Description
This Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans and Tomato is a vibrant, protein-packed one-pan meal offering a perfect balance of fresh veggies and savory seasonings. Ideal for quick and healthy weeknight dinners, it combines lean ground turkey with nutritious vegetables and spices for a flavorful and wholesome dish that pairs beautifully with rice, tortillas, or can be enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 ½ lb lean ground turkey
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Extras
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
- ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese, optional
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for browning the turkey.
- Cook the Turkey: Add 1 ½ pounds of lean ground turkey to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns evenly.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and zucchini to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables become tender and start to soften.
- Add Aromatics and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Pour in diced tomatoes, corn, drained black beans, and add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir everything together thoroughly.
- Simmer: Allow the mixture to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
- Melt the Cheese (Optional): Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese on top, cover the skillet, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
- Serve over rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or with warm tortillas for a complete meal.
- Add bell peppers or spinach to increase the vegetable content.
- Substitute ground chicken if preferred instead of ground turkey.
- For extra heat, include diced jalapeño or increase the amount of chili powder.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
