If you want a colorful, hearty dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans and Tomato is about to become your new favorite! It’s brimming with juicy turkey, crisp-tender veggies, and just enough spice to make every bite irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-One Dinner: Get protein, fiber, and loads of veggies—with minimal effort and maximum flavor—together in one healthy pan.
- Perfectly Balanced: The combination of savory turkey, creamy black beans, sweet corn, and that pop of fresh zucchini means every forkful is both satisfying and lively.
- Quick & Easy: This speedy skillet takes just 25 minutes from start to finish—ideal for busy weeknights when you need real food, fast.
- Total Customization: It’s endlessly adaptable! You can tweak the heat, swap ingredients, or turn leftovers into tacos, salads, or bowls.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s nothing fussy about Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans and Tomato—just a handful of honest, fresh ingredients that work together in the most delicious way. Here’s what makes each one essential for that craveable, summery flavor combo.
- Zucchini: Look for firm, glossy squash—its mildness soaks up all the savory flavors while providing a tender yet slightly crisp bite.
- 93% Lean Ground Turkey: Opt for this blend—it’s juicy, full-flavored, and lighter than traditional ground beef, making this dish both hearty and healthy.
- Onion: Just a quarter cup adds aromatic sweetness, rounding out the skillet’s base flavors.
- Tomato Paste: Deepens the sauce with a richer, umami-packed tomato note—don’t skip it!
- Black Beans: These bring earthy flavor and a boost of fiber, making the meal even more filling.
- Corn Kernels (fresh or frozen): Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and sunny color—use whatever you have on hand.
- Large Fresh Tomato: Diced up, it helps create a naturally saucy base that keeps the skillet juicy.
- Jalapeño: Just one dice perks up the whole dish with gentle heat—remove the seeds for milder flavor.
- Garlic: One clove, minced, ties everything together with that crave-worthy savory aroma.
- Chopped Cilantro: Bright, herbaceous flavor both in the skillet and sprinkled over top for a fresh finish.
- Cumin: At 1 1/4 teaspoons, it adds that warm, almost smoky base that makes every ingredient pop.
- Kosher Salt: Brings all the flavors into perfect balance—season in layers for best results.
- Water: Helps blend the sauce and keeps your skillet nice and saucy (but never soupy).
- Lime Wedges (optional): Squeeze over right before serving for a zesty, vibrant touch that wakes up the whole skillet.
Variations
One of the best things about this skillet is how easy it is to riff on! Whether you’re working with what’s in your fridge, feeding a crowd with different dietary needs, or looking to spice things up, the possibilities are nearly endless.
- Spicy Southwest Kick: Add a dash of chipotle powder or cayenne, or throw in another jalapeño if you love heat!
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle your favorite shredded cheese (pepper jack, cheddar, or cotija) over the finished skillet and cover to melt it right before serving.
- Veggie Swap: No zucchini? Sub in yellow squash or bell peppers—or try a mix! This base works with almost any quick-cooking veggie.
- Meatless Monday: Use plant-based ground “turkey” or double the beans for a vegetarian spin; it’s still hearty and full of flavor.
How to Make Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans and Tomato
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Start by spraying your largest skillet with a light coating of oil and setting it over high heat. Add the ground turkey, season it generously with salt and cumin, and get in there with your spatula as it sizzles—breaking up the meat until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5 minutes. This is where all that savory flavor starts!
Step 2: Build Flavor with Onion & Tomato Paste
Push the turkey to the sides of the skillet, so you create a little “well” in the middle. Add the chopped onion and tomato paste directly into the empty center, cooking for about a minute. This bit of extra caramelization brings out the sweetness and umami richness—don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Beans, Corn, Tomato & Aromatics
Toss in the rinsed black beans, corn kernels, diced tomato, jalapeño, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Pour in 1/4 cup water, then stir it all together so each ingredient is mingling beautifully in the pan. It’ll look bright and smell amazing already!
Step 4: Zucchini Time—Finish and Simmer
Add in all your sliced zucchini, plus the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and cumin. Give everything a loving toss to coat, then cover the skillet and let it simmer on low for 4 to 5 minutes. The goal is zucchini that’s tender but still has a tiny snap—think al dente, not mushy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the lid, toss in extra cilantro, and serve hot with lime wedges on the side. The fresh citrus and herbs take Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans and Tomato to a whole new level of bright, summery goodness. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans and Tomato
- Zucchini Texture Control: Add the zucchini toward the end and don’t overcook it—this keeps every bite perfectly crisp-tender, not soggy.
- Season in Layers: For the most robust flavor, salt and spice both the turkey and the veg-watering mix—don’t just dump everything in at once!
- One-Pan Perfection: Use a big, wide skillet so everything browns and simmers evenly—crowding the pan leads to steaming, not searing.
- Fresh Finishes Matter: Always finish with that pop of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime—it brightens and lifts all the deep, savory flavors from the skillet.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans and Tomato
Garnishes
This skillet absolutely loves a handful of fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or even a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco. For a little zing, add a swirl of sour cream or Greek yogurt and a few slices of quick-pickled jalapeño right on top!
Side Dishes
While Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans and Tomato truly shines all on its own, it’s also fabulous paired with warm flour or corn tortillas, a bowl of cilantro-lime rice, or a simple crisp side salad. If you’re feeling extra, a scoop of guacamole or fresh salsa brings everything together.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style fiesta, serve the skillet straight from your prettiest cast iron with all the fixings on the side. Or, stuff the mixture into hollowed bell peppers and bake until bubbly for a showstopping (and portable) presentation. You can also spoon leftovers over baked sweet potatoes, turn them into taco filling, or serve over greens for a hearty salad bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans and Tomato will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so lunch the next day might be even tastier!
Freezing
This recipe is freezer friendly, too! Simply let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers—leave a little space at the top for expansion. Use within 2 months for the best taste. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your skillet gently on the stovetop over medium-low, stirring frequently. If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of water or broth. The microwave works too—just cover loosely and heat in bursts, stirring between each, until piping hot.
FAQs
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Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! This recipe works great with ground chicken for a similar light, juicy flavor, or ground beef for a heartier, richer result. Just adjust the seasoning slightly, as beef typically needs less salt. No matter your choice, the key flavors and textures will still shine through.
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How spicy does this skillet turn out with one jalapeño?
With just one diced jalapeño and the seeds removed, the spice level is pretty mild—just a gentle warmth. If you’d like more heat, keep some seeds in or add an extra pepper. Prefer it mild? Skip the jalapeño entirely or use a pinch of smoked paprika for flavor without fire.
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Can I double this recipe for meal prep or a crowd?
Yes! Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans and Tomato scales up beautifully. Just make sure to use a very large skillet or cook in batches, so nothing steams instead of browning. It’s a fantastic option for make-ahead lunches or feeding a hungry group.
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What can I do if my skillet mixture gets too watery?
If the finished skillet looks a bit too saucy for your liking, simply remove the lid and cook over medium-high heat for another 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently. The excess liquid will reduce quickly, and your Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans and Tomato will have the perfect consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about this Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans and Tomato—it feels like summer in a pan but brings gorgeous flavor to the table any time of year. If you’re craving a simple, colorful, and nourishing meal, I hope you give this one a try and love it as much as my family does!
Print
Ground Turkey Skillet with Zucchini, Corn, Black Beans, and Tomato Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
A flavorful and wholesome ground turkey skillet dish packed with zucchini, corn, black beans, and tomato, seasoned with cumin and cilantro. This easy one-pan meal is ready in no time and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Zucchini:
- 14 ounces zucchini, quartered and sliced 3/4 inch
Ground Turkey:
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
Onion:
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
Tomato Paste:
- 1 tablespoon
Black Beans:
- 3/4 cups canned black beans, rinsed and drained
Corn Kernels:
- 3/4 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen
Tomato:
- 1 large tomato, diced
Jalapeño:
- 1 jalapeño, diced
Garlic:
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Cilantro:
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
Cumin:
- 1 1/4 teaspoons
Kosher Salt:
- 1 1/4 teaspoons
Water:
- 1/4 cup
Lime Wedges:
- Optional, for serving
Instructions
- Sear Turkey: Spray a large skillet over high heat with oil and brown the ground turkey, seasoning with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon cumin.
- Cook Turkey: Cook the turkey, breaking it up until cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Add Ingredients: Push the meat to the side, add onion and tomato paste, cook for 1 minute. Add black beans, corn, tomato, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, and water.
- Include Zucchini: Add zucchini, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and cumin. Mix, cover, and cook on low for 4 to 5 minutes until zucchini is tender crisp.
- Serve: Serve with lime wedges and additional cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 305 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 545mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
