Ingredients
1 pound (about 453 g) lean ground turkey (or lean ground beef/chicken/sirloin)
2 medium zucchinis (about 14 ounces / 400 g), cut into 3/4 inch pieces or quartered and sliced
1 bell pepper (any color), cut into 3/4 inch pieces
1/2 medium white or yellow onion, cut into 3/4 inch pieces
5 ounces (about 140 g) fresh baby spinach (optional sub: spinach or red bell pepper for low-carb)
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil, plus 1 1/2 tablespoons (for sautéing vegetables)
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
1 teaspoon minced garlic, plus 1 clove minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon chili powder or 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (optional for spiciness)
1 teaspoon dried oregano, divided
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika, divided
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons tomato paste
Optional additions: 3/4 cup black beans (rinsed and drained), 3/4 cup corn (fresh or frozen), 1 large diced tomato, 1 diced jalapeño, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, shredded cheddar cheese, avocado slices, lime wedges
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground turkey, breaking it apart, until fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Season the meat with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant. Remove the cooked meat from the skillet and set aside.
2. Reduce heat to medium, add olive or avocado oil, and sauté zucchini, bell pepper, and onion, seasoned with remaining salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, paprika, until onions are translucent and vegetables are tender (about 5 to 10 minutes).
3. Return the meat to the skillet. Stir in tomato paste and water, then add spinach (or any optional vegetables and beans). Cover and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and vegetables are cooked through but still retain some texture. If using jalapeño or diced tomatoes, add them with the other vegetables or after the meat returns to the pan.
4. Adjust seasoning as needed. For extra flavor or heat, add chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika during cooking or before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🔪 Cut vegetables evenly (around 3/4 inch pieces) for even cooking.
🍗 Substitute ground turkey with chicken, beef, or sirloin to match your personal taste.
🥒 Swap zucchini for yellow squash, broccoli, or green beans, or omit beans and corn for a low-carb option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total time including marination: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4th of recipe
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
