Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet – A Healthy and Flavorful One-Pan Meal
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and protein-packed meal, this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a perfect choice! Made with lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, and aromatic seasonings, this dish is light yet satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you need a nutritious meal in under 30 minutes.
The combination of savory turkey, tender zucchini, and a blend of herbs and spices makes this dish incredibly flavorful while keeping it low in calories and carbs. Whether you’re following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet, this recipe is a great addition to your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Healthy and Nutritious – High in protein, low in carbs, and packed with vitamins.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a busy lifestyle.
✔ One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup and maximum convenience.
✔ Versatile – Easily customizable with different veggies and seasonings.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients for Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 cup (250g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
✔ Large Skillet or Pan – For cooking the turkey and vegetables.
✔ Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring ingredients.
✔ Measuring Cups and Spoons – For precise ingredient portions.
✔ Cutting Board and Knife – For chopping zucchini, onion, and garlic.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, oregano, and cumin.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and cooked through.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
- Stir in the diced zucchini and cherry tomatoes, cooking for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Mix in the tomato paste and chicken broth, stirring well to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil.
- If desired, top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
✔ Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh zucchini and cherry tomatoes provide the best texture and flavor.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Zucchini – It should be tender but not mushy.
✔ Adjust the Seasoning – Taste and tweak the salt, pepper, and spices as needed.
✔ Make it Creamy – Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a creamy sauce.
✔ Let it Simmer – Allowing the dish to simmer enhances the flavors.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Swap the Protein – Use ground chicken, lean beef, or plant-based crumbles instead of turkey.
- Add More Veggies – Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.
- Make it Spicy – Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Use Different Herbs – Fresh cilantro, thyme, or rosemary work well in place of parsley or basil.
- Serve Over Grains – Enjoy this dish over quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a heartier meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in Skillet: Warm over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
- Reheat in Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
- Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
✔ With Rice or Grains – Serve over steamed rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete meal.
✔ With a Side Salad – A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette pairs well with this dish.
✔ With Whole Wheat Pasta – Mix into pasta for a heartier version.
✔ As a Wrap Filling – Use in lettuce wraps or whole wheat tortillas for a low-carb meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overcrowding the Pan – Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the turkey instead of browning it.
❌ Overcooking the Zucchini – Add it at the right time to keep it firm and tender.
❌ Skipping the Simmering Step – This allows the flavors to fully develop.
❌ Not Adjusting the Seasoning – Taste as you cook and adjust salt, pepper, and spices as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen zucchini instead of fresh?
Yes, but frozen zucchini releases more water, so cook it separately and drain excess liquid before adding.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, beef, or tofu all work well in this recipe.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs and fits well into a keto diet.
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes! This dish stores well and reheats easily, making it great for meal prep.
Conclusion
This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is the perfect balance of healthy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, it’s a meal you can feel good about eating. Whether you serve it on its own, with rice, or in wraps, this dish is versatile and satisfying. Try it today and enjoy a nutritious, one-pan meal with minimal effort!
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Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet – A Healthy and Flavorful One-Pan Meal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, One-Pan Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a healthy, flavorful, and quick one-pan meal made with lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, and aromatic spices. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s low-carb, high-protein, and meal-prep friendly. Perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner or meal prep option!
Ingredients
For the Skillet:
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchinis, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup (250g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook onion for 2-3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
2️⃣ Cook the Ground Turkey:
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and cumin.
- Cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned.
3️⃣ Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in zucchini and cherry tomatoes, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
- Add tomato paste and chicken broth, stirring well.
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
4️⃣ Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese (optional).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
✔ Use fresh ingredients for the best texture and flavor.
✔ Don’t overcook zucchini – it should be tender but not mushy.
✔ Adjust seasoning to your taste.
✔ For a creamy version, stir in 1 tbsp cream cheese or Greek yogurt.
✔ Let it simmer to enhance flavors.