When I crave something cozy, colorful, and nourishing, this Healthy Ground Turkey Skillet With Veggies is exactly what I pull out a pan for. It’s a one-pan dinner that’s loaded with lean protein, tender zucchini, sweet bell peppers, corn, tomatoes, and a handful of greens that wilt right into the sauce.

Everything cooks together in a single skillet, so the flavors melt into each other: juicy ground turkey, garlic, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of herbs and Parmesan. It feels like comfort food, but it’s light enough for busy weeknights and meal prep lunches. Minimal dishes, big flavor, and lots of veggies—my kind of weeknight win.

What Makes This Healthy Ground Turkey Skillet With Veggies So Good?

I love this skillet because it checks every box: it’s fast, filling, and flexible. You can spoon it over rice, tuck it into tortillas, or just eat it straight from the bowl with a sprinkle of cheese. The turkey stays juicy, the veggies keep a bit of bite, and the sauce has that perfect savory-tomato base that tastes like it simmered all afternoon.

It’s also endlessly adaptable. Swap the veggies for whatever you have, adjust the spice level, or lean it more low-carb by serving it over cauliflower rice. Once you’ve made it once, it becomes a formula you can customize again and again.

Ingredients for Healthy Ground Turkey Skillet With Veggies

Let me walk you through what I use in this skillet and why each ingredient matters.

Lean ground turkey
This is the protein base of the dish—light, flavorful, and perfect for soaking up all the seasonings. Lean turkey keeps the skillet on the healthier side while still feeling hearty.

Olive oil
A little fat to brown the turkey and soften the veggies. It helps everything caramelize and adds a subtle richness.

Yellow onion
Onion builds a sweet, savory foundation. Once it softens and turns translucent, it gives depth to the meat and tomato sauce.

Garlic
I never skip garlic here. It perfumes the whole skillet and adds that irresistible savory aroma that makes everyone wander into the kitchen.

Zucchini
Zucchini brings color, gentle sweetness, and a tender bite. It’s also great for adding bulk without a lot of extra calories.

Red and yellow bell peppers
These add crunch, sweetness, and a pop of color. They also balance the acidity of the tomatoes and make the skillet taste bright instead of heavy.

Corn kernels
Corn adds little bursts of sweetness and texture. I love the contrast against the savory turkey and tomatoes.

Diced tomatoes
Tomatoes create the saucy base, keeping everything juicy while adding a tangy note. They also carry the spices beautifully through the whole dish.

Chicken broth
A splash of broth loosens the skillet and helps the flavors meld while everything simmers. It keeps the turkey from drying out and gives us just enough sauce.

Tomato paste
This concentrates the tomato flavor and adds body and richness to the sauce so it clings to every bite.

Baby spinach
Spinach wilts down into the skillet at the very end, adding a boost of greens without overpowering the other flavors.

Italian seasoning
A simple blend of herbs—think oregano, basil, and thyme—ties the whole dish together and gives the skillet that familiar, cozy flavor.

Smoked paprika
This adds gentle warmth and a hint of smokiness, which keeps the turkey from tasting bland.

Ground cumin
Cumin brings a subtle earthiness that plays so nicely with the tomatoes and peppers.

Red pepper flakes
Optional, but I love the mild kick they add. You can sprinkle more on top for those who like heat.

Salt and black pepper
These are essential for balancing all the flavors. Seasoning as you go is the key to a really delicious skillet.

Parmesan cheese
A light shower of Parmesan at the end melts into the sauce and gives the dish a savory, creamy finish.

Fresh basil or parsley
A handful of fresh herbs right before serving wakes everything up and adds a fresh, bright note.

How To Make the Healthy Ground Turkey Skillet With Veggies

Step 1: Brown the turkey

Set a large, heavy skillet (I love using cast iron for this) over medium-high heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown until there are no pink spots left and the edges start to caramelize slightly—this is where a lot of flavor develops.

Step 2: Build the flavor base

Once the turkey is browned, stir in the diced onion and cook until it softens and turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute, just until fragrant. At this point, the whole kitchen smells amazing.

Step 3: Add the veggies

Toss in the zucchini slices, diced bell peppers, and corn. Stir well so the veggies mingle with the turkey. Let them cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften but still hold their shape. You want them tender-crisp, not mushy.

Step 4: Create the sauce

Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth, then stir in the tomato paste until it dissolves. Sprinkle over the Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, cumin, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Let it simmer

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the skillet simmer gently for 5–8 minutes. This short simmer gives the flavors time to come together and thickens the sauce slightly so it coats the turkey and veggies.

Step 6: Wilt the greens and finish with cheese

Stir in the baby spinach and cook just until it wilts into the skillet. Turn off the heat and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top, folding it in so it melts into the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a little more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Right before serving, shower the skillet with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Bring the whole pan to the table and let everyone scoop their own portion over rice, quinoa, or straight into a bowl.

Serving and Storing Healthy Ground Turkey Skillet With Veggies

I usually serve this skillet right from the pan, family-style. It’s fantastic over fluffy rice, tucked into warm tortillas, or spooned alongside roasted potatoes. If you need a lighter option, try it over cauliflower rice or a bed of baby greens.

For meal prep, let the skillet cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors get even better as it sits. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water, or warm individual portions in the microwave.

You can also freeze leftovers. Transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers or bags, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop. A fresh sprinkle of herbs and Parmesan brings it back to life.

What to Serve With Healthy Ground Turkey Skillet With Veggies

Garlic Herb Brown Rice

A bowl of garlicky brown rice is my go-to base for this skillet. The nutty flavor stands up beautifully to the savory tomato sauce and keeps the meal extra satisfying.

Cauliflower Rice or Veggie Noodles

If you are keeping things lighter, serve the turkey and veggies over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. You still get all the flavor and texture with fewer carbs.

Simple Green Side Salad

A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette is perfect next to this warm, saucy skillet. The freshness and acidity help balance the richness of the turkey and cheese.

Roasted Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes

Roasted potatoes—or sweet potatoes if you like a little sweetness—turn this into serious comfort food. Spoon the skillet right over the top so the sauce soaks in.

Warm Pita, Naan, or Crusty Bread

Sometimes I skip the rice and just use warm bread to scoop up the turkey and veggies. It’s casual, cozy, and always a hit at the table.

Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli

If you want even more veggies on the plate, pair this skillet with simply steamed green beans or broccoli. A squeeze of lemon and a pinch of salt is all they need.

Want More Healthy Dinner Ideas?

If this Healthy Ground Turkey Skillet With Veggies is your kind of weeknight comfort food, you’ll probably love these other flavorful dinners too:

Korean BBQ Beef Bowl with Corn & Creamy Sauce for a sweet-savory bowl packed with bold flavor.
Chipotle Chicken Bowl with Black Beans & Corn Creamy Sauce when you are craving smoky heat and lots of texture.
Sweet Chili Chicken Bowl with Coconut Lime Drizzle for a bright, sweet-and-spicy twist on chicken and veggies.
Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Asparagus & Creamy Garlic Sauce when you want something a little lighter but still totally satisfying.

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When you make it, let me know how you put your own spin on it. Did you swap in different veggies, bump up the spice, or serve it over something fun like quinoa or polenta?

I love hearing how you turn these recipes into weeknight staples in your own kitchen. Questions are always welcome—let’s keep dinner stress-free and delicious.

For even more easy dinners, quick lunches, and fresh food ideas, follow me on my ChefAlchemy Pinterest page where I share new recipes and healthy twists every week.