Description
Hearty ground turkey skillet harmonizes Mexican-inspired flavors with nutritious ingredients, creating a quick and satisfying meal. Colorful vegetables and lean protein combine for a delightful dinner you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground turkey (lean 93/7 preferred)
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans (drained & rinsed)
Vegetables and Corn:
- 1 medium zucchini (diced into small cubes)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned & drained)
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a little kick)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds depth, optional)
- Juice of 1 lime (for brightness, optional but recommended)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
Serving Options:
- Cooked rice or quinoa (for a bowl-style meal)
- Tortillas (for tacos or wraps)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco)
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Warm a spacious skillet over medium heat and introduce ground turkey. Crumble the meat while cooking until it develops a rich, golden-brown complexion, releasing any accumulated liquid.
- Incorporate finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the turkey, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence for approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold in vibrant zucchini, sweet corn kernels, hearty black beans, and juicy diced tomatoes with their natural liquid.
- Sprinkle the skillet with a harmonious blend of salt, freshly cracked pepper, earthy cumin, robust chili powder, and smoky paprika. Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
- Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer, occasionally stirring, allowing the zucchini to tenderize and the flavors to intertwine beautifully for roughly 10 minutes.
- Brighten the dish with a zesty squeeze of fresh lime juice and delicate chopped cilantro, awakening the flavor profile.
- Perform a final taste test, adjusting seasoning as desired to achieve the perfect balance.
- Present the skillet hot, accompanied by fluffy rice, quinoa, warm tortillas, or enjoy it as a standalone culinary creation.
Notes
- Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding hot sauce for heat-loving palates.
- Replace ground turkey with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains protein content.
- Enhance meal prep efficiency by chopping vegetables in advance and storing in airtight containers for quick weeknight cooking.
- Maximize flavor depth by toasting spices briefly before adding ground turkey to intensify their aromatic qualities.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg