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- 1 pound ground turkey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup spinach, chopped - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make a savory ground turkey skillet, you need fresh ingredients. Start with one pound of ground turkey. It has a mild flavor that goes well with spices. Use a tablespoon of olive oil to cook the turkey and veggies. Olive oil adds richness to the dish. Next, you need a medium onion and two cloves of garlic, both diced and minced. These ingredients bring out the best flavors. Add one bell pepper, either red or green, diced for a pop of color and crunch. A zucchini, diced, adds texture and nutrients. For some juicy goodness, use a can of diced tomatoes, drained. Spice it up with one teaspoon of Italian seasoning and one teaspoon of smoked paprika. Salt and pepper will enhance all the flavors. You can also add one cup of chopped spinach. It wilts quickly and adds a great green color. If you like cheese, sprinkle some crumbled feta on top. This is optional but adds a nice tang. Lastly, garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness. With these ingredients, you create a delightful one-pan meal. Each bite is packed with flavor and nutrition. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Heat oil and sauté aromatics Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil warms, add 1 medium diced onion and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes. You want them to smell good and turn soft. 2. Cooking ground turkey Next, raise the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of ground turkey to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until the turkey is browned and fully cooked, which takes about 5-7 minutes. 3. Adding vegetables and simmering Now it's time for the veggies! Stir in 1 diced bell pepper and 1 diced zucchini. Cook these for another 3-4 minutes. The veggies should feel tender. Then, add 1 can of drained diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all well. Let this cook for about 5 minutes on low heat. This helps all the flavors blend together. 4. Finishing touches Finally, fold in 1 cup of chopped spinach. Cook it just until it wilts, which is about 1-2 minutes. If you like, sprinkle 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top before serving. For a bright finish, garnish with some chopped fresh parsley. Serve this dish hot right from the skillet. Enjoy it with crusty bread or over rice for a hearty meal! - Best practices for seasoning: Always season your turkey early. Use salt and pepper right after adding the turkey to the skillet. This helps the meat absorb the flavors well. Italian seasoning and smoked paprika add depth. Adjust these to your taste. - Achieving perfect texture for turkey: Cook the turkey on medium-high heat. This will help it brown nicely. Break it up as it cooks. This makes sure every piece gets flavor and cooks evenly. - Tips for vegetable doneness: Add the bell pepper and zucchini after the turkey is cooked. Cook them until soft but still bright. This keeps their color and nutrients intact. Keep an eye on them; they should be tender but not mushy. - Ideas for side dishes and garnishes: Crusty bread is great for soaking up juices. Serve it with rice for a filling meal. You can also pair it with a fresh salad for a light touch. Sprinkle crumbled feta on top for a creamy finish. - Plating tips for an appealing presentation: Serve the dish straight from the pan for a rustic look. If you prefer, plate individual servings. Add extra feta and fresh parsley for color. This makes the dish look inviting and tasty. Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey (93% or 99% lean) for a healthier dish that still retains flavor without excess fat. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables like carrots or broccoli based on what's in season or what you have on hand. Add More Spice: If you like heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra flavor. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in airtight containers for quick lunches throughout the week. {{image_2}} You can swap ground turkey with other meats. Try ground chicken or lean beef. For a plant-based meal, use lentils or tofu. Both options offer great taste and protein. You can change the veggies too. Use broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes instead of zucchini. Each one brings a different flavor and texture. If you have dietary needs, swap feta cheese for a dairy-free option. Nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without dairy. To boost flavor, add spices like cumin or chili powder. A pinch of red pepper flakes will add heat. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for a fresh taste. For cooking methods, this dish shines in a skillet. But you can also bake it in the oven. Just transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes. This method keeps everything moist and flavorful. These variations allow you to make the dish your own. Mix and match to create your perfect savory ground turkey skillet. To keep your savory ground turkey skillet fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigeration: Place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and air out. Your dish will stay good for 3-4 days in the fridge. - Freezing: If you want to freeze it, let it cool first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For safe reheating, here are my favorite methods: - Microwave: Place the dish in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. - Stovetop: Pour the leftovers into a skillet over low heat. Stir often until heated through. This helps keep the flavor and texture nice. No matter how you reheat it, check to make sure it's hot all the way through. Enjoy your meal just as it was meant to be! Can I use frozen ground turkey? Yes, you can use frozen ground turkey. Just thaw it first. You can do this in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, use the microwave. Cook the turkey until it is fully browned. What are some good side dishes to serve? Some great sides include: - Crusty bread - Cooked rice - Quinoa - A fresh green salad These sides complement the skillet well. They also add more nutrients to your meal. How can I make it lower in calories? To lower the calories: - Use less oil or a cooking spray. - Skip the feta cheese. - Add more vegetables like carrots or broccoli. These changes will keep the dish tasty while cutting calories. In this article, we explored making a savory ground turkey skillet. We covered key ingredients like ground turkey, vegetables, and spices. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions to guide you through. Tips helped you enhance flavor and texture, while serving suggestions added flair. We discussed variations for dietary needs and storage practices. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make it your own! Good food brings joy and comfort.

Savory Ground Turkey Skillet

A delicious and hearty skillet dish featuring ground turkey and fresh vegetables, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced (red or green)
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1 4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion and garlic to the skillet, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it's browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
  • Stir in the diced bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  • Add the drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
  • Fold in the chopped spinach and cook until just wilted (about 1-2 minutes).
  • If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve the skillet in the pan garnished with parsley for a rustic look, or plate individual servings and sprinkle more feta on top for added flavor. Enjoy with crusty bread or over cooked rice for a complete meal!
Keyword healthy, quick meal, skillet, turkey