Dinner

Italian Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet Recipe

Name: Italian Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2½ lb ground turkey; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp oregano; ½ tsp paprika; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp basil; 2 tsp garlic; ½ yellow onion, chopped; 2 zucchini, sliced or chopped; 2 bell peppers, sliced or chopped; 1 tsp garlic salt; ½ tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp oregano; ½ tsp basil; ½ tsp chili powder; ¼ tsp paprika; 6 oz tomato paste; ½ cup water; 1 tbsp olive oil; Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

ByNaomi Fletcher November 2, 2025November 2, 2025

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Introduction

This Italian Ground Turkey & Veggie Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with fresh vegetables and seasoned ground turkey, it’s both healthy and satisfying. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish serves eight and pairs beautifully with garlic bread or rice.

A close-up image showing a cooked mix of ground meat, sliced green zucchini, diced orange and red bell peppers, and small bits of onions, with a light sprinkle of grated white cheese over the top. The ground meat is browned and mixed evenly with the vegetables, creating a textured, crumbly look. The zucchini slices are soft with light grill marks, and the small bell pepper pieces add bright color contrasts. The dish is in a white pan with a subtle geometric pattern visible at the edges, set against a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2½ lb ground turkey
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp basil
2 tsp garlic
½ yellow onion
2 zucchini
2 bell peppers
1 tsp garlic salt
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp basil
½ tsp chili powder
¼ tsp paprika
6 oz tomato paste
½ cup water

Instructions

Step 1: In a large saucepan, brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat. Drain any excess water or fat. Add salt, pepper, chili powder, oregano, paprika, onion powder, basil, and garlic to the turkey and stir well to combine. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil into the same pan. Add the chopped yellow onion and garlic, then cook for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the chopped zucchini and bell peppers to the pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then sprinkle the vegetable seasonings: garlic salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, chili powder, and paprika. Continue cooking until the vegetables reach your desired tenderness, about 5 more minutes.
Step 4: Return the seasoned ground turkey to the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the tomato paste and water, mixing well. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 5: Serve the skillet topped with parmesan cheese if desired. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or over a bed of rice.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free option, omit the parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Try adding sliced mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
Adjust the chili powder to control the heat level according to your taste.
Use ground chicken instead of turkey for a different flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a dish with one main layer of cooked ground meat mixed with sliced green zucchini and small diced orange bell peppers, all coated in a reddish sauce with visible seasoning. Resting against the food on the plate is a piece of toasted bread, golden brown with a slightly crispy texture and some melted cheese visible on top. The background is a white marbled texture with a soft checkered cloth underneath, and another plate with more toasted bread is slightly visible in the back. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?

Yes, fresh herbs can be used for a brighter flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried, and add them toward the end of cooking to preserve their aroma.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to serve it with gluten-free bread or rice to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.