Cozy Garlic Herb Turkey (Printable Version)

Savor tender turkey simmered with garlic, herbs, and fresh vegetables in one pan for a wholesome meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Turkey

01 - 1 lb ground turkey
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 cup chopped zucchini
07 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
08 - 2 cups baby spinach

→ Herbs & Seasonings

09 - 1 tsp dried Italian herb mix or ½ tsp dried thyme and ½ tsp dried oregano
10 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
11 - ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Finishing Touches

13 - ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
14 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey, season with salt and pepper, and break up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
02 - In the same skillet, add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Stir in chopped zucchini and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables are tender but still hold their shape.
04 - Return the browned turkey to the skillet. Add Italian herb mix, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir thoroughly to combine.
05 - Add baby spinach and cook, stirring constantly, until wilted, about 1 minute.
06 - Taste the mixture and season with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
07 - Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It delivers deep, satisfying flavor without a complicated ingredient list or multiple pans to wash.
  • The vegetables cook down into a soft, savory tangle that clings to every bite of turkey.
  • You can adjust the heat, swap out greens, or add grains on the side without changing what makes it work.
  • It tastes even better the next day, which means leftovers that actually get eaten.
02 -
  • Do not skip browning the turkey in batches if your skillet feels crowded, or it will steam instead of sear and lose that savory depth.
  • The garlic burns fast, so add it after the onion and pepper have softened and keep stirring once it hits the pan.
  • Let the cherry tomatoes cook long enough to burst and release their juice, because that liquid is what turns the skillet into something saucy and cohesive.
03 -
  • Use a wide skillet so everything cooks evenly and the vegetables have room to caramelize instead of steam.
  • Taste the dish before serving and adjust the salt, because turkey can be bland without enough seasoning.
  • If the skillet looks dry after adding the turkey back in, add a tablespoon of water or broth to help everything come together.

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