This Italian ground turkey skillet is the perfect quick and easy weeknight meal! It’s packed with protein, fresh summer vegetables, and a tangy tomato sauce. All you need is a handful of wholesome ingredients, one pan, and less than 20 minutes. Plus it is naturally gluten free, dairy free, and paleo.

Italian ground turkey

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This Italian ground turkey skillet is incredibly easy to make.
  • All you need is one pan.
  • It is done in under 20 minutes.
  • The skillet is packed with flavor.
  • It is the perfect balanced meal of protein, vegetables, healthy fats, and fiber.
  • It is completely customizable.
  • This recipe is gluten free, dairy free, paleo, and whole30 friendly.
  • The whole family will love it.
Ingredients for italian ground turkey

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • Ground turkey. 1 lb of ground turkey. You can sub for ground chicken or ground beef as well.
  • Olive oil. You will use olive oil to cook the ground turkey and veggies. You can sub for avocado oil or butter.
  • Veggies. 1 large zucchini, chopped. 4-5 asparagus spears cut into 1 inch pieces, 1/2 yellow onion, and 1 pint of cherry tomatoes are used. Feel free to add whatever veggies you have on hand.
  • Tomato paste. 2-3 tbsp of tomato paste help add tangy flavor to the dish.
  • Minced Garlic. 1 tbsp of minced garlic adds some aromatics.
  • Spices. Salt, pepper, dried rosemary, dried thyme, and dried oregano are used to season the turkey.
  • Tomato sauce. Adding 1/4 cup of tomato sauce adds incredible flavor to the italian ground turkey skillet and makes it more saucy. This is optional but delicious.

How To Make It

Step 1

Saute the onion & garlic. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, over medium heat. Add in your onion and saute for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to cook until fragrant, 1 minute more.

ground turkey

Step 2

Cook the turkey. Stir in the ground turkey and cook, mincing the meat with a wooden spoon. Once the meat is nicely golden brown.

Step 3

Add in the zucchini followed by the tomatoes. Add the zucchini and cook until tender, for 4 minutes. Then stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce (if using), and seasonings. Reduce heat to a medium, and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly reduced. Optional. After simmering, sprinkle with cheese of choice and cover, allow to melt.

Italian ground turkey

Step 4

Serve & enjoy! Garnish Italian ground turkey skillet with fresh parsley or basil.

Expert Tips

  • Don’t skimp on the seasonings! These really help bring the italian ground turkey skillet to life.
  • Don’t overcook the turkey. If you overcook the turkey it will dry out. If the turkey feels dry try adding in a splash of water.
  • Add in 1/4 cup of tomato sauce to make the dish extra flavorful and saucy.
  • Have fun with the veggies. This dish is super versatile, you can add in whatever vegetables you have on hand!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to serve this Italian Ground Turkey?

Serve hot with fresh parsley or basil and rice for a perfectly balanced meal.

How do I store it?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

Is it allergy friendly?

Yes! It’s gluten free, dairy free, paleo, and whole30 approved.

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Italian ground turkey
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Yield: 4 people

Italian Ground Turkey

This Italian ground turkey skillet is the perfect quick and easy weeknight meal! It's packed with protein, fresh summer vegetables, and a tangy tomato sauce. All you need is a handful of wholesome ingredients, one pan, and less than 25 minutes. Plus it is naturally gluten free, dairy free, and paleo.

Ingredients
 

  • 1-1.5 lb ground turkey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 zucchini , chopped
  • 3-4 spears asparagus, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • ½ yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 ½ tsp oregano
  • 1 ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 ½ tsp dried rosemary
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup tomato sauce, optional

Instructions
 

  • Saute the onion & garlic. Heat olive oil in a large skillet, over medium heat. Add in your onion and saute for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and continue to cook until fragrant, 1 minute more.
  • Cook the turkey. Stir in the ground turkey and cook, mincing the meat with a wooden spoon. Once the meat is nicely golden brown.
  • Add in the zucchini followed by the tomatoes. Add the zucchini and cook until tender, for 4 minutes. Then stir in the tomatoes, tomato sauce (if using), and seasonings. Reduce heat to a medium, and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly reduced. Optional. After simmering, sprinkle with cheese of choice and cover, allow to melt.
  • Serve & enjoy! Garnish Italian ground turkey skillet with fresh parsley or basil.

Notes

  • Don’t skimp on the seasonings! These really help bring the italian ground turkey skillet to life.
  • Don’t overcook the turkey. If you overcook the turkey it will dry out. If the turkey feels dry try adding in a splash of water.
  • Add in 1/4 cup of tomato sauce to make the dish extra flavorful and saucy.
  • Have fun with the veggies. This dish is super versatile, you can add in whatever vegetables you have on hand!
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
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