Introduction

Do you ever have those nights where the kitchen feels like a mountain to climb? You’re tired, the fridge looks a little bare, and the thought of a complicated meal just makes you want to order pizza. I’ve been there, friend! That’s why I’m so excited to share this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet recipe with you. It’s like a warm hug in a pan, comes together in a flash, and tastes like you spent way more time on it than you actually did. Get ready to simplify your weeknights and create a meal that’s both wholesome and incredibly satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Seriously, you can have this on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those super busy evenings!
Easy: Minimal chopping, one pan, and straightforward steps. Even if you’re new to the kitchen, you can totally nail this.
Giftable: While you’ll probably want to eat it all yourself, this dish reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep or sharing with a neighbor.
Crowd-pleasing: It’s got that comforting, savory flavor that everyone, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies, will enjoy. Plus, it’s packed with good-for-you ingredients!

Ingredients

Gather ’round, let’s see what we need for this simple yet delicious skillet meal. Nothing fancy here, just good ol’ wholesome ingredients:

1 lb Ground Turkey: I love using ground turkey because it’s a lean protein that cooks up so nicely. You can use any fat percentage you prefer.
2 cloves Garlic, minced: The aromatic backbone of so many great dishes. Fresh is best here for that punchy flavor!
1/2 medium Onion, chopped: Sweetens as it cooks and adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
1 tsp Dried Oregano: This herb brings a classic Mediterranean vibe that pairs perfectly with turkey and zucchini.
2 medium Zucchinis, chopped: These add a lovely freshness and a slight sweetness. Don’t be afraid of them; they’ll cook down beautifully.
1/4 cup Chicken Broth: This helps deglaze the pan and adds a little moisture to the dish.
1 tbsp Olive Oil: Our cooking fat of choice. It’s healthy and adds a subtle fruity note.
1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: The grand finale! This melts into the dish, giving it a creamy, cheesy, irresistible finish.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get cooking! Grab your favorite skillet and let’s make some magic happen. It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it before!

Brown the Turkey: First things first, let’s get that olive oil warming up in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your ground turkey. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. You’re looking for it to be nicely browned. Once it’s cooked through and browned, drain off any excess grease. We want flavor, not greasiness!
Sauté Aromatics: Now, add your minced garlic and chopped onion right into the skillet with the turkey. Cook them for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve softened up and are nice and fragrant. Oh, that smell!
Add the Zucchini and Herbs: Time for our star veggie! Stir in the chopped zucchini and that teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook this mixture for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the zucchini to be tender-crisp – still having a little bite, not mushy.
Deglaze the Pan: Pour in that quarter cup of chicken broth. This is a crucial step! As you pour it in, use your spoon to scrape up any of those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. That’s where a ton of flavor is hiding!
Simmer and Reduce: Let the mixture simmer gently for about 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the liquid to reduce slightly and meld all those wonderful flavors together.
Cheesy Goodness: And now, for the best part! Stir in that grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it’s all melted and beautifully combined, creating a wonderfully creamy sauce that coats everything.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle this comforting skillet meal into bowls and serve it up hot. It’s perfect on its own, or you can serve it over rice, quinoa, or even pasta if you like!

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Think of it as a delicious canvas for your creativity. Here are a few ideas:

Swap the Protein: Don’t have ground turkey? Ground chicken or even lean ground beef would work wonderfully here. For a vegetarian option, try crumbled firm tofu or even lentils.
Veggie Power-Up: Feel free to add other quick-cooking veggies! Bell peppers (any color!), mushrooms, or even a handful of spinach stirred in at the end are fantastic additions.
Spice It Up: Want a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the oregano.
Herb Garden Fresh: If you have fresh herbs on hand, a tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley or basil stirred in at the end would be delightful.
A Little Tang: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the very end can brighten up all the flavors.

Tips for Success

A few little pointers to ensure your skillet is absolutely perfect every time:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the turkey, make sure your skillet isn’t too full. If it is, cook the turkey in batches so it browns properly instead of steaming.
Chop Zucchini Uniformly: Try to chop your zucchini into pieces of similar size. This ensures they all cook evenly.
Prep Ahead: You can chop your onion and zucchini, and mince your garlic a day in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This makes weeknight cooking even faster!
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your food before serving! You might want a little more salt, pepper, or even a dash more oregano.

How to Store It

This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a meal prep dream! Once it has cooled completely, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Is this recipe healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with lean protein from the turkey, fiber and vitamins from the zucchini and onion, and healthy fats from the olive oil and Parmesan. It’s a well-balanced and nutritious meal.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! The flavors actually meld together beautifully when made ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

What can I serve with this skillet meal?

It’s fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a side of brown rice, quinoa, couscous, or even a simple green salad. You could also serve it over pasta or with some crusty bread for dipping!

Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

A fast, easy, and comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights, featuring lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, and savory seasonings topped with melted Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

Large skillet
Spoon for breaking up turkey and scraping pan
Airtight container for storage

Ingredients

Main ingredients

1 lb Ground Turkey any fat percentage
2 cloves Garlic minced
0.5 medium Onion chopped
1 tsp Dried Oregano
2 medium Zucchinis chopped
0.25 cup Chicken Broth
1 tbsp Olive Oil
0.25 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, then drain excess grease.
Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet with the turkey. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in the chopped zucchini and dried oregano. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the zucchini is tender-crisp.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and liquid to reduce slightly.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Serve hot, optionally over rice, quinoa, or pasta.

Notes

This dish reheats well and is great for meal prep. It can be served on its own or over rice, quinoa, couscous, pasta, or with crusty bread. For variations, consider adding other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or a squeeze of lemon juice, can be added at the end for extra flavor.