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Healthy High Protein Ground Turkey Skillet - Fast, Flavorful, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey (93% or 99% lean, your choice)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, quartered and sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, small bite-size pieces
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (more if you like heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Optional add-ins: 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice, 1/2 cup black beans (rinsed), a handful of spinach

Method
 

  1. Warm the pan: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add onion and a pinch of salt. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  3. Brown the turkey: Add ground turkey. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  4. Add the spices: Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and oregano. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  5. Build the sauce: Add tomato paste and stir to coat the meat. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add the veggies: Stir in bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli. Cover and cook 4–5 minutes, stirring once, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  7. Finish with tomatoes: Fold in cherry tomatoes (or drained canned tomatoes). Simmer 2 minutes to soften.
  8. Brighten it up: Squeeze in the lime juice. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and heat.
  9. Optional boosts: Stir in spinach to wilt, or fold in cooked quinoa/rice or black beans to make it extra hearty.
  10. Serve: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve as is, or spoon over greens, rice, or cauliflower rice.