turkey is leaner with less fat to keep it moist — don't overcook it past the point of browning, and season generously since it carries less inherent flavor than beef.
Can I add rice or quinoa to make this a full bowl meal?
Yes — stir in 2 cups of cooked rice or quinoa at the end and toss to combine, adding a splash of broth if it looks dry.
What other vegetables work well here?
Mushrooms, spinach or diced tomatoes all work well added at the same stage as the zucchini.