Some nights, dinner needs to be quick, wholesome, and—let’s be honest—require as few dirty dishes as possible. That’s where this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet swoops in to save the day. It’s hearty enough to satisfy hungry kids, light enough for weeknights, and ready in just about 30 minutes. Think of it as your new “no-stress dinner hero.”
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
- One pan, less mess: Fewer dishes means more time for you.
- Healthy comfort food: High in protein, packed with veggies, and naturally low-carb.
- Quick & reliable: From start to table in under 35 minutes.
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters tend to go for the cheesy zucchini goodness.
What Does Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Taste Like?
Imagine tender, juicy ground turkey paired with slightly sweet zucchini slices, all seasoned with garlic, onion, and oregano. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan, and suddenly you’ve got layers of flavor that feel cozy yet refreshing. It’s not heavy like pasta night, but it’s every bit as comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
When it comes to weeknight meals, simple ingredients are the secret to making something both delicious and stress-free. This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet calls for pantry staples and fresh produce you probably already have on hand. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need (and why each ingredient matters):
- Ground Turkey (1 pound): Lean, protein-packed, and lighter than beef. It gives this skillet dinner a hearty base without being heavy. If you’re a fan of turkey recipes, you’ll also love my cozy Creamy Turkey Pumpkin Chili for fall nights.
- Zucchini (2 medium): Fresh zucchini slices bring natural sweetness and a tender bite. Be sure to keep them slightly firm so they don’t turn mushy.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Just enough to sauté everything and add a rich, subtle flavor. A drizzle of good olive oil can make all the difference.
- Onion (½ medium): Sweet, aromatic, and the base of nearly every great skillet dish. Chop it fine so it blends right into the ground turkey.
- Garlic (2 cloves): No skillet dinner is complete without garlic. It adds that irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): A little earthy, a little peppery, oregano ties the turkey and zucchini together beautifully.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) & Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning. Start small—you can always add more later after tasting.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (¼ teaspoon): Totally optional, but they bring a gentle heat that makes the dish pop.
- Chicken Broth (¼ cup): Helps meld flavors and keep the skillet moist without making it watery. You can also use vegetable broth if that’s what you have on hand.
- Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): The finishing touch! Parmesan melts into the skillet and gives everything a salty, nutty richness.
How to Make Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
Cooking this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is wonderfully simple, and with a little step-by-step guidance, you’ll feel like I’m right there in your kitchen. Here’s exactly how to bring it all together:
Step 1: Heat your skillet
Place a large, sturdy skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm until it shimmers. This is the flavorful base that will keep everything from sticking.
Step 2: Build your flavor foundation
Peel and finely chop ½ of a medium onion. Toss it into the skillet and cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and translucent. The onion should smell sweet and inviting.
Step 3: Add garlic for that irresistible aroma
Mince 2 garlic cloves and stir them in with the onion. Cook for about 30 seconds—just long enough for the fragrance to bloom. (Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter quickly.)
Step 4: Brown the ground turkey
Crumble 1 pound of ground turkey directly into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it apart into small pieces as it cooks. Stir occasionally for 6–8 minutes, until the turkey is no longer pink and has a light golden-brown color. This is the hearty base of your Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet.
Step 5: Prepare and add zucchini
While the turkey cooks, wash and trim 2 medium zucchinis. Slice them into half-moons, about ¼-inch thick, so they cook evenly without becoming mushy. Add them to the skillet once the turkey is browned. Stir everything together and let the zucchini cook for about 4–5 minutes. They should soften but still hold a little bite.
Step 6: Season with herbs and spices
Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until all the turkey and zucchini are evenly coated with seasoning. This is where the skillet starts smelling downright mouthwatering.
Step 7: Add a splash of broth
Pour in ¼ cup chicken broth to keep everything juicy and bring the flavors together. Stir, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes. The broth will reduce slightly, giving your skillet a rich, savory depth.
Step 8: Finish with Parmesan
Finally, sprinkle ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet. Stir gently until the cheese melts into the turkey and zucchini, coating everything with a creamy, salty finish.
Step 9: Taste and serve
Give your skillet one last taste test. Adjust with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a little more kick. Serve hot, straight from the skillet, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
This hearty Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread, or you can keep it light and serve it on its own. If you love easy skillet meals like this, you might also enjoy my Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe—another one-pan wonder packed with flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
- Don’t drown the skillet: Zucchini releases water as it cooks. Stick to the ¼ cup broth or less.
- Want extra flavor? Swap chicken broth with veggie broth and finish with a squeeze of lemon.
- Crispier zucchini: Sauté zucchini in a separate pan first, then fold it in.
- Cheese matters: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded.
- Spice it up: A dash more red pepper flakes adds just the right kick.
Storage for Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Meal-prep friendly: Make it on Sunday and reheat for quick weekday lunches.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes, it works beautifully!
What’s a good side dish for this skillet?
Try serving with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the flavors.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Skip the Parmesan or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is the kind of recipe you’ll keep on repeat: easy, healthy, and comforting without weighing you down. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick but still crave a meal that feels homemade and satisfying. Give it a try this week—and if your crew loves it as much as mine does, let me know!
👉 If you’re into skillet dinners, you’ll probably love my Mediterranean Chicken Zucchini Bake or this cozy Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
Print
Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet – Quick, Easy & Delicious (35 min)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a savory, satisfying one-pan wonder! Tender ground turkey perfectly complements the fresh, slightly sweet zucchini, all sautéed together with aromatic herbs and spices for a delicious, wholesome meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1⁄2 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1⁄4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1⁄4 cup chicken broth
- 1⁄4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Peel and finely chop the onion.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
7. Cook the ground turkey for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and no longer pink.
8. While the turkey is cooking, wash the zucchinis.
9. Trim the ends of the zucchinis and cut them in half lengthwise.
10. Slice each half of zucchini into half-moon shapes about 1/4 inch thick.
11. Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet with the ground turkey mixture.
12. Stir the zucchini into the meat and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the zucchini starts to soften but still retains some firmness.
13. Sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the skillet mixture.
14. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, stirring everything to combine.
15. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
16. Once the zucchini is tender and the broth has reduced slightly, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the skillet.
17. Stir the cheese into the mixture until it melts and coats the turkey and zucchini evenly.
18. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
19. Serve the dish immediately, garnishing with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- The zucchini will release moisture as it cooks, so avoid adding too much chicken broth to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
- For added flavor, you can swap chicken broth with vegetable broth or even white wine.
- If you prefer a crispier texture, sauté the zucchini in a separate pan for a few minutes before adding it to the turkey.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and texture.
- You can add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for extra brightness.
