Simple Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet — Lean & Veggie-Packed One-Pan Meal

This ground turkey and zucchini skillet is a deliciously simple one-pan dinner that brings together lean protein and fresh vegetables in a savory, wholesome dish. Tender ground turkey cooks with soft zucchini and aromatic seasonings, creating a balanced meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or healthy meal prep. With straightforward ingredients and minimal hands-on time, it’s a meal you can feel confident serving any night of the week.

The combination of juicy turkey and lightly sautéed zucchini allows each ingredient to shine, while a splash of broth brings all the flavors together without sogginess. It’s adaptable, nutritious, and ready in around 20 minutes — ideal whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd.

This dish also works beautifully with simple sides like rice, quinoa, or crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of flavor, and it reheats exceptionally well for lunches throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Lean and protein-packed for healthy dinners
• One-pan preparation with minimal cleanup
• Fresh vegetables add color and nutrition
• Quick to make in about 20 minutes
• Great for lunch or dinner meal prep
• Versatile with optional toppings and sides

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey
• 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moon shapes
• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) salt
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 mL) black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 mL) crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup (60 mL) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese

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How to Make Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until warm
• Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent
• Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant
• Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks
• Cook turkey until browned and no longer pink
• Add sliced zucchini to the skillet with turkey
• Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes over mixture
• Pour chicken broth into the pan and stir ingredients to combine
• Reduce heat to low and simmer until zucchini softens and broth reduces slightly
• Remove from heat and sprinkle grated Parmesan over top
• Stir cheese into the skillet so it melts and coats the turkey and zucchini
• Taste and adjust seasoning as desired before serving

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Course: Main Dinner

Flavor Profile Breakdown

• Savory and mild from lean ground turkey
• Fresh, subtly sweet notes from tender zucchini
• Aromatic warmth from garlic and oregano
• Subtle heat from optional red pepper flakes
• Umami depth from Parmesan cheese finish

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Slice zucchini evenly so it cooks uniformly
• Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming instead of sautéing
• Add broth gradually to keep sauce from becoming watery
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for better texture and flavor
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on preferred spice level

Variations & Substitutions

• Substitute ground chicken or lean ground beef for turkey
• Add bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth if preferred
• Serve over quinoa, rice, or cauliflower rice
• Omit Parmesan for a dairy-free version

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cutting zucchini in inconsistent sizes, causing uneven cooking
• Overcooking turkey until dry — aim for juicy browning
• Adding too much broth at once, making the dish soupy
• Forgetting to season midway for balanced flavor

Serving Suggestions

• Scoop over steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal
• Serve with a crisp side salad for freshness
• Top with extra Parmesan or chopped herbs
• Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Allow skillet to cool before sealing in an airtight container
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth
• Avoid freezing zucchini dishes as texture can become watery

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 320 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 600 mg

Final Thoughts

This ground turkey and zucchini skillet is a lean, flavorful meal that celebrates simple, fresh ingredients with minimal cleanup. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a balanced dinner full of protein and veggies. Whether you’re feeding your family or prepping lunches for the week, this recipe delivers satisfying flavor with effortless convenience.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare, cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container — it reheats nicely throughout the week.

How do I keep zucchini from getting mushy?
Cook zucchini just until tender and avoid over-slicing, as bigger pieces hold texture better.

Can I use other vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms work well with turkey and zucchini.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if all ingredients are gluten-free.

What can I serve this with?
Serve over rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad to make it a complete meal.