Description
- A quick and easy one-pan meal made with lean ground turkey, fresh zucchini, bell peppers, and simple spices. This healthy, high-protein dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Veggies:
- 1 lb ground turkey (lean, preferably 93% lean / 7% fat)
- 2 medium zucchini, diced (about 3–4 cups)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red bell pepper, diced
- ½ green bell pepper, diced
Seasoning & Flavor:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (adds a little smoky kick)
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Garnishes (optional, but highly recommended):
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Grated Parmesan or crumbled feta
- Avocado slices (for a creamy contrast)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground turkey and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
- Transfer the turkey to a plate and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the chopped onion. Cook for 2 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
- Toss in the red and green bell peppers and stir for 2 minutes.
- Add the zucchini and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but are still slightly firm.
Step 4: Bring Back the Turkey & Season It
- Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet.
- Add the smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, and a little more salt & pepper.
- Stir everything together to coat the turkey and veggies in those delicious flavors.
Step 5: Simmer for Extra Flavor
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 1 more minute—just enough for them to soften slightly without turning mushy.
Step 6: Final Touches & Serve
- Turn off the heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
- If you like a little extra richness, grate some Parmesan or crumble some feta on top.
- Serve hot with brown rice, quinoa, or warm crusty bread.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- You can swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef.
- Serve with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- If you like spice, add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg