Name: Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Dairy Free
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground turkey; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ¼ teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1½ tablespoons olive or avocado oil; 2 medium zucchinis, 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; ½ cup water; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 5 ounces fresh baby spinach

Jump to Recipe·5 from 5 reviews

The Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is the weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed—that magical meal that checks every box: quick, healthy, vibrant, and so delicious. With lean ground turkey, colorful zucchini, bell pepper, and heaps of fresh spinach, it’s a one-pan wonder packed with flavors and textures that satisfy and nourish. This recipe fits seamlessly into busy lives—come dinnertime, there’s no sacrificing taste or energy. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, you’ll find yourself coming back to this beautiful skillet again and again.

Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this meal is in its simplicity—every ingredient pulls its weight to create those crave-worthy layers of flavor, color, and nutrition. You might have many of these pantry and produce staples already on hand, making this dish as convenient as it is satisfying.

Lean Ground Turkey: A light and protein-rich base; you can swap for lean ground beef if preferred for a different flavor twist.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the turkey and the veggies, drawing out all those natural flavors.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and rounds out the seasoning beautifully.
Chili Powder: Lends a mild warmth that perks up the entire skillet.
Dried Oregano: Provides classic Italian herb notes that play well with the earthy veggies.
Paprika: Delivers both color and a gentle, smoky depth.
Garlic (minced): Sautéing this with the turkey infuses the entire skillet with irresistible aroma.
Olive or Avocado Oil: Either works for sautéing your veggies, lending healthy fats and a glossy finish.
Zucchini: The star vegetable—choose firm, glossy zucchini for the best texture.
Bell Pepper: Any color works; red, yellow, and orange add sweetness and vibrancy.
White or Yellow Onion: For savory undertones and a bit of natural sweetness as it cooks down.
Garlic Powder: Reinforces the garlicky goodness through the veggies.
Onion Powder: Adds a depth of flavor, making the zucchini and peppers extra tasty.
Dried Basil: Offers a fresh, slightly sweet herbal profile to the mix.
Water: Helps create a light sauce and steams the spinach at the end.
Tomato Paste: Binds the mixture with a rich, tangy note that makes everything come together.
Fresh Baby Spinach: Wilts down to add color, nutrients, and a tender finish in every bite.

How to Make Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey

Start by heating a large, sturdy skillet over medium-high. Add your ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. The goal is to get small, crumbly bits—think golden brown edges but still juicy inside. Browning the meat develops extra flavor and forms the hearty foundation for your Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet.

Step 2: Add Initial Seasonings and Garlic

Once the turkey is nicely browned, sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, chili powder, oregano, paprika, and minced garlic. Give everything a quick toss and sauté for another minute until the garlic is fragrant and turns a soft golden color. At this point, your kitchen should already smell amazing! Remove the turkey mixture from the skillet and set it aside so you can focus on the veggies next.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Lower the heat to medium and add your olive or avocado oil to the now-empty skillet. Tumble in your cubed zucchini, bell pepper, and onion. Sprinkle these with another hit of salt, plus garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, paprika, and black pepper. This layering of seasoning means every bite is loaded with flavor. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 10 minutes. You want the onions translucent, with zucchini and peppers just tender but still vibrant.

Step 4: Combine Everything and Simmer

Return your seasoned ground turkey and garlic to the skillet. Add the water and tomato paste, stirring to dissolve the paste and create a light, savory sauce. Pile on the fresh baby spinach, then cover and let everything simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. This last simmer melts all the flavors together and wilts the spinach into silky softness. Stir once more, taste for seasoning, and you’re ready to serve!

How to Serve Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Garnishes

A finishing touch elevates your Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet from “yum” to “wow!” Try a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a few flakes of red pepper for extra heat. If you’re not dairy-free, a dusting of grated parmesan or crumbled feta is absolutely delightful.

Side Dishes

This dish is substantial on its own, but you can round it out with a few easy sides. Serve it over steamed cauliflower rice, fluffy quinoa, or your favorite grain for a heartier meal. A simple green salad or a crusty slice of gluten-free bread makes for a perfect pairing if you’re looking for something fresh or crunchy.

Creative Ways to Present

Give your presentation a fun twist by spooning the skillet mixture into roasted bell pepper halves, stuffing it into zucchini boats, or layering on top of baked sweet potato rounds. You can even use it as a taco filling, tucked into lettuce wraps for a finger-friendly, low-carb spin.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet holds up beautifully in the fridge. Simply transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making tomorrow’s lunch even tastier.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze portions, let the skillet cool completely first. Scoop individual servings into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep for up to 2 months—just be aware that the texture of zucchini may soften a bit once thawed, but the flavors stay bold!

Reheating

Reheat the skillet gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before gently warming in the microwave or skillet. Add a splash of water if it looks dry, and freshen up with a handful of new spinach or herbs.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey with another protein?

Absolutely! Ground chicken and lean ground beef both work beautifully in this recipe, giving the Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet a different spin while keeping those classic flavors and textures intact.

How do I prevent the zucchini from getting mushy?

The key is to cut the zucchini into evenly sized cubes and avoid overcooking. Toss it in after the onions and peppers have started to soften, and keep an eye on it until it’s just fork-tender for the best bite.

Is this skillet dish suitable for meal prep?

This is a fantastic meal prep option! Divide the cooked skillet into containers, refrigerate, and you’ll have grab-and-go lunches or dinners ready for several days.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

To add more heat, sprinkle in a few pinches of red pepper flakes or extra chili powder with the other spices. You can also serve with hot sauce or add diced jalapeño if you really want to turn up the temperature.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! The versatile base of this Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet welcomes additions like mushrooms, eggplant, cherry tomatoes, or even shredded carrots. Just be sure to sauté heartier veggies a little longer so everything cooks evenly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a fast, colorful, and deeply satisfying meal, give Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet a whirl. It’s one of those recipes you’ll bookmark and revisit time and again—for its flavor, simplicity, and pure weeknight magic. Happy cooking!

Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need