This turkey skillet is a quick and healthy meal that’s bursting with flavor. Packed with fresh vegetables, it’s the perfect dish for busy nights. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, and it’s a great option for meal prep too!
Table of Contents

How to Make Turkey Skillet
Cooking the Ground Turkey
First, heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add the ground turkey, seasoning it with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Brown the turkey until fully cooked, which takes about 5 minutes.
Adding Vegetables and Seasoning
Next, move the turkey to one side of the skillet. Add the chopped onion and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute. Then, stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomato, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, and 1/4 cup of water.
Simmering to Perfection
After that, incorporate the zucchini along with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt and cumin. Mix well, cover, and cook on low for 4 to 5 minutes until the zucchini is tender-crisp. Finally, serve with lime wedges and additional cilantro if desired.
Meal Prep Tips
Storage Instructions
This turkey skillet dish is perfect for meal prep. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just place it in individual containers for easy access during the week.

Reheating Guidelines
To enjoy your turkey skillet later, simply reheat the portions in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. It’s quick and convenient!
Variations to Try
Protein Swaps
You can easily swap the ground turkey for ground chicken or sirloin, depending on your preference. Each option brings a different flavor to the dish.
Vegetable Alternatives
If you’re looking to change things up, consider swapping the zucchini for yellow squash or using canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh. Each variation adds a unique twist!
Adjusting Spice Levels
To make it spicier, leave the seeds in the jalapeño or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Adjusting spice levels is simple and allows everyone to tailor it to their taste.
Ingredients
14 ounces zucchini (2 medium or 1 large), quartered and sliced (3/4 inch), 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 3/4 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained, 3/4 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen), 1 large diced tomato, 1 jalapeño, diced, 1 clove garlic, minced, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish), 1 1/4 teaspoons cumin, 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, 1/4 cup water, and lime wedges (optional).
Instructions
Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat and brown the ground turkey, seasoning with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Cook until fully cooked, about 5 minutes. Move the turkey to one side of the skillet, then add the onion and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute. Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomato, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, and 1/4 cup of water. Incorporate the zucchini along with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt and cumin. Mix well, cover, and cook on low for 4 to 5 minutes until the zucchini is tender-crisp. Serve with lime wedges and additional cilantro if desired.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for a turkey skillet dish?
For a turkey skillet, you’ll need ground turkey, zucchini, onion, tomato paste, black beans, corn, diced tomato, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, cumin, kosher salt, water, and optional lime wedges.
How do I cook turkey in a skillet without drying it out?
To prevent turkey from drying out, cook it over high heat until browned, and avoid overcooking. Incorporating water and vegetables helps maintain moisture.
What are some popular turkey skillet recipes I can try?
You can try recipes like Turkey and Zucchini Skillet, Ground Turkey Stir Fry, or Turkey Taco Soup for variations.
Can I use leftover turkey in a skillet meal?
Yes, leftover turkey can be used in a skillet meal. Just add it in when you incorporate the vegetables.
What vegetables pair well with turkey in a skillet?
Vegetables like zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, and spinach pair wonderfully with turkey in a skillet.
Related Recipes to try
Conclusion
This turkey skillet is not only a delight to make but also a crowd-pleaser at the dinner table. With its fresh summer flavors and quick prep time, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights. For more delicious ideas and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page and get ready to enjoy wholesome meals with your loved ones!

Delicious Turkey Skillet Recipe for Easy Family Dinners
Ingredients
- 14 ounces zucchini (2 medium or 1 large), quartered and sliced (3/4 inch)
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ¾ cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- ¾ cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 large diced tomato
- 1 jalapeño, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish)
- 1 ¼ teaspoons cumin
- 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ cup water
- Lime wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat and brown the ground turkey, seasoning with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of cumin. Cook until fully cooked, about 5 minutes.
- Move the turkey to one side of the skillet, then add the onion and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomato, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, and 1/4 cup of water.
- Incorporate the zucchini along with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt and cumin.
- Mix well, cover, and cook on low for 4 to 5 minutes until the zucchini is tender-crisp.
- Serve with lime wedges and additional cilantro if desired.