Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Black Beans & Tomatoes

Looking for a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes? This Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Black Beans & Tomatoes is the perfect one-pan meal!

It’s high in protein and fiber, packed with fresh veggies, and bursting with Tex-Mex flavors. Plus, it’s super versatile—enjoy it on its own, over rice, in lettuce wraps, or stuffed into tortillas for an easy taco night!

Let’s get cooking! And if you love one-pan, healthy meals, be sure to subscribe to my email list for more easy recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder – Less cleanup, more flavor!
Nutritious & Balanced – Lean protein, fiber-rich beans, and fresh veggies.
Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights!
Customizable – Make it spicy, swap out veggies, or serve it different ways.
Meal-Prep Friendly – Tastes even better the next day!

What Does It Taste Like?

This dish is a perfect blend of savory, smoky, and slightly tangy flavors. The ground turkey is seasoned with warm spices, the black beans add heartiness, and the zucchini brings a fresh, light crunch. The diced tomatoes help create a delicious sauce that ties everything together.

It’s like a healthy, skillet-style chili—hearty yet light, satisfying yet fresh!

this RECIPE

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey (lean or extra lean)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• ½ onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained & rinsed
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor!)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp oregano
• Juice of ½ lime (optional, for brightness)
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Additions

• Corn – Adds sweetness and texture.
• Bell Peppers – For extra color and crunch.
• Jalapeño – If you like it spicy!
• Shredded Cheese – Sprinkle on top for a creamy finish.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife & cutting board
• Can opener (for beans and tomatoes)

How to Make Ground Turkey Skillet

This recipe is as simple as it gets! Just a few easy steps and dinner is ready.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey

4. Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula.
5. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Veggies & Spices

6. Stir in zucchini, black beans, diced tomatoes, and all the spices (cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, pepper, oregano).
7. Let simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender and the flavors meld together.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

8. Squeeze in lime juice and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!

What to Serve with This Skillet Meal

This dish is super versatile! Enjoy it:
Over rice or quinoa – For a hearty meal.
In tacos or burritos – A great filling!
As lettuce wraps – A lighter, low-carb option.
With tortilla chips – Scoop it up like a dip!
Topped with a fried egg – A protein-packed breakfast twist.

Helpful Tips for the Best Ground Turkey Skillet

Want to make this Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Black Beans & Tomatoes even better? Follow these pro tips for maximum flavor and perfect texture every time!

1. Brown the Turkey for Extra Flavor

• Don’t just cook the turkey—brown it! Let it sit in the pan for a minute or two without stirring to develop a slight crust. This adds depth and enhances the overall taste.

2. Use Fresh Garlic & Onions

• Fresh aromatics (garlic and onions) give this dish a rich, savory base. Avoid using garlic powder as a substitute—fresh is always best!

3. Keep the Zucchini Slightly Crisp

• Zucchini cooks quickly, so don’t overcook it! Add it toward the end and let it soften just enough while still maintaining some bite.

4. Drain the Black Beans Well

• To prevent excess liquid in the skillet, drain and rinse the black beans before adding them. This helps keep the dish from becoming too soupy.

5. Fire-Roasted Tomatoes = More Flavor

• If available, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular canned tomatoes. They add a subtle smoky depth that enhances the dish.

6. Season in Layers

• Instead of adding all the seasonings at once, season the turkey first, then again when adding the vegetables and beans. This builds a well-balanced flavor.

7. Want It Creamier?

• Stir in a little Greek yogurt or sour cream at the end for a creamy twist.

8. Make It Spicy (Or Not!)

• Love heat? Add jalapeños, extra chili powder, or cayenne pepper. Want it mild? Reduce the chili powder and skip the spice.

9. Let It Simmer for Maximum Flavor

• Letting the skillet simmer for 5-10 minutes after adding the tomatoes and beans helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

10. Serve It Your Way!

This dish is super versatile—eat it as-is, serve it over rice, wrap it in tortillas, or even top it with a fried egg for a delicious breakfast twist.

Storage & Meal Prep

One of the best things about this Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Black Beans & Tomatoes is that it stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re prepping for busy weeknights or packing healthy lunches, here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious.

How to Store

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: This dish freezes well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Freezing Tip: Let the skillet cool completely before transferring to the freezer. For easy portioning, freeze in individual meal-sized containers.

Best Way to Reheat

Stovetop (Best Option): Heat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Microwave (Quickest Option): Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

Meal Prep Tips

Portion into individual meal containers for quick grab-and-go lunches.
Keep toppings separate (like cilantro, lime juice, or cheese) and add them fresh when serving.
Serve it different ways throughout the week—one day over rice, another in tacos, or even in lettuce wraps!n easy grab-and-go lunch!

Substitutions & Variations

This Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Black Beans & Tomatoes is super flexible, so you can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some great ways to switch it up!

Protein Swaps

Ground Chicken – A lean and mild alternative to turkey.
Ground Beef – Adds a heartier, richer flavor.
Ground Pork – For a juicier, slightly more savory option.
Plant-Based Crumbles – Great for a vegetarian or vegan twist!
Shredded Rotisserie Chicken – If you have cooked chicken, just stir it in at the end!

Veggie Substitutions & Additions

No Zucchini? Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach instead.
Want More Color? Add red bell peppers, carrots, or cherry tomatoes.
Extra Greens? Stir in kale or spinach in the last few minutes of cooking.
Crunchy Texture? Toss in corn or diced water chestnuts.

Ingredient Swaps

No Black Beans? Use pinto beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas.
No Fire-Roasted Tomatoes? Regular diced tomatoes work, but for extra flavor, add ½ tsp smoked paprika.
No Lime? Swap it with a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick.

Make It Spicy (Or Not!)

More Heat: Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or extra chili powder.
Milder Version: Reduce chili powder and skip the jalapeños.

Different Ways to Serve It

Over Rice or Quinoa – For a hearty, balanced meal.
In Tacos or Burritos – Use as a delicious taco filling.
As Lettuce Wraps – A great low-carb option!
With Tortilla Chips – Scoop it up like a dip.
Topped with a Fried Egg – A breakfast-for-dinner twist!

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about this Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Black Beans & Tomatoes? Here are the answers to the most common ones!

1. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and gives the dish a slightly lighter flavor.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just make sure your canned black beans and spices are certified gluten-free if needed.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes! This skillet meal freezes well for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container.

5. How do I reheat leftovers?

• On the Stovetop: Heat over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• In the Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

6. How do I make it spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, extra chili powder, or a splash of hot sauce.

7. What can I serve this with?

It’s delicious on its own, but you can also enjoy it with:
Rice or quinoa
Tacos or burritos
Lettuce wraps
Tortilla chips for scooping
A fried egg on top for breakfast

8. Can I skip the beans?

Yes! If you prefer a lower-carb version, simply leave out the black beans.

9. What’s the best way to add more flavor?

Use fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular diced tomatoes and add a splash of fresh lime juice at the end.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Just use a larger skillet so everything cooks evenly.

Conclusion

This Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Black Beans & Tomatoes is a one-pan wonder—healthy, hearty, and bursting with flavor! Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or just looking for a quick and delicious dinner, this dish has you covered.

If you try it, leave a review and share a photo on Pinterest! I love seeing your creations. And don’t forget to subscribe for more easy, flavorful recipes sent straight to your inbox!

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