Quick, colorful, and bursting with flavor, Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans, and Tomato is the weeknight dinner you’ll want to put on repeat! Lean turkey, fresh veggies, and bold spices all come together in one glorious pan for an easy, nourishing meal that’s as fabulous for meal prep as it is for last-minute cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Magic: Everything cooks together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze and flavors mingle beautifully.
- Hearty & Healthy: Lean ground turkey and vibrant veggies like zucchini, corn, and tomato make each bite satisfying, nutrient-rich, and guilt-free.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: This dish skips the gluten entirely, so it’s perfect for family members or guests with dietary restrictions.
- Quick Comfort: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the ideal answer to busy weeknights when you want real, home-cooked goodness fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans, and Tomato keeps it simple and fresh by letting a handful of well-chosen ingredients do all the heavy lifting. Each piece adds a punch—whether it’s texture, a pop of color, or irresistible flavor.
- Zucchini: Sliced and quartered for just the right bite—zucchini brings juicy freshness and soaks up all those savory juices.
- Ground Turkey (93% lean): Keeps things deliciously light, and is the perfect blank canvas for big, bold flavors.
- Onion: Brings depth and a gentle sweetness that is the foundation of so many cozy skillet meals.
- Tomato Paste: Don’t skip this—it gives the whole pan a concentrated savory punch and deep red color.
- Black Beans: Creamy, protein-packed, and the ultimate partner in transforming this skillet into a one-and-done meal.
- Corn Kernels: Pops of sweetness, beautiful color, and a summery vibe—fresh or frozen works!
- Large Tomato: Adds juicy freshness and even more color.
- Jalapeño: For a subtle kick; just remove seeds if you like it milder.
- Garlic: For that signature aromatic warmth in every savory bite.
- Chopped Cilantro: Brings a burst of herby brightness—perfect for the skillet and for garnish.
- Cumin: Earthy, nutty, and deeply fragrant; a must for tying all the flavors together.
- Kosher Salt: Not just for seasoning, but for elevating every single element in the skillet.
- Water: A splash to help everything come together into a saucy, luscious meal.
- Lime Wedges (optional): Brightens every serving with a fresh, zesty finish.
Variations
One of the best things about this Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans, and Tomato is how easy it is to make your own. Use whatever you have on hand, tweak the spice, or swap in your favorites—the sky’s the limit!
- Make it Vegetarian: Skip the turkey and double up on black beans, or use crumbled tofu for a satisfying, plant-based version.
- Add Cheese: Top the finished skillet with shredded cheddar or pepper jack, then pop it under the broiler for a melted, bubbly finish.
- Swap the Veggies: Bell peppers, diced carrots, or even spinach can join the party if you want more color and crunch.
- Kick Up the Heat: Swap in serrano peppers for jalapeño or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor.
How to Make Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans, and Tomato
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Fire up your skillet on high heat, spray with a bit of oil, and add the ground turkey. Season generously with 1 teaspoon cumin and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks—about 5 minutes. The turkey should be in small crumbles and just cooked through, staying juicy but no longer pink.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Tomato Paste
Push the cooked turkey off to the edge of the skillet. Add the chopped onion and tomato paste to the open space in the pan and let them sizzle for about a minute. The onion softens and the tomato paste caramelizes just slightly—this is where all that rich, irresistible flavor begins!
Step 3: Add Beans, Veggies & Seasonings
Scoop in the drained black beans, sweet corn kernels, diced tomato, jalapeño, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Stir everything together with 1/4 cup of water so the flavors start blending. The aroma will already have you wanting to dig in!
Step 4: Add Zucchini & Finish Cooking
Now add your quartered, sliced zucchini and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt and cumin. Mix well, cover the skillet, and turn the heat to low. Let everything cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes. The zucchini should be just tender, with a slight bite—never mushy.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
Uncover the skillet, give it a gentle stir, and finish with extra chopped cilantro and lime wedges on the side if you like. Serve hot on its own or with your favorite sides. This Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans, and Tomato is now ready to wow!
Pro Tips for Making Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans, and Tomato
- Staggered Vegetable Timing: Always add the zucchini last so it stays beautifully crisp-tender—not soggy.
- Browning Makes Magic: Let the turkey get a little golden before adding the rest—it builds a deeper, more appetizing flavor base.
- Flavor Boost with Tomato Paste: Briefly caramelizing the tomato paste with onion intensifies the savory, sweet-tart layers in the finished dish.
- Spice Adaptation: If you love heat, leave the jalapeño seeds in—or try a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end for extra zing.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans, and Tomato
Garnishes
Finish each serving with a shower of fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of green, and don’t forget a generous squeeze of lime—bright acidity ties the whole dish together. If you’re feeling extra, a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream adds cool creaminess, and a dusting of crumbly queso fresco or feta is always welcome.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a full meal on its own, but it also plays well with sides! Try it with warm tortillas for build-your-own tacos, a scoop of rice or quinoa to soak up the juices, or a simple green salad tossed with citrus vinaigrette for bonus freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans, and Tomato into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake for a fun, handheld twist. Or layer it over a crispy tostada shell, stuff it inside burritos, or top with a fried egg for a brunch-worthy upgrade—the options are as endless as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are incredibly forgiving! Just let the skillet cool, then pack into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch (or late-night snack) even more delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes like a dream. Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Be mindful that the zucchini may soften a bit more after freezing, but the bold flavors will still shine.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen things up, or pop a serving in the microwave until steamy and hot. Stir gently and add a fresh squeeze of lime and sprinkle of cilantro to perk everything back up.
FAQs
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Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Both ground chicken and lean ground beef work wonderfully in this recipe. Adjust cooking time as needed and drain any excess fat if using beef for the freshest flavor and best texture.
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What’s the best way to keep zucchini from turning mushy?
Add zucchini last, cover, and cook only until barely tender-crisp—about 4–5 minutes. Overcooking is the main culprit for mushy zucchini, so keep your eye on the skillet and remove from heat as soon as it’s done.
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Is this Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans, and Tomato suitable for meal prep?
Yes! It holds up well for several days in the refrigerator, and tastes just as good (sometimes better) after the flavors have melded. Divide it into portions for easy, grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners.
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Can I make this dish dairy-free or vegan?
This skillet is naturally dairy-free—just skip any cheese-based toppings. To make it vegan or vegetarian, omit the turkey and use extra beans, tofu, or your favorite meatless crumble for a satisfying plant-based meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a fuss-free, flavor-packed dinner, Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans, and Tomato is the perfect choice. I can’t wait for you to try it out and make it your own—it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!
Print
Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans and Tomato Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
This Ground Turkey Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal packed with zucchini, corn, black beans, and tomatoes. It’s a healthy and flavorful dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Zucchini:
- 14 ounces from 2 medium or 1 large zucchini, quartered and sliced 3/4 inch
Ground Turkey:
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
Onion:
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
Tomato Paste:
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Black Beans:
- 3/4 cups canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
Corn:
- 3/4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
Tomato:
- 1 large diced tomato
Jalapeño:
- 1 jalapeño (diced)
Garlic:
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Cilantro:
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro (plus more for garnish)
Cumin:
- 1 1/4 teaspoon cumin
Salt:
- 1 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Water:
- 1/4 cup water
Lime Wedges:
- Optional for serving
Instructions
- Saute Turkey: Spray a large skillet over high heat with oil and brown the turkey, season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon cumin.
- Cook Turkey: Cook, breaking the meat up until the turkey is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Add Ingredients: Push the meat to the side, add the onion and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the black beans, corn, tomato, jalapeño pepper, garlic, cilantro, and stir in 1/4 cup water.
- Incorporate Zucchini: Add the zucchini, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and cumin. Mix and cover, cooking on low for 4 to 5 minutes or until the zucchini is tender-crisp.
- Serve: Serve with lime wedges and additional cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 315 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
