This 15-minute ground turkey skillet with zucchini, black beans and cheese is simple, flavorful and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ground turkey is something I buy weekly. Sometimes a couple of packages.
We use it for tacos, spaghetti, meatloaf, chili and more.
I frequently make this Italian ground turkey skillet with white beans, diced tomatoes and spinach. Or change up the flavors with this curry ground turkey with rice and peas.
(If you're obsessed like I am with a skillet meal, also check out all of my quick chicken skillets that are ready in 30 minutes or less.)
Today, I'm sharing a version I make when I don't know what to make and I don't have a recipe planned. It's my last-minute throw-together type of dinner. And I'm trying to share more of these real-life meals here on Family Food on the Table. (See my 5 minute chicken and rice bowls. 🤪)
This 15-minute ground turkey skillet has zucchini and black beans mixed in, plus some diced green chilies and southwest seasoning for flavor, and is covered in melty cheese.
Family friendly, all in one pan. Ready in 15 minutes. And seriously delicious! The flavors and ingredients all go together so well. My whole family adores this meal.
Also, it's a great fast make-ahead meal for busy days. I've used this on nights when the kids need to eat separately from my wife and I or we are all coming and going from activities. Everyone can serve themselves. Very helpful.
OK, let's get cooking.
Ingredient Notes:
Turkey: I use 93% lean ground turkey for this recipe. You could probably sub ground chicken if you'd like. If you use ground beef, be sure to drain any excess grease.
Zucchini: This feels easy and accessible - both in terms of availability year round at the store and in terms of a mostly family-friendly vegetable my kids will tolerate. Feel free to swap it out for a bell pepper to sauté with the onion or wilt in some spinach at the end if you'd rather.
Beans: Black beans are our go-to but you could substitute pinto beans if you like. Kidney beans would probably also work here.
Seasoning: I use my homemade southwest seasoning - it's so flavorful and fresh! - but a store bought kind is totally fine. You could also substitute a chili lime seasoning (like the Trader Joe's brand) if you want a slightly different flavor twist.
Cheese: Shredded cheddar is my default, but a Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese would be great here, too.
Timing note: This really does come together in 15 minutes (I set a timer recently when making it). However, the onion and zucchini need to be already chopped - or you need to be super fast at chopping them as the pan is heating. Everything else can be grabbed and prepped once the ground turkey goes in and is cooking.
Extra add-ins: If you want some more veggies here, you could add some frozen or canned corn, wilt in some fresh spinach and/or add a can of diced tomatoes - or stir in some halved cherry tomatoes. I do that if I have some that need to be used.
Oh and don't forget the toppings! Choose and add your favorites: avocado, sour cream/Greek yogurt, hot sauce, etc.
Also, this is a hearty and delicious low-carb meal as is. But we almost always serve it with brown rice to add some more heft. (Use white rice if you'd rather. And freezer or quick-cook rice will keep this meal fast.)
You could also make a wrap or use it with some tortilla chips for scooping (or as a twist on nachos).
I hope you give this a try for a new fast and delicious way to use ground turkey for a healthy family dinner.
Happy cooking!
XO,
Kathryn
15 Minute Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced into thin half-moons
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 lb. lean ground turkey (I use 93% lean)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
- 1 tablespoon southwest seasoning
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings (optional):
- Halved cherry tomatoes or salsa or pico de Gallo, diced avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, hot sauce, etc.
For serving (optional):
- Steamed brown or white rice
Instructions
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat and add olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion and zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender. Add garlic season everything lightly with salt and black pepper, and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Move the veggies to the sides of the pan and add the ground turkey to the middle. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until the ground turkey is cooked through.
- Add the black beans, green chilies and the southwest seasoning to the pan. Stir well to combine everything. Taste and adjust seasonings. (You might need salt and pepper, but maybe not depending on your seasoning mix.)
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover the pan, and let the cheddar melt, about 1-2 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!
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Notes
Nutrition
Are you also always looking for new ways to use ground turkey? I've got you.
Here are some more of our favorites:
Ground turkey, rice and veggie skillet with beans, corn, tomatoes, zucchini and bell peppers is an all-in-one dinner with tons of flavor that's ready in just 30 minutes. It's easy to make and customize and sure to be a family favorite!
One-pot turkey chili mac is full of ground turkey, beans, diced tomatoes and chili seasonings, plus elbow pasta and plenty of cheese to bring it together. This easy dinner is ready in just 30 minutes and is sure to be a family favorite!
Classic turkey meatloaf is hearty, savory, well seasoned and moist. It's baked until perfectly cooked and great for an easy, delicious family dinner. We love it for a Sunday supper with mashed potatoes and green peas or broccoli.
Keep browsing with these easy ground turkey recipes.
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