This Turkey & Zucchini Skillet Bake is a one-pan wonder—juicy ground turkey, tender zucchini slices, and a blanket of melty cheese all baked together. It’s low-carb, high-protein, and on the table in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution.
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Why I Love This Turkey & Zucchini Skillet Bake
I first made this recipe during peak zucchini season when my fridge was overflowing with fresh squash from the farmer’s market. Combining it with ground turkey and cheese made for a cozy, hearty meal without the heaviness. It’s now a staple, just like our creamy zoodle skillet for those nights when I want a healthy but satisfying dish.
Low-carb comfort
This skillet bake gives you all the satisfaction of a cheesy casserole without the carb overload. Zucchini brings freshness, turkey delivers lean protein, and the cheese ties everything together.
Perfect for weeknights
With simple prep and a short bake time, it’s a quick fix for busy evenings—similar to our sweet potato meal prep bowls, but hot, melty, and bubbly from the oven.
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Turkey & Zucchini Skillet Bake
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Turkey & Zucchini Skillet Bake is a quick, healthy, one-pan dinner—juicy ground turkey, tender zucchini, and melty cheese baked together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground turkey
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thin rounds
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or blend)
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Add ground turkey, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes.
4. Stir in sliced zucchini and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender. Drain any excess liquid.
5. Spread mixture evenly in the skillet and top with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly golden.
7. Garnish with parsley or basil and serve hot.
Notes
Use pepper jack for a spicier kick or Monterey Jack for a creamier melt.
Add mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cook zucchini briefly to avoid excess water in the bake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet + Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Turkey Zucchini Skillet Bake, Low Carb Dinner, One Pan Turkey Recipe, Healthy Weeknight Dinner
How to Make Turkey & Zucchini Skillet Bake
Step-by-step prep
1. Prep ingredients: Slice 2 medium zucchinis into thin rounds. Dice 1 small onion. Shred 1 cup of cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend).
2. Cook turkey base: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add 1 lb ground turkey, season with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, about 6–7 minutes.
3. Add zucchini: Stir in sliced zucchini and cook for 3–4 minutes until just tender. Drain any excess liquid to keep the bake from becoming watery.
4. Layer with cheese: Smooth the turkey-zucchini mixture in the skillet, sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese.
5. Bake: Transfer the skillet to a 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Serve hot straight from the skillet for that rustic table appeal.
Variations and Customization
Change up the cheese
Try Monterey Jack for a creamier melt, or pepper jack for a little heat.
Add more veggies
Mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes make great additions and boost nutrition. Similar veggie flexibility is why I love making Asian ground turkey stir fry too.
FAQ – Turkey & Zucchini Skillet Bake
Can I make this ahead?
Yes—cook the turkey and zucchini mixture, top with cheese, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Does zucchini make it watery?
If you cook it briefly and drain any excess liquid before baking, you’ll avoid a watery skillet.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, though zucchini will soften slightly after thawing. Best to freeze without cheese and bake fresh with cheese when reheating.
Conclusion
This Turkey & Zucchini Skillet Bake is a fast, flavorful, and healthy dinner you’ll turn to again and again. Minimal ingredients, one skillet, and less than 30 minutes—that’s weeknight magic.