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Low Calorie Meal Prep Spicy Turkey & Zucchini 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 (93–99% lean)
  • 2 medium zucchinis, halved lengthwise and sliced into half-moons
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional for color and sweetness)
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and minced (adjust to heat preference)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
  • Juice of 1/2 lime (plus more to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped, for garnish
  • Optional sides for serving: cooked brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice

Method
 

  1. Prep the produce. Dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic and jalapeño, and slice the zucchini into half-moons. Keep everything in separate piles so it’s easy to add in stages.
  2. Heat the pan. Warm a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat.
  3. Brown the turkey. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook 4–6 minutes until lightly browned and mostly cooked through.
  4. Add aromatics. Stir in onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
  5. Spice it up. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
  6. Tomato punch. Add the tomato paste and cook 1 minute, stirring to coat the turkey and vegetables.
  7. Zucchini time. Add the zucchini and soy sauce. Cook 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender with slight bite. Avoid overcooking to keep it from going mushy.
  8. Finish and balance. Squeeze in the lime juice. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and heat. If you want more depth, add another teaspoon of soy sauce. If it needs brightness, add more lime.
  9. Garnish and serve. Remove from heat and top with chopped cilantro or green onions. Serve as-is, over greens, or with rice or cauliflower rice for meal prep bowls.