Description
Ground turkey skillet with zucchini offers a hearty meal packed with southwestern flavors. Protein-rich and easy to prepare, this one-pan dish provides a delicious dinner you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey (lean 93/7 preferred)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained & rinsed)
- 1 medium zucchini (diced into small cubes)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned & drained)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for a little kick)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (adds depth, optional)
- Juice of 1 lime (for brightness, optional but recommended)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
- Cooked rice or quinoa (for a bowl-style meal)
- Tortillas (for tacos or wraps)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco)
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Sauté: In a spacious skillet over medium heat, crumble ground turkey until golden-brown, ensuring complete cooking and liquid evaporation.
- Aromatics Integration: Add onion and garlic to the turkey, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, developing a rich flavor foundation.
- Vegetable Fusion: Introduce zucchini, corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes into the skillet, combining all ingredients with the seasoned turkey mixture.
- Spice Infusion: Generously sprinkle cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper throughout the mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Simmer and Meld: Reduce heat and allow the skillet contents to gently simmer for 10 minutes, letting vegetables soften and flavors harmonize, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finishing Touches: Brighten the dish with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro, enhancing the overall flavor profile and adding a vibrant, fresh dimension.
- Serving Suggestion: Plate the skillet mixture over rice, quinoa, or alongside warm tortillas, creating a versatile and satisfying meal ready to be enjoyed.
Notes
- Drain Excess Moisture: Pat ground turkey dry before cooking to prevent soggy texture and ensure proper browning.
- Control Zucchini Cooking: Cut zucchini into uniform pieces to guarantee even cooking and prevent mushiness.
- Spice Level Flexibility: Adjust chili powder and paprika quantities to customize heat intensity according to personal preference.
- Protein Substitution Options: Easily swap ground turkey with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or lentils for vegetarian adaptation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg