Ground Turkey Zucchini Chickpea Skillet Recipe
A quick and flavorful Ground Turkey Zucchini Chickpea Skillet combining lean ground turkey with fresh vegetables, chickpeas, and a blend of spices, topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a wholesome, protein-packed meal ready in just 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups chopped zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ¾ cup peas (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, with juices
Oils & Sauces
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- ¼ cup tomato paste
Spices
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Turkey: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Add the 1 lb ground turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned and no longer pink.
- Sauté Aromatics: Push the cooked ground turkey to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then the minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the onion turns translucent, then stir everything together for even cooking.
- Add Vegetables and Spices: Stir in the chopped zucchini, chickpeas, diced tomatoes with juices, peas, tomato paste, and all the spices: onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer for Flavors: Reduce heat to low and cook for 2-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is crisp-tender when poked with a fork, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then cover with a lid or plate and let sit for 1-2 minutes to gently melt the cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or more chili powder to taste.
- Use fresh or frozen peas depending on availability.
- This recipe is great for meal prep and stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a dairy-free version, skip the mozzarella cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
