Description
This Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a quick and nutritious one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground turkey is seasoned and browned, then combined with tender sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, and onions. Finished with tomato paste and fresh spinach, this wholesome dish is packed with flavor and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey Mixture
- 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
- 1½ tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- 2 medium zucchini (cubed)
- 1 bell pepper (any color, cut into 3/4 inch pieces)
- ½ white or yellow onion (cut into 3/4 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
Finishing Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Brown the ground turkey: Add your ground turkey (or beef) to a large skillet on the stovetop. Use a spatula to crumble the meat. Cook on medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until browned.
- Season the meat: Stir in salt, pepper, chili powder, oregano, paprika, and minced garlic. Sauté for one more minute until the garlic is golden. Remove the meat mixture from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Reduce heat to medium. Add the oil to the skillet along with the zucchini, onion, and bell pepper. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, paprika, and pepper. Stir and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the peppers and zucchini are nearly tender, about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Combine and simmer: Return the cooked ground turkey and garlic to the skillet. Add water, tomato paste, and fresh spinach. Stir well. Cover the skillet and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until everything is warmed through and the spinach has wilted.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef for ground turkey if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning quantities to taste for spiciness or herbs.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure your tomato paste and spices have no additives containing gluten.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American