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Quick Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet: Easy 20-Minute Dinner

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A quick and easy one-skillet dinner with ground turkey and zucchini, ready in 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this savory and healthy meal is made with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 2 medium zucchini (about 12 oz / 340 g total), diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 medium yellow onion (about 6 oz / 170 g), diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (or more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: dice the onion into small, even pieces (about 1/4 inch), mince the garlic, cut the zucchini into 1/2-inch cubes, and chop the parsley. Set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet (12-inch) over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat until shimmering, about 30 seconds.
  3. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent.
  4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
  5. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it into crumbles. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a brown crust, then stir and continue cooking for 5-6 minutes total, until no longer pink and golden-brown bits appear.
  6. Sprinkle the oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) over the turkey. Stir to coat evenly and cook for 1 minute to let the spices bloom.
  7. Add the diced zucchini to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender but still has a little bite. If the pan looks dry, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
  9. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy on its own, over rice, or in tortillas.

Notes

For best browning, don’t overcrowd the pan. Let the turkey sit undisturbed for the first 2 minutes. Add zucchini after turkey is fully browned to avoid mushiness. Season in layers for deeper flavor. This recipe is forgiving and customizable.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey, zucchini, quick dinner, one skillet, healthy, 20 minute meal, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://jollyfork.com/quick-ground-turkey-zucchini-skillet-easy-20-minute-dinner/