Name: Healthy Ground Turkey Skillet Dinner Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt; Freshly ground pepper; 2 cups 1-inch cube crusty bread; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound lean ground turkey; 1 teaspoon ground fennel; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon thyme; 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes; 1 pint grape tomatoes; 2 to 3 handfuls baby spinach; 2 roasted red peppers, roughly chopped; 1 (15.5 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

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Table of Contents: Healthy Ground Turkey Skillet Dinner Recipe

Healthy Ground Turkey Skillet Dinner Recipe

Remember when family dinners felt…doable? When you could get a nourishing, delicious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen? Life gets busy, especially as we get older, but that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice good food and quality time together.

This Healthy Ground Turkey Skillet Dinner is the answer! It’s packed with flavor, brimming with healthy ingredients, and, best of all, incredibly easy to make. Get ready to rediscover the joy of simple, satisfying meals.

This isn’t just another ground turkey recipe; it’s a complete meal that comes together in one pan – making cleanup a breeze! We’re talking savory ground turkey, sweet roasted tomatoes, hearty cannellini beans, and a generous helping of spinach, all simmered in a vibrant sauce. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra vegetables and lean protein, perfect for those of us watching our health.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal, a casual dish to serve guests, or something to brighten up a holiday side dish spread, this healthy skillet recipe delivers. It’s a versatile dish that’s sure to become a new favorite.

This recipe is designed with simplicity in mind, but don’t let that fool you – it’s bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s a one-pan meal that’s both satisfying and good for you, and it’s a great way to enjoy a delicious dinner without a lot of fuss.

We’ll show you how to make ground turkey truly flavorful, moving beyond bland and into a world of deliciousness.

Alternate Names & Variations

You might also find similar recipes under names like “Turkey and Bean Skillet,” “Mediterranean Turkey Skillet,” or “Italian Turkey Skillet.” For a spicier kick, increase the amount of Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes. If you don’t have cannellini beans, great northern beans or even chickpeas work well as a substitute.

This recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand, making it a truly versatile ground turkey recipe.

Ingredients: Healthy Ground Turkey Skillet Dinner Recipe

* 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* 1 1/2 teaspoons Kosher salt
* Freshly ground pepper
* 2 cups 1-inch cube crusty bread (Italian or French loaf work well)

* 1 medium yellow onion, diced
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 pound lean ground turkey
* 1 teaspoon ground fennel
* 1 teaspoon oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon thyme
* 1/2 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
* 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
* 2 to 3 handfuls baby spinach
* 2 roasted red peppers, roughly chopped
* 1 (15.5 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
* 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Toast the Bread: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron is ideal!) over medium heat. Add the cubed bread and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy. This adds a wonderful texture to the finished dish. Remove the croutons from the skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Chef’s Tip: Don’t let the garlic burn! Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the flavor of the dish.

3. Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.

4. Spice it Up: Stir in the ground fennel, oregano, thyme, Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes), salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their flavors. This is key to making flavorful ground turkey!

5. Add Tomatoes & Peppers: Add the halved grape tomatoes and chopped roasted red peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and blister.

6. Incorporate the Beans: Add the drained and rinsed cannellini beans to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through.

7. Wilt the Spinach: Add the baby spinach to the skillet in handfuls, stirring until wilted. This happens quickly, so keep a close eye on it.

8. Finish with Vinegar: Stir in the red wine vinegar. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

9. Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately, topped with the toasted croutons. This healthy ground turkey skillet dinner is delicious on its own or with a side salad.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and 25 minutes to cook, for a total time of 40 minutes. It yields about 4 servings. The approximate calorie count per serving is around 450-500, depending on the amount of olive oil used and the type of bread.

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Healthy Ground Turkey Skillet Dinner works because it’s all about layering flavors. Starting with a good base of olive oil and aromatics (onion and garlic) builds a foundation of deliciousness. The fennel and oregano add a beautiful Mediterranean touch, while the Aleppo pepper provides a subtle warmth.

Using roasted red peppers instead of raw adds a sweetness and depth of flavor that really elevates the dish.

It’s also incredibly practical. This is easy comfort food for family dinners that doesn’t require a ton of effort. The one-pan meal aspect means less cleanup, which is always a win! For a creamier texture, you can mash a portion of the cannellini beans before adding them to the skillet.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This healthy ground turkey skillet actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!

To freeze, allow the skillet dinner to cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. This is a great healthy skillet option for meal prepping!

Conclusion: Healthy Ground Turkey Skillet Dinner Recipe

I truly hope you give this Healthy Ground Turkey Skillet Dinner a try. It’s a recipe that’s been tested and loved, and I’m confident it will become a staple in your household. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Don’t hesitate to share your creations with me! I love seeing how you adapt and personalize recipes. Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, or if you have any questions. Happy cooking!