If you’re searching for a one-pan wonder that’s as fresh as it is satisfying, look no further than this Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet. This weeknight hero is saucy, savory, and full of tender zucchini and lean ground turkey, all bound together with a touch of Parmesan for added richness. It’s unfussy but downright impressive, and whether you need dinner in a flash or a meal prep superstar, this dish delivers hearty flavors while still feeling light and nourishing.

Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of humble ingredients to make something truly crave-worthy. Each one plays a special role in building deep flavor, aroma, and those irresistible pops of color that make this skillet shine.

Ground Turkey: Lean, protein-packed, and beautifully absorbs all the savory seasonings!
Zucchinis: Their mild taste and tender-bite texture bring freshness and a gorgeous green hue.
Olive Oil: Adds just the right amount of richness to sauté and carry flavors.
Onion: Caramelizes into sweetness, layering subtle depth into every bite.
Garlic: Gives a fragrant punch that ties all the savory notes together.
Dried Oregano: Brings an herby Mediterranean lift that works magic with zucchini and turkey.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and pulling the best flavors out of your ingredients.
Black Pepper: Adds mellow warmth that complements the other spices beautifully.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For that gentle background heat—you can add more if you love things spicy!
Chicken Broth: Infuses juicy moisture and infallible savory flavor that simmers into every ingredient.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the skillet to create a silky, cheesy finish that feels extra cozy.

How to Make Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a roomy skillet set over medium heat. Once the oil glistens, add your chopped onion. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns soft and translucent—this usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes and builds the foundation for sweet, aromatic flavor.

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Stir in the minced garlic, letting it cook for just 30 seconds. At this stage, the kitchen should smell incredible! Garlic cooks quickly, so keep it moving to avoid burning and to unlock that deep, mellow perfume.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey

Crumble in the ground turkey, using your spoon or spatula to break up any clumps. Sauté the meat for 6 to 8 minutes, keeping an eye on the color—it should turn fully browned with no pink left, but stay juicy and tender. Season generously with a bit of salt and pepper for early flavor layering.

Step 4: Prep and Add the Zucchini

While the turkey cooks, wash and trim your zucchinis, then cut them into half-moons (about 1/4 inch thick). Toss these beautiful slices right into the skillet with your browned turkey and onions. Give everything a good stir so the zucchini gets friendly with the turkey and starts softening, about 4 to 5 minutes. You want the squash to be just-tender but not at all mushy.

Step 5: Season and Simmer

Now, for the flavor fireworks—sprinkle in the oregano, more salt, black pepper, and those red pepper flakes for a bit of warmth. Pour in the chicken broth and stir well so everything is mingling and picking up the delicious aromas. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and let the skillet bubble for 3 to 4 minutes, reducing the broth slightly and melding all the flavors together.

Step 6: Add the Cheese and Finish

As the final touch, shower the skillet with grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese fully melts and coats every bite with creamy, cheesy goodness. This is the moment that transforms the Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet into a comforting, cohesive meal. Taste and tweak the seasoning if needed—sometimes just a pinch more salt or a sprinkle of red pepper makes all the difference.

How to Serve Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet

Garnishes

You can never go wrong with a little extra something sprinkled on top! I love a final dusting of freshly grated Parmesan, a scatter of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil, or even a squeeze of lemon for brightness. Each little flourish adds color and flavor that makes your Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet extra inviting.

Side Dishes

This skillet is meant to be versatile, so you can cozy it up next to so many sides: think a fluffy scoop of quinoa or brown rice to catch the savory juices, a hunk of rustic bread for dunking, or even a crisp green salad for a light and lively pairing. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For meal-prep magic, pack the finished Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet into glass containers with a side of cooked pasta, cauliflower rice, or roasted potatoes. If you’re feeding a crowd, serve it family-style in the skillet itself—everyone can dig right in! Or spoon it into warm pita bread with chopped tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a tightly sealed container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for three to four days, which means you have an effortless lunch or dinner ready and waiting!

Freezing

This skillet freezes surprisingly well! Pop cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay flat in the freezer for quicker thawing later. Just keep in mind the zucchini may soften a bit upon reheating, but all those flavors will remain spot-on delicious. For best quality, plan to enjoy within two months.

Reheating

Bring leftovers back to their original glory by reheating gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth if the mixture seems dry, and stir occasionally until hot throughout. For a quick, single-serving option, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between each, until steaming and ready to enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken will keep things lean and mild, while ground beef will add richness. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, and keep an eye on the fat content—you may want to drain some grease when using beef.

What’s the best way to cut zucchini for this skillet?

Half-moon slices, about 1/4 inch thick, are perfect. They cook quickly yet retain a little bite, giving that wonderful tender-crisp texture that makes the Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet so satisfying.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Of course! Simply leave out the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with your favorite dairy-free alternative. You could also stir in a drizzle of olive oil at the end for a silky finish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as written—just make sure your chicken broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free if needed. Serve with gluten-free grains or sides to keep your meal completely gluten-free.

How can I add even more vegetables?

Feel free to toss in other quick-cooking veggies like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes along with the zucchini. Spinach or kale stirred in at the end would also be delicious and boost the nutrition even more!

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet really does prove that simple ingredients and a single pan can lead to something spectacular. I’m so excited for you to taste the savory, cheesy, veggie-studded goodness for yourself. Give it a try and let it spark some new dinnertime joy—it might just become your next weeknight favorite!

Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Packed with lean protein and healthy vegetables, it’s a satisfying dish the whole family will love.

Instructions

Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté onion: Peel and finely chop the onion, then add to the skillet and sauté until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
Cook garlic: Peel and mince the garlic cloves, add to the skillet, and cook for 30 seconds.
Cook turkey: Crumble the ground turkey into the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned.
Prepare zucchini: Wash, trim, and slice the zucchinis into half-moons.
Add zucchini: Add zucchini to the skillet with the turkey mixture and cook for 4-5 minutes.
Season: Sprinkle oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes over the mixture.
Add broth: Pour chicken broth into the skillet and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Add cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the skillet and stir until melted.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and serve immediately.

Notes

This dish is delicious served with a side of crusty bread or over cooked pasta.
You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sauté, Simmer
Cuisine: American