Easy Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet (One-Pan Low-Carb Dinner Recipe)
Molly
This easy ground turkey and zucchini skillet is the ultimate weeknight dinner—loaded with lean protein, fresh veggies, and bold flavor. It’s a one-pan, low-carb meal that’s quick to make, great for meal prep, and flexible enough for the whole family to love.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Lunch, Meal Prep
Cuisine American-Inspired
Servings 4 servings
Calories 290 kcal
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey 93% lean recommended
- 2 medium zucchinis chopped into half-moons
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (drained)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes shredded mozzarella or parmesan for topping
Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Brown the turkey: Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through (about 5–6 minutes).
Season it up: Stir in salt, pepper, oregano, smoked paprika, and optional red pepper flakes.
Add veggies and tomatoes: Toss in zucchini and drained diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
Simmer: Cover and let simmer on low heat for about 6–8 minutes until zucchini is tender but not mushy.
Taste and top: Adjust seasoning if needed. Add shredded cheese if desired, cover for 2 minutes to melt, then serve.
Secret Tips for the Best Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet
1. Brown the turkey properly: Don't rush the browning process—letting the lean ground turkey get that golden color adds major depth to your one-pan dinner. Use a hot skillet and give it a few extra minutes before adding the rest of your ingredients. This step helps lock in savory flavor and keeps the texture satisfying.
2. Salt the zucchini ahead of time: Lightly salting your zucchini slices before cooking draws out excess moisture, which prevents your low-carb dinner from getting watery. Just let them sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry before tossing into the pan. This trick makes every bite more concentrated in flavor.
3. Add acid to brighten the skillet: A splash of lemon juice or a dash of balsamic vinegar at the end of cooking boosts flavor and balances the richness of the turkey. It turns a simple ground turkey skillet into a truly flavor-packed meal.
4. Use smoked paprika or chili flakes for extra kick: Want that bold flavor in your easy weeknight dinner? A touch of spice from smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes adds a warm layer of complexity without overpowering the dish. It's a game-changer for anyone who likes a little heat.
5. Garnish smart with texture in mind: Topping your skillet with chopped herbs, toasted almonds, or shredded parmesan right before serving gives your one-pan turkey zucchini recipe added crunch and freshness. It’s a simple way to elevate a healthy, high-protein dinner without extra work.
6. Meal prep friendly: This turkey and zucchini skillet reheats like a dream. Store it in airtight containers and enjoy it as a quick low-carb lunch the next day. It’s a meal prep hero that doesn’t get soggy or lose flavor.Keyword easy ground turkey recipes, gluten free skillet dinner, healthy turkey skillet with vegetables, high protein dinner idea, high protein dinner ideas, keto friendly skillet dinner, low carb one pan meals, skillet recipes with lean meat, turkey zucchini meal prep, zucchini skillet dinner
