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A serving of lightened-up ground turkey meal in a bowl, showing lean meat and vegetables.

Classic Lightened-Up Ground Turkey Meal

Enjoy a healthy and flavorful Classic Lightened-Up Ground Turkey Meal, packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables. This easy-to-prepare dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Dutch Oven

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Lean Ground Turkey (93/7 or 99/1)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Onion chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 large Bell Pepper (any color), diced
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • Salt to taste
  • Black Pepper to taste
  • 1 can Canned Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz) can, undrained (look for no-salt-added)
  • 1/2 cup Low-Sodium Chicken or Vegetable Broth
  • 2 cups Assorted Vegetables chopped (e.g., broccoli florets, carrots, zucchini, spinach)

Optional Garnishes & Spice

  • Chili Flakes Pinch for kick
  • Fresh Parsley or Cilantro for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Chop the onion and mince the garlic. Dice bell peppers and other firm vegetables like carrots or zucchini into bite-sized pieces; cut broccoli into small florets.

Cooking

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then sauté onion and bell pepper for 5-7 minutes until soft.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for one minute more, being careful not to burn it.
  • Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart, and cook until no longer pink (8-10 minutes); drain excess fat if needed.
  • Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper, cooking for one minute to toast spices.
  • Pour in undrained diced tomatoes and low-sodium broth, stirring to combine.
  • Add hardier vegetables like carrots or broccoli, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook on low for 10-15 minutes until tender-crisp.
  • If using, stir in softer vegetables like zucchini or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking until wilted.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as desired, adding chili flakes for more spice.

Serving

  • Ladle the turkey meal into bowls and serve warm.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf to the simmering mixture and removing it before serving. This meal can be easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and spices. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, making it excellent for meal prep. Serve with a side of brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal, or keep it low-carb by serving as is.