Let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to meal: this hearty ground turkey skillet with zucchini, corn, black beans, and tomato! Seriously, it’s a game-changer. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also a breeze to whip up on a busy weeknight. I love how versatile it is—sometimes I’ll throw in extra veggies I have lying around, and it always turns out amazing. The best part? It’s low in calories but high in protein, making it perfect if you’re trying to eat a bit healthier without sacrificing taste. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup corn (frozen or fresh)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
- First, heat that lovely tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it nice and warm, but not smoking!
- Next, add in your pound of ground turkey. Cook it until it’s browned and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir it often so it cooks evenly. You can even break it up a bit with your spatula.
- Once the turkey is looking good, toss in your diced zucchini. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, letting that zucchini soften a bit. I love how it adds a pop of color!
- Now, it’s time to add in the fun stuff! Stir in the corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors.
- Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This is when all those amazing flavors meld together. Keep an eye on it, and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finally, serve it hot and enjoy the beautiful, hearty bowl of goodness you just created!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for a serving of my ground turkey skillet with zucchini, corn, black beans, and tomato. Each serving contains about 350 calories, 10 grams of fat, 30 grams of protein, and 35 grams of carbohydrates. Plus, it packs in 8 grams of fiber, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with healthy ingredients that are both filling and nutritious.
- Versatile—feel free to swap in any veggies you have on hand!
- One-pan meal means less cleanup—yay for that!
- Rich in protein from the ground turkey, keeping you satisfied.
- Flavors meld beautifully, making every bite a delight!
Tips for Success
To make your ground turkey skillet with zucchini, corn, black beans, and tomato truly shine, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t be shy with the spices; feel free to adjust the garlic and onion powders to suit your taste. If you like a little kick, a pinch of cayenne or some chili powder can really elevate the flavor! Also, make sure to keep stirring as it simmers to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pan. And remember, letting it rest for a minute before serving allows those flavors to really come together. You’ve got this!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your ground turkey skillet with zucchini, corn, black beans, and tomato! For a flavor boost, try adding some smoked paprika or cumin for a smokier taste. You can also mix in different veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or even sweet potatoes for a delightful twist. Want to change the protein? Ground chicken or even crumbled tofu works beautifully! And if you love a little heat, some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce can add that perfect kick. The possibilities are endless—get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of your ground turkey skillet with zucchini, corn, black beans, and tomato is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days—perfect for meal prep! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Just be careful not to overheat it, or you’ll lose that lovely texture. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving my ground turkey skillet with zucchini, corn, black beans, and tomato, there are some delightful options! I love to pair it with warm tortillas for a fun, taco-style meal. You could also serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up all those tasty juices. For a bit of crunch, a simple side salad with fresh greens and a tangy dressing rounds it out perfectly. Enjoy!
FAQ Section
Can I use turkey breast instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground turkey breast is a leaner option and works perfectly in this skillet. Just keep in mind it may be a bit drier, so you might want to add a splash of broth or a little more olive oil to keep it moist.
Is this ground turkey skillet recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check any canned ingredients, like the black beans and tomatoes, to confirm they’re gluten-free as well. Enjoy without worry!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the ground turkey skillet with zucchini, corn, black beans, and tomato ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it when you’re ready to serve for a quick meal!
What can I substitute for black beans?
If black beans aren’t your thing, you can swap them for kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas! Each will bring a slightly different flavor and texture, making it all your own. Get creative!
How can I add more flavor to the skillet?
To amp up the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley right before serving. A squeeze of lime juice can brighten everything up too! You could also toss in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Yum!
For more information on the health benefits of turkey, check out this Healthline article.
For tips on cooking with beans, visit this Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics page.
Lastly, if you’re interested in more recipes featuring ground turkey, check out this ground turkey recipe collection.
Print
Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini: 5 Flavorful Tips
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty ground turkey skillet with zucchini, corn, black beans, and tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup corn, frozen or fresh
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
- Add zucchini and cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add corn, black beans, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- Serve with rice or tortillas if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: ground turkey skillet, zucchini, corn, black beans, tomato
