Italian Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Italian Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with fresh vegetables and seasoned ground turkey, it’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2½ lb ground turkey
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp basil
• 2 tsp garlic
• ½ yellow onion
• 2 zucchini
• 2 bell peppers
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• ½ tsp basil
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp paprika
• 6 oz tomato paste
• ½ cup water

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large saucepan, brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat. Drain any excess water or fat. Add salt, pepper, chili powder, oregano, paprika, onion powder, basil, and garlic. Stir well to combine, then remove the turkey from the pan and set aside.
2. Step 2: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the same pan. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped zucchini and bell peppers to the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then sprinkle with garlic salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, chili powder, and paprika. Continue cooking until the vegetables reach your desired tenderness, approximately 5 more minutes.
4. Step 4: Return the seasoned ground turkey to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the tomato paste and water until well combined. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Step 5: Serve warm, optionally topped with parmesan cheese if not avoiding dairy. This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or over a bed of rice.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar when simmering the tomato paste mixture.
• Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
• Add chopped mushrooms or spinach for more vegetable variety and nutrients.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter taste if available.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. This skillet also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the parmesan cheese topping, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it dairy-free.

What can I serve this skillet with?

This dish goes great with garlic bread, cooked rice, pasta, or even a fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Italian Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 63 reviews

A flavorful and healthy Italian Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet featuring seasoned ground turkey cooked with vibrant zucchini and bell peppers, simmered in a rich tomato paste sauce. This quick and easy stovetop recipe makes a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both nourishing and delicious.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat & Seasonings

• 2½ lb ground turkey
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp basil
• 2 tsp garlic (minced or powder)

Vegetables & Veggie Seasonings

• ½ yellow onion, chopped
• 2 zucchini, sliced or chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 1 tsp garlic salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• ½ tsp basil
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp paprika

Other Ingredients

• 6 oz. tomato paste
• ½ cup water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Parmesan cheese for topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the Turkey: In a large saucepan, brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat until fully cooked, making sure to break it up. Drain any excess water or fat. Add the first set of turkey seasonings (salt, pepper, chili powder, oregano, paprika, onion powder, basil, garlic). Stir well to combine, then remove the turkey from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the same pan. Add the chopped yellow onion and garlic, cooking over medium heat for about 3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
3. Cook Veggies and Season: Add the sliced zucchini and chopped bell peppers to the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften. Then sprinkle in the veggie seasonings (garlic salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, chili powder, paprika). Continue cooking for about 5 more minutes or until the vegetables reach your preferred level of doneness.
4. Combine and Simmer: Return the seasoned ground turkey to the pan. Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the tomato paste and ½ cup water thoroughly. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
5. Serve: Optionally top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if not dairy-free. Serve hot alongside garlic bread or over cooked rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• You can adjust the chili powder to suit your preferred spice level.
• For a dairy-free option, omit the Parmesan cheese topping.
• Serve this skillet meal over quinoa or pasta as an alternative to rice.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: Italian ground turkey skillet, healthy turkey and veggies, quick turkey dinner, tomato paste turkey skillet, easy weeknight meal