This ground turkey skillet is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal made with lean turkey, fresh zucchini, sweet corn, black beans, and juicy tomatoes. It’s a one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, packed with protein and fiber, and bursting with Tex-Mex-inspired flavors. Serve it on its own, over rice, or wrapped in tortillas for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan meal – Easy to make with minimal cleanup.
- Healthy and protein-packed – Loaded with lean turkey, beans, and fresh veggies.
- Versatile – Serve as is, with rice, in tacos, or as a filling for burritos.
- Quick and easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less.
- Meal-prep friendly – Great for leftovers and easy to store.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground turkey
- Zucchini, diced
- Corn (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- Black beans, drained and rinsed
- Tomatoes, diced (fresh or canned)
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Olive oil
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Directions

- Sauté the onions and garlic – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Cook the turkey – Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
- Season – Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add vegetables – Stir in the diced zucchini, corn, black beans, and tomatoes. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini is tender.
- Finish and serve – Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions and serve with lime wedges.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add extra red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Cheesy Twist – Sprinkle with shredded cheddar or Cotija cheese before serving.
- Make it Vegan – Replace turkey with crumbled tofu or cooked lentils.
- Extra Greens – Stir in spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Smoky Flavor – Use smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier taste.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in portioned containers. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works well as a substitute.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes?
If using canned diced tomatoes, drain them slightly to avoid excess liquid.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve it with rice, quinoa, tortillas, or on top of a salad.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep and reheats well throughout the week.
How do I prevent the zucchini from getting mushy?
Don’t overcook the zucchini—add it towards the end and cook until just tender.
What’s a good low-carb serving option?
Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps for a lower-carb meal.
Can I add bell peppers?
Yes! Diced bell peppers add sweetness and extra crunch.
How do I make this dish creamier?
Stir in Greek yogurt, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Can I use taco seasoning instead of individual spices?
Yes! Replace the spices with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning.
Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the onions, garlic, and turkey using the Sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes with a quick release.
Conclusion
This ground turkey skillet with zucchini, corn, black beans, and tomato is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s packed with fresh ingredients, bold spices, and plenty of nutrients, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether served in bowls, tacos, or with rice, it’s a satisfying and wholesome meal the whole family will love!
PrintGround Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans, and Tomato
This Ground Turkey Skillet is a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed one-pan meal featuring lean turkey, fresh zucchini, sweet corn, black beans, and juicy tomatoes. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes, packed with protein and fiber, and great for tacos, rice bowls, or meal prep!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Healthy
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (lean 93/7 preferred)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium zucchini (diced into small cubes)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned & drained)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained & rinsed)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder (optional, for a little kick)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (adds depth, optional)
- Juice of 1 lime (for brightness, optional but recommended)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
For Serving (Optional):
- Cooked rice or quinoa (for a bowl-style meal)
- Tortillas (for tacos or wraps)
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco)
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess liquid if necessary.
- Stir in onion and garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add the Veggies & Spices
- Add zucchini, corn, black beans, and diced tomatoes (with juice) to the skillet.
- Stir in salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender and flavors meld together.
Step 3: Finish & Serve
- Squeeze in lime juice and stir in fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with rice, quinoa, tortillas, or as a standalone dish.
Notes
- Spicy Version? Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño.
- Make It Cheesy: Stir in ½ cup shredded cheese at the end for a creamy finish.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.