Turkey Skillet (Printer-friendly)
A quick, nutritious, and hearty one-pan meal featuring tender turkey and a colorful array of fresh vegetables for an easy dinner.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 1.1 lbs ground turkey
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 zucchini, diced
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 1 cup frozen corn kernels
08 - 2 cups baby spinach
→ Pantry & Seasonings
09 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
13 - 0.25 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
14 - Salt, to taste
15 - Black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
17 - 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, omit for dairy-free)
# How to Prepare:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring continuously.
02 - Add ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is fully browned and cooked through, approximately 5–6 minutes.
03 - Stir in diced bell pepper, zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 4–5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to begin softening.
04 - Introduce frozen corn, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, and chili flakes (if desired). Season with salt and black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to combine.
05 - Fold in the baby spinach and continue cooking until it has fully wilted, which should take about 2 minutes.
06 - If utilizing, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet contents. Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt for 2 minutes.
07 - Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It's your secret weapon for those busy weeknights when you still want a hearty, home-cooked meal without the fuss.
- You'll be amazed at how much vibrant flavor and satisfying texture you can achieve from such simple ingredients in one pan.
02 -
- Resist the urge to overcrowd your pan, especially when browning the turkey or sautéing the vegetables; otherwise, they'll steam rather than get that lovely, flavorful sear.
- A good quality smoked paprika makes all the difference here; it imparts a depth of flavor that a regular paprika simply can't match.
03 -
- Before you even start cooking, ensure all your vegetables are prepped and diced; this technique, called mise en place, makes the cooking process so much smoother and more enjoyable.
- For an extra layer of brightness, a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the finished skillet just before serving really awakens all the flavors.