One-Pot Turkey Taco Zucchini (Print Version)

A vibrant skillet with lean turkey, zucchini, bell pepper, and zesty spices for a flavorful one-pan meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound lean ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 medium zucchinis, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

→ Spices and Seasonings

08 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Other

15 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
16 - 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Juice of 1 lime
19 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
04 - Stir in red bell pepper, zucchini, and jalapeño if using. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
05 - Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to coat the meat and vegetables thoroughly.
06 - Add cherry tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes until most liquid has evaporated and zucchini is tender.
07 - Remove from heat. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the skillet and cover for 1 to 2 minutes until melted.
08 - Finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve hot.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor concentration on the stovetop.
  • The turkey stays lean and tender when you don't overcook it, and those spices wake up your palate without any heat if you skip the jalapeño.
  • It's genuinely satisfying even though it's light—you won't miss heavy carbs or extra cheese.
02 -
  • If the skillet looks dry before the zucchini is tender, add another splash of broth instead of cooking it longer—overcooking vegetables turns them mushy and sad.
  • Don't skip the lime juice at the end; it's the difference between a good skillet meal and one that tastes brighter and more intentional.
03 -
  • Prep your vegetables the morning of if you're making this for dinner—having everything diced and ready means you're cooking for 20 minutes instead of 40.
  • Don't skip browning the turkey properly; that caramelization adds depth that you can't fake with extra spices.
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