Ground Turkey Zucchini Skillet

This Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet is my go-to weeknight dinner when I need something hearty and healthy that comes together fast. Juicy ground turkey browns up with fresh zucchini, onion, and plenty of herbs for a meal that is full of flavor but light on cleanup. I love how this skillet brings out the natural sweetness of zucchini and lets you sneak in extra veggies with almost no effort.

The first time I made this I was looking for ways to use up a garden zucchini and now it is in our regular meal rotation. Even picky eaters love how the cheese pulls everything together.

Ingredients

• Ground turkey: brings lean protein and soaks up the flavors of the skillet
• Zucchini: adds moisture and a mild sweetness that pairs perfectly with savory turkey choose firm unblemished zucchini for best texture
• Olive oil: adds richness and helps brown the turkey use extra virgin for best flavor
• Onion: softens into the base of the dish adding depth and sweetness look for a heavy onion with tight skin
• Garlic: brings a punch of flavor mince it just before cooking for maximum aroma
• Dried oregano: infuses each bite with herbaceous notes try to use a fresh jar for potency
• Paprika: adds gentle warmth and subtle smokiness look for a vibrant red color
• Red pepper flakes: give a little heat toast before adding for extra kick
• Salt and black pepper: enhance all the other flavors use freshly cracked pepper for best results
• Chicken broth: lets you simmer everything together and deepens the flavors choose a low sodium variety if watching salt
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: melts beautifully over the skillet for a gooey finish choose whole milk mozzarella for extra creaminess

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the Skillet:

Set a large skillet over medium heat and let it warm up for about one minute so the oil will not stick

Add Oil and Turkey:

Pour olive oil into the skillet swirling it to coat the bottom then add ground turkey breaking it into chunks with a wooden spoon

Brown the Turkey:

Cook the turkey for five to seven minutes breaking it up as it cooks until it is fully browned and no pink remains this step sets the foundation for the flavors

Prep the Vegetables:

While turkey cooks chop your onion into small dice peel and mince the garlic and slice your zucchini into half moons for even cooking

Cook Onion and Garlic:

Add the chopped onion into the browned turkey and cook for three to four minutes until soft and translucent then stir in the minced garlic cooking until just fragrant about thirty seconds

Season the Skillet:

Sprinkle dried oregano paprika red pepper flakes salt and black pepper over the turkey and onion mixture making sure spices are evenly distributed

Add Zucchini:

Stir sliced zucchini into the skillet gently mixing it with the turkey and onion to coat with spices

Pour in Broth and Simmer:

Add chicken broth to the skillet stirring to incorporate cover with a lid and cook for seven to ten minutes until zucchini is tender and has released its moisture

Melt the Cheese:

Remove the lid stir everything gently then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the mixture cover again and let cook for two to three more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly

Finish and Serve:

Once cheese has melted remove from heat and serve your skillet dinner hot either on its own or with your chosen side

Pin

Mozzarella cheese is my favorite part of this dish—when it bubbles and melds with zucchini I am always tempted to sneak a bite straight from the pan. My kids love swirling their forks to get those cheesy strings and it turns even a simple dinner into a memory.

Storage Tips

Let your skillet cool completely before transferring leftovers into a storage container. This meal keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium low heat or in the microwave and add a splash of broth if it looks dry. Leftovers can also be frozen for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have ground turkey you can use ground chicken for a similar mild flavor or even ground beef for richer taste. Try swapping mozzarella with cheddar or Parmesan for a different cheese profile. Diced bell peppers or spinach can be tossed in for extra vegetables. You can also use vegetable broth to keep it lighter.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty on its own but it is also wonderful piled over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low carb twist. It works well alongside steamed rice or quinoa for extra staying power. A simple green salad or roasted potatoes round out the plate. When I want a quick family meal I serve it with warm pita bread to scoop up all the cheesy bits.

Cultural and Historical Context

Skillet dinners like this are a reflection of busy home cooks making the most of seasonal produce. Zucchini and ground meat combos appear in cuisines around the world from Mediterranean to American country kitchens. The one pan approach makes clean up easy and ensures everything melds together for maximum flavor with minimum fuss.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different protein instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or beef work well and bring a different flavor profile. Adjust the seasoning if using a richer meat.

→ What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?

Cheddar, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack all melt nicely and add unique flavors. Feel free to experiment based on your preference.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeno for more heat.

→ Is there a low-carb way to serve this skillet dish?

Serve over cauliflower rice or simply enjoy on its own for a lower carb option.

→ Can I prepare this skillet meal ahead of time?

Yes. Cook in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving.

→ Which herbs pair well with turkey and zucchini?

Fresh basil, parsley, or even thyme can brighten the flavors and add fresh notes at the finish.