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Okay, seriously, if you’re anything like me, weeknights are a *mad* dash. Between work, errands, and, you know, trying to actually *live*, who has time for complicated recipes? That’s where this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet swoops in to save the day. It’s seriously the answer to, “What am I going to make for dinner *tonight*?!” It’s healthy, it’s delicious, and cleanup is a breeze. My own skillet epiphany happened after one *particularly* chaotic Tuesday. I was staring into the fridge, willing something delicious to magically appear, and this (slightly tweaked) recipe was born. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one handy.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe
Seriously, what’s not to love? This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a total weeknight winner because:
- It’s lightning fast! Dinner’s on the table in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy bees.
- It’s ridiculously easy. If you can chop and stir, you’ve got this!
- The flavor is *amazing*. Savory turkey, tender zucchini…yum!
- It’s actually good for you! Packed with protein and veggies, feel good about what you’re eating.
- It’s so versatile! You can totally make it your own with different spices or veggies.
Ingredients for Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this amazingness:
- 1 pound ground turkey – the star of our show!
- 2 medium zucchini, diced – about 2 cups, give or take.
- 1 onion, chopped – any kind works, whatever you’ve got!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – or more, if you’re a garlic fiend like me!
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained – don’t drain ’em, that juice is flavor!
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – adds that little somethin’ somethin’.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances everything out.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is always best!
- Olive oil – for sautéing, just a tablespoon or so.
Easy peasy, right?
How to Make Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get cooking! Here’s the super-easy rundown on how to make this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet:
- First, grab your biggest skillet and drizzle in about a tablespoon of olive oil. Get that over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles in the pan – careful, it might splatter!
- Next, add in your ground turkey. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Keep going until it’s browned all over. It should take about 7-10 minutes. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy skillet!
- Now, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them until they’re softened and fragrant. We’re talking about 5 minutes here. Your kitchen should be smelling *amazing* right about now!
- Time for the zucchini and diced tomatoes! Dump them both into the skillet. Then, sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. That means tiny bubbles gently rising to the surface. Cover the skillet and let it cook until the zucchini is tender. About 10-15 minutes should do the trick. But keep an eye on it – zucchini can go from perfect to mushy in a flash!
- And… ta-da! You’re done! Serve it up hot and enjoy!
See? Told ya it was easy!
Tips for the Best Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
Want to take your Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet from good to *great*? I’ve got you covered! Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips:
- **Get that turkey browned!** Don’t be afraid to let the turkey get nice and brown. That’s where all the flavor lives! Just make sure to drain off any excess grease.
- Don’t overcook the zucchini!** Mushy zucchini is a sad zucchini. Keep an eye on it and cook it just until it’s tender-crisp.
- **Taste as you go!** Seasoning is key. Add more salt, pepper, or oregano to taste. A little pinch of red pepper flakes is *amazing* if you like a little heat!
- **Don’t be shy with the garlic!** Seriously, garlic makes everything better. I usually add an extra clove or two.
Trust me, these little tweaks make a *huge* difference!
Variations for Your Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
Okay, so you’ve made the basic Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet and you’re loving it? Awesome! Now let’s get a little crazy and mix things up! The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- **Spice it up!** Add a pinch (or a generous pinch, if you’re like me!) of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- **Herb it up!** Swap out the oregano for basil, thyme, or even a little rosemary. Each herb brings a totally different vibe.
- **Veggie Power!** Toss in other veggies you love. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach would be fantastic. Check out this Zucchini and Chickpea Skillet for some more ideas!
- **Protein Party!** Not feeling turkey? Ground chicken or even Italian sausage would be delicious.
- **Serve it up!** I love serving this over rice, but quinoa or pasta are great options too. Or, keep it low-carb and serve it as is!
Seriously, the possibilities are endless! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions for Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
Alright, so you’ve got your amazing Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet all cooked up…but what do you serve with it?! Don’t worry, I’ve got ideas! It’s fantastic over a bed of fluffy rice or your favorite pasta. For a healthier twist, try it with quinoa – like this high-protein quinoa salad. And a simple side salad always rounds out the meal perfectly!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
Got questions about this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet? I bet you do! Here are some of the most common ones I get asked:
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef works great in this recipe. Just remember that ground beef tends to be a bit fattier than ground turkey, so you may need to drain off a little more grease. But, hey, a little extra flavor never hurt anyone, right?
How long does Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet last in the fridge?
If you manage to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a big “if”!), this skillet will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Nobody likes dry leftovers!
Can I freeze Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet?
Yep! This skillet freezes really well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it. Easy peasy!
Is this recipe really low carb?
Relatively! Zucchini is a great low-carb veggie, and using ground turkey keeps the protein high and the carbs lower than, say, serving it with a *huge* portion of pasta. But if you’re watching your carb intake super closely, you’ll want to be mindful of what you serve it with.
Can I add other vegetables to this skillet?
Oh, totally! Get creative! Bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and spinach all work great. Just throw them in with the zucchini and tomatoes. The more the merrier, I say!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store, let the skillet cool completely. Then, pop it in an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for 2-3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat it in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information for Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
Just a heads-up: the nutrition info here is an estimate! It’ll change depending on the exact brands and amounts you use. So, take it with a grain of (sea) salt!
Print
Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Quick and easy skillet meal with ground turkey and zucchini.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease.
- Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in zucchini, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook until zucchini is tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Serve over rice or pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg