One-Pot Turkey Taco Zucchini (Printable Version)

Lean turkey and zucchini combine with bold spices in a single-pan skillet for a light, flavorful meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 medium zucchinis, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

→ Spices & Seasonings

08 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Liquids & Dairy

15 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
16 - 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
17 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Garnish & Finishing

18 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
19 - Juice of 1 lime

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the red onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
02 - Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until fully browned and cooked through.
03 - Stir in the red bell pepper, zucchini, and jalapeño if using. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
04 - Sprinkle in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly to coat the meat and vegetables evenly.
05 - Add cherry tomatoes and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes until most liquid has evaporated and zucchini is tender.
06 - Remove from heat. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet and cover for 1 to 2 minutes until melted.
07 - Top with fresh cilantro and squeeze of lime juice. Serve hot directly from the skillet.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one skillet, making preparation and cleanup incredibly easy.
  • Low Carb & Gluten-Free: A healthy alternative to traditional tacos that doesn't sacrifice flavor.
  • High Protein: Each serving provides 32g of protein to keep you satisfied.
  • Quick Preparation: Ready to serve in just 35 minutes from start to finish.
02 -
  • Allergen Safety: This dish contains dairy (cheddar cheese). Always check labels for hidden allergens if using store-bought chicken broth.
  • Simmering: Ensure you cook the dish uncovered in Step 6 to allow the liquid to evaporate, which prevents the zucchini from becoming too soggy.
  • Citrus Finish: Don't skip the lime juice at the end; the acidity brightens the flavors of the smoked paprika and cumin.
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