Turkey Skillet with Peppers and Zucchini
A quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. Lean ground turkey, sweet bell peppers, and tender zucchini come together in a simple herb-infused sauce. It's light, satisfying, and easy on the stomach.
For 4 servings
Brown the ground turkey.
Heat 2 tbsp garlic-infused oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 567g ground turkey, breaking it apart. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
Sauté the vegetables.
Add chopped bell peppers and zucchini to the skillet with the browned turkey. Sauté for 5-6 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly softened. Do not overcook.
TIPDon't overcrowd the pan; if necessary, sauté vegetables in batches to ensure they brown instead of steam.Combine and simmer.
Add remaining ingredients to the skillet, stir well, then simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
- Add 0.5 cup crushed tomatoes, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 0.5 tsp black pepper, 1 pinch salt, and 0.25 cup water to the skillet.
- Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients with the browned turkey and sautéed vegetables.
- Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes.
Serve the skillet.
Remove the skillet from heat. Ladle generous portions of the hot turkey and vegetable mixture into individual bowls. Serve immediately, perhaps with rice or a fresh green salad.
TIPFor an extra layer of flavor, top with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a leaner dish, be sure to drain all excess fat after browning the turkey.
- 2Cut the zucchini and bell peppers into similar-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- 3This dish is great for meal prep. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- 4If the skillet seems too dry while simmering, you can add another splash of water.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the dried herbs for a bit of heat.
high proteinHigh protein
Increase the ground turkey to 1.5 lbs to boost the protein content per serving.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Finely dice the vegetables so they blend in more with the ground turkey, making it more appealing for picky eaters.
quickQuick
Use pre-chopped bell peppers and zucchini from the grocery store to cut down on prep time.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Ground turkey is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Vitamins
Bell peppers are loaded with Vitamin C, an important antioxidant, while zucchini provides Vitamin A, which supports vision and immune function.
Low-FODMAP Friendly
This recipe avoids common IBS triggers like onion and garlic by using garlic-infused oil, making it a gentle and flavorful option for sensitive stomachs.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it's a very healthy meal. It's packed with lean protein from the turkey and vitamins from the vegetables. Using garlic-infused oil keeps it low-FODMAP and easy on the digestive system.