Oh, the weeknight dinner scramble! You know the feeling, right? You walk in the door, the kids are already asking “What’s for dinner?”, and you just want something *good*, *fast*, and without a mountain of dishes. That’s exactly when my Simple Ground Turkey Skillet comes to the rescue! If you’re looking for awesome ground turkey recipes that are truly weeknight-heroes, this one’s for you. I basically live by recipes like this during busy seasons – minimal fuss, maximum flavor, and I can get it on the table in under 30 minutes. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver!
Why You’ll Love These Ground Turkey Recipes
Honestly, this skillet isn’t just another recipe; it’s a weeknight warrior! Here’s why I think you’ll be making it over and over again:
- Super Speedy: Seriously, from start to finish, we’re looking at a total of 30 minutes. Perfect for those crazy evenings!
- Effortlessly Easy: Just brown the turkey, toss in some veggies and spices, and let it simmer. Most of the work is done by your stove!
- Packed with Flavor: Don’t let the simple ingredients fool you. The combo of Italian seasoning, tomatoes, and garlic makes it taste like you slaved away for hours.
- So Versatile: You can swap out the chicken broth for beef, add in pretty much any veggie you have on hand, or serve it over rice, pasta, or even quinoa.
- A Healthier Choice: Ground turkey is leaner than beef, making this a great option for a satisfying yet relatively light meal.
Ingredients for Your Simple Ground Turkey Skillet
Okay, here’s the magic list of what you’ll need to whip up this wonderfully easy ground turkey skillet. The best part? Most of these are probably already in your pantry or fridge!
- 1 pound ground turkey – I usually go for the 93% lean, but use whatever you like!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Just a little to get things started.
- 1 onion, chopped – A yellow or white onion works best for that classic flavor base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is key here, but garlic powder works in a pinch!
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained – Don’t drain ‘em! That liquid is pure flavor gold and helps create the sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth – Vegetable broth works too if that’s what you have.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning – This little blend is a powerhouse of flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Of course, gotta season it up just right!
- 1 cup cooked pasta or rice – Whatever you’ve got leftover or cooked up fresh. Elbow macaroni, penne, basmati, jasmine – they all work great!
And hey, if you’re ever looking for a fun thing to add to your own recipes, check out this homemade ketchup recipe – though it’s not for this skillet necessarily, it’s just a fun peek at kitchen creativity!
Easy Steps for Perfect Ground Turkey Recipes
Alright, let’s get this amazing ground turkey skillet on the go! This is where the magic happens, and trust me, it’s easier than you think. Following these simple steps will ensure you get a fantastic meal every time. It’s one of my favorite go-to ground turkey recipes because it’s so straightforward.
Brown the Ground Turkey
First things first, grab a big ol’ skillet and pop it over medium-high heat with that tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add your pound of ground turkey. Now, get in there with your spoon and break it all up! Cook until it’s nicely browned all over. Pro tip: make sure to drain off any excess watery fat – you don’t want a greasy finish!
Sauté Aromatics
Next up, toss in your chopped onion right into the same skillet with the browned turkey. Let it cook and soften for about 5 minutes, stirring it around. You’re looking for it to get a little translucent and sweet-smelling. Then, add in your minced garlic. Be careful, garlic can burn quickly, so just about 1 minute is plenty to get that amazing fragrance going.
Simmer the Skillet
Now for the saucy part! Pour in that can of diced tomatoes (juice and all – yum!) and the chicken broth. Sprinkle in your dried Italian seasoning, plus your salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. Bring this concoction up to a gentle simmer, then turn the heat down low, cover it loosely, and let it bubble away for about 10 minutes. This lets all those flavors meld together beautifully.
Combine and Serve
Almost there! Stir in your pre-cooked pasta or rice. Let it heat through for a couple of minutes, making sure it’s all coated in that yummy sauce. And that’s it! Serve it up piping hot. Maybe check out this broccoli chicken rice skillet recipe for another easy idea!
Tips for Success with Ground Turkey Recipes
You know, one of the best things about these kinds of easy ground turkey recipes is how forgiving they are! But to make sure yours turns out absolutely perfect every time, I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years. First off, when you’re picking out your ground turkey, lean towards the 93% lean option. It has just enough fat to keep the skillet moist and flavorful without being greasy. If you go too lean, your turkey can end up a little dry, and that’s no fun!
Also, don’t skip draining the fat after browning the turkey – that’s crucial! And when you’re adding your seasonings, trust your gut. Taste it before you serve; sometimes a little extra pinch of salt or a crack of pepper makes all the difference. Oh, and if you like a little kick, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic is *chef’s kiss*! For another great soup idea, you should totally check out this homemade wonton soup recipe.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
So, about these ingredients – they’re pretty straightforward, but there are always little tweaks you can make! If you’re not a huge fan of ground turkey, or maybe you just have it on hand, you could totally swap it out for ground chicken or even ground beef. Just keep an eye on the fat content, especially if you use beef – you might need to drain off a bit more grease.
When it comes to broth, if you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth is a perfectly fine substitute. It’ll give it a slightly different, but still delicious, flavor. And that Italian seasoning? It’s usually a mix of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, so if you don’t have a pre-made blend, you can just sprinkle in those individual herbs. A little bit of everything works wonders! For a little something extra, you could even stir in some of this homemade chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick!
Variations on This Ground Turkey Skillet
Okay, so while this Simple Ground Turkey Skillet is fantastic just as it is, the best part about these kinds of ground turkey recipes is how easy they are to play around with! You can totally make it your own. Feeling adventurous? Toss in some chopped bell peppers (any color!) or a handful of corn kernels when you add the onion. For a bit of a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce stirred in with the tomatoes works wonders. And honestly, this skillet stuff is so versatile; you can even serve it over some cauliflower rice for a lighter meal, or top it with a sprinkle of cheese!
If you’re looking for dessert inspiration, you should totally check out this easy 15-min no-bake pies recipe!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Simple Ground Turkey Skillet actually tastes even better the next day. Make sure to let it cool down a bit before you pop it into an airtight container. I usually use glass ones or good quality plastic containers. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
When you’re ready to reheat, you’ve got a couple of options! You can gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. Or, if you’re in a rush, pop a serving in the microwave for a minute or two, stirring halfway through. Just make sure it’s steaming hot all the way through before you dig in!
Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey Recipes
Got questions about whipping up this yummy skillet or other ground turkey recipes? I’ve got you covered! Here are some things folks often ask:
Can I use different kinds of meat?
Absolutely! While this recipe is awesome with ground turkey, you can totally swap it out. Ground chicken works beautifully, and even ground beef or Italian sausage would be delicious, though you might want to drain off a bit more fat. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the meat you choose.
How can I make this skillet spicier?
Ooh, good question! If you like a little heat, you can easily spice this up. Try adding about 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic. Or, stir in a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce at the end. You could even add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the Italian seasoning!
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
You know, this skillet isn’t my absolute favorite for freezing because the pasta or rice can get a bit mushy when reheated. However, if you make extra sauce *without* the pasta or rice, you could totally freeze that! Then, just cook up some fresh pasta or rice and combine it when you reheat the sauce. So, technically yes, with a little adjustment!
Can I add more veggies?
YES! Please do! That’s one of the best things about this recipe. Feel free to toss in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or even some frozen corn or peas when you add the onion. Just make sure they’re cut small enough to cook through in the time given. It’s a great way to use up whatever you have hiding in the fridge!
Looking for more one-pot wonders? You should totally check out this one-pot macaroni cheeseburger soup recipe!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info I’m giving you here is an estimate, because, you know, cooking is an art and everyone’s portion sizes can be a little different! But generally, you’re looking at about 350 calories per serving. This skillet is a good source of protein with around 28g, and it’s got about 15g of fat. It’s pretty balanced, and you can always tweak it by adding more veggies to boost those nutrients even further!
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Simple Ground Turkey Skillet
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and easy ground turkey skillet recipe perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked pasta or rice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in cooked pasta or rice and heat through.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: ground turkey, skillet, easy dinner, weeknight meal, quick recipe