Description
This Healthy Ground Turkey Skillet with Veggies is a flavorful, nutritious one-pan meal featuring lean ground turkey, zucchini, spinach, and riced cauliflower. Seasoned with warming spices like paprika, cumin, and cayenne, and finished with parmesan cheese, this dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins & Spices
- 1 lb ground turkey (preferably lean, such as Butterball)
- 3/4 tsp paprika
- 3/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 20.5 oz zucchini, sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons
- 6 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 10 oz riced cauliflower
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained well
Oils & Seasonings
- 1 tbsp olive oil (Pompeian Smooth preferred for stovetop cooking)
- 3 tbsp parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/8 tsp cayenne
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Slice the zucchini into 1/2-inch half-moons, mince the garlic cloves fresh for the best aroma, drain the diced tomatoes thoroughly to avoid excess water in the skillet, and measure out spices and other ingredients.
- Cook the ground turkey: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and season it with 3/4 tsp paprika, 3/4 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp cayenne, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add garlic and vegetables: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the sliced zucchini and riced cauliflower to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini softens but still retains some bite.
- Incorporate spinach and tomatoes: Add the fresh spinach and drained diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts and the mixture is heated through.
- Season the skillet: Sprinkle in 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/8 tsp cayenne, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices throughout the skillet.
- Finish with parmesan cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top. Give it a gentle stir to meld in the flavors and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Using freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor significantly compared to pre-minced or powdered garlic.
- Draining the diced tomatoes well helps prevent the dish from becoming watery and ensures a nice texture.
- Adjust cayenne to taste based on your preferred spice level; omit if you want a milder dish.
- This recipe is best served warm and can be paired with a side of quinoa or whole grain bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
