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Healthy Low Calorie Ground Turkey Skillet - Simple, Flavorful, and Fast

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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 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (any color works)
  • 1 zucchini, halved and sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved (or 1 cup diced canned tomatoes, drained)
  • 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (or lemon)
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the pan: Set a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Let it warm until it shimmers.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add onion and bell pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes, stirring, until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Brown the turkey: Add ground turkey, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook 5–7 minutes until no longer pink and lightly browned.
  4. Season deeply: Sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to coat the meat and veggies.
  5. Add moisture and veggies: Pour in the chicken broth and add zucchini and tomatoes. Stir, then let it simmer 3–5 minutes until the zucchini is tender-crisp and the liquid mostly reduces.
  6. Finish with greens: Fold in spinach and cook 1 minute until wilted. Squeeze in lime juice, taste, and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley. Enjoy on its own, or serve over cauliflower rice, brown rice, or wrapped in a tortilla.