If you’re looking for a healthy yet satisfying meal, look no further than this ground turkey and quinoa skillet. It’s packed with protein and flavor, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or meal prep.
This recipe combines lean ground turkey with nutritious quinoa and a blend of vibrant veggies, resulting in a colorful and delicious meal that your family will love. You can easily customize it with your favorite spices or additional vegetables.
Colorful Ingredients for a Hearty Meal
When preparing a delicious ground turkey and quinoa skillet, the ingredients play a vital role in both flavor and nutrition. The combination of ground turkey and quinoa provides a protein-packed base, perfect for a fulfilling meal.
Adding colorful bell peppers and cherry tomatoes not only enhances the dish’s appeal but also boosts its nutrient profile. These vegetables bring a mix of vitamins and minerals, ensuring that each bite is both tasty and healthy.
To elevate the flavors, spices like cumin and paprika are key. They infuse the dish with warmth and depth, creating a satisfying experience with every serving.
Cooking Technique to Perfect Skillet Dish
Creating this vibrant skillet is straightforward and can be accomplished in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze. Start by heating olive oil, which adds richness to the ingredients, before introducing the onions and garlic.
Once the onion becomes translucent, adding the ground turkey is the next step. This process ensures that the meat is well-cooked and absorbs the flavors of the aromatics. The goal here is to achieve a nice browning on the turkey, enhancing its taste.
Bringing It All Together
After the turkey is cooked through, the bell peppers and cherry tomatoes are added to the mix. This allows the vegetables to soften while maintaining their vibrant colors and crunch.
Incorporating rinsed quinoa and broth elevates the dish to a complete meal. The quinoa cooks in the broth, absorbing all the flavors, making it fluffy and delicious.
Garnishing for Visual Appeal
Once the cooking is complete, fluffing the quinoa adds texture and prepares it for serving. The final touch comes with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or parsley.
These herbs not only add a pop of color but also a fresh, aromatic note, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Serving it directly from the skillet adds a rustic charm that invites everyone to dig in.
Serving Suggestions and Versatility
This skillet dish serves well for family dinners or meal prep. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a side salad for a more substantial meal. The recipe is versatile, allowing for the addition of other vegetables or spices, tailored to personal preferences.
Feel free to customize the ingredients based on seasonal availability or what’s in your pantry. This adaptability ensures that the dish remains a go-to option throughout the year.
Nutritional Benefits to Highlight
Each serving of this ground turkey and quinoa skillet is packed with essential nutrients. With approximately 350 calories per serving, it offers a balanced intake of protein, fats, and carbohydrates.
Rich in protein from the turkey and quinoa, this dish supports muscle health and provides lasting energy. The addition of colorful vegetables contributes to overall wellness, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.
Easy Ground Turkey and Quinoa Skillet
This skillet dish brings together hearty ground turkey, fluffy quinoa, and fresh vegetables for a balanced and nutritious meal. The flavors are well-rounded, and it has a satisfying texture, making it a perfect solution for a wholesome dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the diced bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the rinsed quinoa and broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g