This Healthy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Dinner is a quick and tasty meal. Made with lean turkey and fresh zucchini, it’s packed with flavor and good-for-you ingredients!
It’s a one-pan dish, making clean-up a breeze! I love how the zucchini cooks just right, soaking up all those yummy spices. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey keeps this dish light. If you prefer a different protein, you can swap it for ground chicken, beef, or even cooked lentils for a vegetarian option.
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini adds texture, but yellow squash works just as well if you don’t have zucchini on hand. You can also try bell peppers or eggplant for a different flavor.
Corn: Use canned, frozen, or fresh corn to your liking. If corn isn’t available, you can substitute it with peas or diced carrots for sweetness.
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber. For a twist, try kidney beans or pinto beans. If you want a bean-free option, consider adding extra veggies instead.
How Can I Cook the Zucchini Just Right?
Getting the zucchini perfectly cooked can be tricky. You want it tender but still crisp. Here’s how:
- Chop zucchini into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Cook it just until it’s tender (about 5-7 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Covering the skillet helps steam the zucchini, ensuring it cooks without becoming mushy.
Being mindful of cooking time helps you enjoy the best flavor and texture!
Healthy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 2 medium zucchinis, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This simple skillet dinner takes about 10 minutes to prep and an additional 15 minutes to cook, bringing the total time to around 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal on a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you can smell its lovely aroma.
2. Cook the Ground Turkey:
Now, add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks, browning it thoroughly. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure it’s no longer pink in the middle!
3. Add Spices:
Once the turkey is cooked through, sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to make sure the turkey is evenly coated with the spices, adding lots of yummy flavor!
4. Mix in the Vegetables:
Next, add the chopped zucchini, corn, black beans, and diced tomato into the skillet. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
5. Cook Until Tender:
Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the zucchini cooks evenly, and keep an eye on it so the veggies stay tender but still slightly crisp.
6. Finish with Lime and Cilantro:
Once the veggies are just right, take the skillet off the heat. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and toss gently so everything is coated. This adds a fresh zing!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your dish with fresh cilantro on top. Serve warm, alongside optional sliced jalapeños and lime wedges for an extra kick. Enjoy this scrumptious, nutritious meal!
And there you have it—a deliciously healthy dinner that’s not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor!
Can I Use Ground Beef or Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! You can substitute lean ground beef or chicken for the ground turkey. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly, so ensure the meat is cooked through and reaches the appropriate temperature.
What Can I Substitute for Zucchini?
If you don’t have zucchini on hand, you can easily substitute it with yellow squash, bell peppers, or even chopped broccoli. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm gently in a skillet over low heat until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add additional veggies like spinach, kale, or carrots based on your taste preferences. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so that everything cooks evenly.
