Looking for a wholesome, flavorful, and quick dinner idea? This ground turkey and veggies recipe is exactly what you need!
It combines lean protein with a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a casual get-together, this dish is versatile and easy to customize to your taste preferences.
With just a handful of ingredients and simple cooking steps, you can whip up a delicious dish that balances protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy weeknight dinner.
In this post, I’ll guide you through every step, share some handy tips, and even suggest some tasty variations to keep things exciting in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This ground turkey and veggies recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, it’s healthy and packed with nutrients, thanks to the lean turkey and colorful vegetables.
It’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy cooks who want to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen.
The recipe is highly adaptable. You can swap veggies based on what’s in season or what you have in your fridge.
Plus, the ground turkey absorbs flavors beautifully, allowing you to experiment with spices and herbs.
Another reason to love this meal is its low-carb and high-protein profile, perfect for those watching their diet or trying to increase muscle mass. It’s also family-friendly and pairs well with various sides like rice, quinoa, or even a warm flatbread.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
---|---|---|
Ground turkey | 1 lb (450g) | Lean, preferably 93% lean |
Olive oil | 2 tbsp | For sautéing |
Onion | 1 medium | Diced |
Garlic cloves | 3 cloves | Minced |
Bell peppers | 2 (any color) | Chopped |
Zucchini | 1 medium | Diced |
Carrots | 2 medium | Grated or finely chopped |
Frozen peas | ½ cup | Thawed |
Tomato paste | 2 tbsp | For depth of flavor |
Low-sodium soy sauce | 1 tbsp | Optional for umami boost |
Salt | To taste | |
Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground is best |
Red chili flakes | ½ tsp | Optional, for heat |
Fresh parsley or cilantro | ¼ cup chopped | For garnish |
Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Grater (for carrots)
- Mixing bowl (optional)
Instructions
- Prep your vegetables: Wash and chop the onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots. Mince the garlic cloves and set everything aside.
- Heat olive oil: Place your skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow it to warm up for about a minute.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the diced onions to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey: Crumble the ground turkey into the pan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Use a spatula to break up any clumps.
- Incorporate vegetables: Add the chopped bell peppers, zucchini, and grated carrots to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the turkey. Cook for about 5 minutes until veggies start to soften.
- Mix in tomato paste and peas: Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and the thawed peas. This will add color and richness to the dish. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Season to taste: Add salt, freshly ground black pepper, red chili flakes (if using), and soy sauce for umami. Adjust seasoning as needed and stir well.
- Simmer gently: Lower the heat and let everything cook together for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a fresh burst of flavor.
- Serve warm: Spoon the ground turkey and veggies onto plates or bowls. Pair with your favorite side or enjoy as is for a low-carb option.
Tips & Variations
“Don’t rush the sautéing step—softening the onions and garlic properly builds the flavor base for the entire dish.”
Feel free to swap vegetables depending on what you have on hand. Broccoli florets, mushrooms, or spinach work wonderfully.
You can also add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to change up the flavor profile.
For a bit of heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a more Mediterranean twist, include olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
This recipe is also perfect for meal prepping. It stores well in airtight containers for up to 4 days and reheats nicely in a skillet or microwave.
If you want a vegetarian spin, check out a similar veggie-packed idea like the Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Protein | 32 g |
Fat | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 10 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugar | 5 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This ground turkey and veggies recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over fluffy quinoa or brown rice for a hearty meal, or try cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
For a Mediterranean-inspired plate, add a side of warm pita bread or the soft, homemade flatbreads from this Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette also complements the dish perfectly.
Looking for more comforting and healthy recipes? Check out the Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals for inspiration on easy-to-make dinners.
Conclusion
This ground turkey and veggies recipe is a fantastic addition to your dinner rotation. It’s quick, nutritious, and endlessly adaptable, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
The combination of lean protein and fresh vegetables delivers balanced nutrition and vibrant flavors that everyone will enjoy.
With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious home-cooked meal that feels special without the fuss. Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices and veggies to make it uniquely yours.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Ground Turkey and Veggies Recipe
Description: A healthy and flavorful dish combining lean ground turkey with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
- Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
- Stir in bell pepper, zucchini, and broccoli; cook for 5 minutes.
- Add cherry tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove lid and cook until liquid evaporates and veggies are tender.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 30 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 10 g
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