Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re looking for a quick, healthy meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite weeknight dish: the Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s packed with protein and colorful veggies, making it as nutritious as it is delicious! I remember the first time I made this—I was in a rush, but I still wanted something wholesome for dinner. With just a handful of ingredients and about 30 minutes, I had a vibrant, satisfying meal that my whole family devoured. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more! So, let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe that’ll make your taste buds dance!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (I love using bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots for a pop of color!)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Feel free to get creative with your veggie choices! If you have other favorites, throw them in—this recipe is super flexible!
How to Prepare Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! This Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet comes together in just a few simple steps. I promise it’s so easy, you’ll be whipping it up on busy weeknights in no time!
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
First things first, let’s get that skillet nice and hot! Pour 1 teaspoon of olive oil into a large skillet and set it over medium heat. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke—this is key for cooking the veggies just right. It’ll take about a minute or so, and once you see that beautiful shine, you’re ready to move on!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Toss in your diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes. You’re looking for the onions to turn translucent and the garlic to become fragrant. Oh, that smell! It’s the perfect start to this dish.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey
Next up, add your ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks, and let it brown for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer pink and has a nice golden color. Keep stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly—this is where all that delicious flavor starts to build!
Step 4: Incorporate Vegetables and Seasonings
Now, let’s add in those vibrant mixed vegetables! Stir in your 2 cups of veggies along with the paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well-coated with those spices. Cook this mixture for another 3-4 minutes, just until the veggies are tender but still have a nice crunch. You want them to keep their color and freshness!
Step 5: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in the 1/2 cup of chicken broth, and give everything a good stir. This step is crucial for developing that rich flavor we all crave! Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. You’ll see the vegetables soften a little more, and the broth will help meld all those yummy flavors together.
Step 6: Serve the Dish
And just like that, you’re ready to eat! Serve your Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet hot right from the pan. You can garnish it with fresh herbs if you like, or even a sprinkle of cheese for an extra touch. It’s a complete meal all in one pan, and trust me, it’ll be a hit at your dinner table!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet! It’s always good to know what you’re fueling your body with, right? Just keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a breakdown for one serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
This is just an estimate, but it goes to show how balanced and satisfying this dish can be! With lean protein and plenty of veggies, it’s a meal you can feel good about enjoying any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean ground turkey and a rainbow of veggies, this skillet meal is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Quick & Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in one skillet—yay for less dishwashing!
- Flavorful & Tasty: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a vibrant flavor profile that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste!
- Kid-Friendly: This dish is a hit with kids, making it a great option for family dinners.
- Meal Prep Friendly: It’s great for leftovers, so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day or even freeze it for future meals.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips that I swear by:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh veggies not only taste better but also add that beautiful color to your dish. If you can, grab some from your local farmer’s market!
- Don’t Rush the Browning: When you’re browning the ground turkey, give it enough time to develop that lovely golden color. This step adds so much flavor to your skillet.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the seasonings! If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne or some red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the paprika a bit.
- Experiment with Veggies: This recipe is super versatile! You can definitely mix in your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand—broccoli, spinach, or even frozen mixed veggies work great!
- Watch Your Cooking Time: Keep an eye on those veggies while they’re cooking. You want them to be tender but still crisp—nobody likes mushy veggies!
- Let it Rest: If you can, let the skillet sit for a few minutes after cooking. This will help the flavors meld even more, making every bite delicious!
- Serve with a Side: Consider pairing this dish with a side of brown rice or whole grain bread for a well-rounded meal that’ll keep you full!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create a Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress anyone at your dinner table!
Variations
One of the best things about the Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch up the ingredients to keep things fresh and exciting. Here are some of my favorite variations to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Different Veggies: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables! Spinach, kale, broccoli, or even sweet potatoes can add a unique twist. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly to keep everything perfectly tender.
- Herbs & Spices: Enjoy a flavor boost by adding fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley right before serving. You can also try different spices such as cumin for a warm, earthy note or chili powder for a little kick!
- Cheesy Goodness: If you’re a cheese lover like me, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top during the last few minutes of cooking. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack can elevate your skillet to delicious new heights!
- Asian Twist: For a fun Asian-inspired twist, swap the chicken broth for soy sauce or teriyaki sauce, and toss in some bok choy or snap peas. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal!
- Southwestern Flair: Add black beans, corn, and some diced tomatoes for a southwestern vibe. Season with taco seasoning for a zesty kick—perfect for taco night!
- Protein Swap: While ground turkey is fantastic, you can easily substitute it with ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
These variations not only keep your meals interesting but also allow you to use whatever you have on hand. So go ahead and mix it up—your taste buds will thank you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet and have some leftovers? Lucky you! This dish stores beautifully, and I’ve got all the tips you need to keep it fresh and tasty.
First things first, let your skillet cool down to room temperature. Once it’s cooled, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. This will help lock in flavors and keep your meal safe from any fridge mishaps. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to label your container with the date—you’ll thank yourself later!
If you want to save it for a rainy day (or just a busy weeknight), you can freeze it too! Portion the skillet into freezer-safe containers, and it’ll last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Now, for reheating: the best way to bring back that delicious flavor and texture is on the stovetop. Just add your skillet leftovers to a pan over medium heat and stir occasionally until heated through—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If it seems a bit dry, you can splash in a little water or broth to help rehydrate it. You want it to be piping hot but not overcooked!
If you’re in a pinch, you can also use the microwave. Just transfer a serving to a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture, and heat it in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Give it a good stir in between to ensure even heating.
With these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet again and again while still tasting just as good as the first time!
Print
Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet: 5 Steps to Flavorful Bliss
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A healthy and flavorful one-pan meal with ground turkey and mixed vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add ground turkey; cook until browned.
- Stir in mixed vegetables, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth; simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use any vegetables you prefer.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Ground Turkey, Veggie Skillet, Healthy Meal