Description
This Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a quick, healthy, and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground turkey is seasoned with aromatic spices and cooked with tender zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and fresh baby spinach, all brought together with a touch of tomato paste for a delicious, wholesome dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound lean ground turkey (can use lean ground beef if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
Vegetables and Vegetables Seasonings
- 1½ tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- 2 medium zucchini, cubed
- 1 bell pepper, any color, cut into ¾ inch pieces
- ½ white or yellow onion, cut into ¾ inch pieces
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey (or beef if preferred) to a large skillet on medium-high heat. Use a spatula to crumble the meat as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the meat is browned thoroughly.
- Season the Meat: Stir in salt, black pepper, chili powder, dried oregano, paprika, and minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute until the garlic turns golden. Remove the meat mixture from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium. Add olive or avocado oil to the empty skillet and then add the cubed zucchini, bell pepper, and onion. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, paprika, and black pepper. Stir to combine and sauté, stirring occasionally, until onions are translucent and the peppers and zucchini are nearly tender, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked turkey and its juices to the skillet with the vegetables. Add water, tomato paste, and fresh baby spinach. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on medium-low heat for 5 to 10 minutes until everything is warmed through and the spinach is wilted.
Notes
- For a higher protein option, substitute ground turkey with lean ground beef or chicken.
- Adjust the spices according to your heat preference; add a pinch of cayenne for extra kick.
- You can swap zucchini with yellow squash or add mushrooms for extra texture.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or pasta for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
