Ingredients for Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Sautéing base. Prevents sticking and adds a subtle richness. Use extra virgin for best flavor.
• 1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7 or 96/4): Provides the essential protein base for this skillet. Offers a healthy, satisfying foundation. Break it up well while browning.
• 2 medium zucchini, diced: The star vegetable, adding freshness and bulk. Balances the turkey and adds nutrition. Sauté until just tender.
• 1 small onion, diced: Forms an aromatic foundation for the dish. Adds essential savory depth. Sauté until softened and translucent.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides pungent, savory flavor. A crucial flavor builder for most savory dishes. Add late to prevent burning.
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds moisture, acidity, and body. Essential for a robust, saucy base. Crushing them slightly enhances texture.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds liquid, deglazes, and builds flavor. Prevents dryness; creates a cohesive sauce. Use low sodium for better salt control.
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Provides concentrated tomato flavor and helps thicken. Deepens the savory notes. Sauté briefly to enhance its flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a complex umami boost. Rounds out the savory profile. A little goes a long way for depth.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Provides a classic, aromatic herb blend. Infuses the skillet with warm, familiar flavors. Check your spice’s freshness for potency.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste: Enhances all other flavors in the dish. Essential for proper seasoning. Always taste and adjust before serving.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste: Adds a subtle warmth and peppery bite. Balances and brightens the overall flavor. Freshly ground offers superior aroma.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a bright, herbaceous finish. Lifts the dish with fresh flavor and color. Stir in right before serving.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Offers a salty, savory topping. Adds a delicious layer of flavor and texture. Freshly grated is always superior.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a gentle kick of heat. Adds a pleasant warmth to the dish. Adjust amount to your spice preference.

How to Make Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Sauté Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. This builds a great flavor base for your Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet.

Brown Turkey:

Add lean ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s fully browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep your Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet light and delicious.

Add Zucchini & Season:

Stir in the diced zucchini, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the zucchini begins to soften slightly. Avoid overcooking to maintain a nice texture in your skillet, preventing mushiness.

Simmer Skillet:

Pour in diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 8-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Finish Skillet:

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the fresh chopped parsley. For extra flavor, fold in optional grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired.

Serve Warm:

Ladle generous portions of your delicious Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet into bowls. Serve immediately, perhaps with a side of crusty bread or rice, for a comforting and easy weeknight meal. Enjoy this quick dish!

How to Store Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

To keep your Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet fresh, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay delicious for 3-4 days. Don’t leave it out at room temperature for too long, or it will spoil quickly – a mistake I’ve made! Look for off smells or slimy texture as signs of spoilage before consuming.

You can prep the diced onion, minced garlic, and even brown the turkey a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. This makes assembly of your Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet even quicker on busy nights.

For best reheating, gently warm portions on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

What to Serve with Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Ladle generous portions of this comforting Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet into bowls. It’s perfect served warm, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and a side of crusty bread to soak up all the savory juices. For a lighter meal, pair it with a simple green salad. Enjoy this delicious dish any night of the week!

I personally love to serve this skillet over a bed of fluffy white rice; it’s the perfect way to soak up every bit of that rich, savory sauce. Alternatively, warm tortillas make a fantastic pairing for a quick taco-style dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground beef instead of turkey in this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet?

Yes, you absolutely can use ground beef! I’d recommend lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15) to keep it from being too greasy. Brown it well and drain any excess fat just like with turkey for the best flavor and texture.

→ How do I prevent mushy zucchini in my Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet?

The key is not to overcook it. Add the zucchini in step 3 and cook just until it begins to soften slightly, about 3-4 minutes. This maintains a nice bite and prevents it from turning mushy, a mistake I’ve made too often.

→ How long can I store leftover Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet in the fridge?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Always ensure it’s cooled quickly before storing, and check for any off smells or slimy texture before reheating and eating to be safe.

→ Can I freeze this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet for later meals?

While you can freeze it, zucchini can get a bit soft upon thawing. For best results, freeze the cooked turkey mixture *before* adding zucchini, then add fresh zucchini when reheating. It’s better fresh, trust me!

→ Can I easily double this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet recipe for a larger family?

Yes, you can definitely double it! Just ensure you use a much larger skillet to accommodate all ingredients without overcrowding. This helps everything brown and cook evenly, preventing a steamed rather than seared texture. Adjust seasonings to taste.