Mediterranean Turkey Skillet

It can be challenging to find quick and easy meals that are also nutritious. Our Mediterranean turkey skillet hits all the marks and tastes fantastic too. The ground turkey Mediterranean recipe starts with lean ground turkey and a slew of colorful vegetables, including zucchini, onion and tomatoes. A can of black beans ups the wholesome quotient, and a splash of balsamic vinegar brightens the dish.

Our Mediterranean turkey bowl comes together in just a few minutes and dirties only a single pan, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Add more vegetables, swap in a different protein or beans, and you have endless interpretations of one recipe that everyone will love.

Mediterranean Turkey Skillet Ingredients

• Olive oil: For this heart-healthy meal, use extra virgin olive oil. The fat adds flavor and helps start the cooking process.
• Ground turkey: The Mediterranean turkey bowl recipe calls for lean ground turkey, usually from the breast, but if you prefer the flavor of drumsticks and thighs, don’t hesitate to use ground dark meat turkey instead. Dark meat is a little higher in fat than white meat but bolder in taste.
• Fresh vegetables: Zucchini, onion, banana peppers and minced garlic add color and flavor to this Mediterranean turkey skillet. You can use dark green zucchini and yellow squash interchangeably; any summer squash will do. Depending on your preference, either a red or yellow onion will work. Banana peppers are just a touch spicy, but you can use more mild peppers if preferred. Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers, as the oils can burn skin, and avoid touching your face.
• Dried oregano: Before using dried oregano, make sure it still has a pleasant aroma; if not, consider buying a replacement.
• Black beans: Canned beans are a handy way to put dinner on the table quickly.
• Diced tomatoes: You’ll be using the tomatoes and liquid from your can of diced tomatoes, so don’t drain it after opening. Fire-roasted tomatoes, which some brands offer, are a nice touch.
• Balsamic vinegar: You can use any balsamic vinegar; this Mediterranean ground turkey recipe doesn’t require anything fancy. Red or white wine vinegar is fine if you don’t have balsamic vinegar.
• Salt: The recipe gives you an amount to start with, but season to taste before serving. Black pepper would be nice in this dish too.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the turkey and vegetables

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the turkey, zucchini, onions, peppers, garlic and oregano. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring to break the meat into crumbles, until the turkey is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender. Drain any grease from the skillet.

Editor’s Tip: If you have the time and the desire, you could brown the zucchini and onions in the pan before adding the turkey, peppers and garlic. Doing so would add more flavor and color to the finished dish.

Step 2: Finish the dish

Stir in the black beans, tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and salt. Cook until heated through, stirring occasionally.

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Mediterranean Turkey Skillet Variations

• Make it more Mediterranean: Work a few additional flavors into the mix by adding Greek olives, capers, feta cheese and fresh herbs such as marjoram, rosemary, thyme or basil. Use them all, or pick and choose the ones that work for you.
• Change the proteins: This ground turkey Mediterranean recipe is excellent, but you could also make it with ground chicken, pork or beef. If you prefer, chickpeas or white beans would be a delicious replacement for the black beans.
• Even more veggies: Add a couple of handfuls of baby spinach right before you turn off the heat, or toss some broccoli or cauliflower into the pan when you add the tomatoes. Artichoke hearts would be another excellent inclusion.
• Add a sauce: Drizzle some tzatziki or other yogurt sauce over the ground turkey and vegetables.

How to Store Mediterranean Turkey Skillet

Store the Mediterranean turkey skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Glass containers are a great choice, as they will not pick up lingering food odors.

How long does a Mediterranean turkey skillet last?

You can eat these leftovers for up to four days. Reheat the leftovers in the microwave, in a skillet or in a 350°F oven, whichever works best for you.

Mediterranean Turkey Skillet Tips

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Can you make a Mediterranean turkey skillet without tomatoes?

Changing the zucchini for another vegetable of your choice—broccoli or cauliflower would be good selections—is fine, and you could leave out the peppers entirely. On the other hand, canned diced tomatoes provide flavor, acidity and the majority of the cooking liquid, so they play a set of essential roles in the dish. If you don’t want to use tomatoes, consider adding wine, vinegar or citrus juice for tang and then using broth to replace the tomato liquid.

What can you serve with a Mediterranean turkey skillet?

This tangy, veggie-packed Mediterranean ground turkey recipe calls out for a starchy side dish to accompany it. Try offering this meal with lemon rice, rosemary flatbreads or garlic Parmesan orzo. Finish off with a gooey piece of cashew baklava.