Name: Italian Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
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, chopped; 2 zucchini, sliced; 2 bell peppers, sliced; 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; 1 tbsp olive oil; Parmesan cheese, optional topping

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Introduction

This Italian Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet is a flavorful, healthy meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something comforting without the fuss.

The image shows a close-up of a cooked dish with small, crumbled pieces of browned ground meat mixed with chopped red and yellow bell peppers and sliced green zucchini. The vegetables are soft and mixed evenly throughout the dish. There are small pieces of translucent cooked onions scattered among the other ingredients. Lightly melted grated cheese is sprinkled on top, adding thin white flakes over the meat and vegetables. The food sits inside a white pan with a slight honeycomb pattern on the bottom, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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 powder to the turkey, then stir well to combine. Remove from the saucepan and set aside.
Step 2: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the pan. Add the chopped yellow onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
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, about 5 more minutes.
Step 4: Return the cooked ground turkey to the skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in the tomato paste and water, mixing well. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 5: Serve the skillet topped with parmesan cheese if desired (omit for dairy-free). Pair with garlic bread or serve over rice for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For added depth, try using fresh herbs like basil and oregano along with the dried spices.
Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the tomato paste and water mixture for extra richness.
Include other vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach to boost nutrition and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a dish with two main layers: the bottom layer consists of cooked ground meat mixed with slices of green zucchini and small pieces of orange bell pepper, giving a textured and colorful look with reddish sauce coating; leaning against this mixture is a thick slice of toasted bread with a golden-brown crust and melted cheese on top showing a slightly rough and bubbly texture; in the background, more toasted bread slices rest on a white plate, all on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen vegetables can be used, but reduce cooking time slightly since frozen veggies release more moisture and tend to cook faster.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the parmesan cheese topping, and the dish will remain flavorful and satisfying.