A simple one-pan meal made with lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, and bold flavor — ready in under 30 minutes.

This ground turkey zucchini skillet is one of those recipes I always keep in my back pocket.

It came from one of those “what can I make with what’s in the fridge” kind of nights — and it ended up becoming a regular dinner in our house. It’s light, filling, and packed with protein, but still feels comforting in that warm-and-satisfying way.

The best part? One skillet. No fuss. No pile of dishes. Just real food that’s good for your body and your schedule.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan (optional)

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the turkey: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and cook the ground turkey until browned, about 5–6 minutes. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks.

2. Add aromatics: Stir in onion and garlic and cook another 2–3 minutes until softened.

3. Add veggies: Stir in zucchini and bell pepper. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 7–8 minutes until veggies are tender but not mushy.

4. Optional cheese finish: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover the skillet, and let melt for 1–2 minutes.

5. Serve hot: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve as-is, or over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.

Tips & Swaps

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño with the veggies.

• Dairy-free? Just skip the cheese — it’s still full of flavor.

• Add more veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes work beautifully.

• Meal prep winner: This reheats like a dream for lunch the next day.

Why You'll Love It

This skillet is cozy, clean, and packed with feel-good fuel. You get lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and satisfying flavor — without turning on the oven or dirtying half the kitchen. It’s the kind of dinner that works on the busiest nights but still feels like you did something good for yourself.

Nutrition (Per Serving – serves 4)

• Calories: 310

• Protein: 28g

• Carbs: 10g

• Fat: 18g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 4g