Easy Ground Turkey and Green Bean Skillet

A low carb, gluten-free, healthy one-pan dinner with ground turkey, green beans, tomato, garlic, and parmesan cheese

If you love one-pan dinners that are quick, healthy, and full of flavor, this Easy Ground Turkey and Green Bean Skillet will be a new favorite. Ready in under an hour, it combines lean ground turkey, fresh green beans, onions, garlic, and a zesty tomato base for a hearty yet low-carb meal. Think of it as a pasta-free twist on a bolognese sauce, with tender green beans taking the place of noodles. The addition of diced tomatoes and chilis brings a subtle heat that makes every bite satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan ground turkey skillet dinner is a family-friendly, nutritious, requires minimal cleanup, and is packed with vegetables and lean protein.

Nutritional Information

The provided nutritional information has been compiled from various online sources and should be regarded as an estimate. Actual nutritional values may vary based on factors such as specific ingredients used, variations in portion sizes, and individual preparation methods. It is advisable to consider these numbers as general guidelines rather than precise measurements. For accurate nutritional information, it is recommended to consult with a registered dietitian or utilize specialized nutritional analysis tools based on the exact ingredients and quantities used in your preparation.

• Serving Size: 1/4 of dish

• Calories: 346

• Protein: 35 g

• Fat: 17 g

• Net Carbohydrates: 14 g

Ingredients-

• Ground Turkey (1lb 97% lean)

• Green Beans (In this recipe, a 12 ounce bag of frozen green beans was used)

• 1 medium to large onion

• Several garlic cloves

• 1 Can of Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilis

• 1 Cup of Tomato Sauce

• Oil (enough to coat the pan)

• Salt (Seasoned salt is a wonderful option)

• Pepper

• Italian Seasoning

Optional Toppings-

• Parsley

• Parmesan Cheese

• Optional: Red Chili Flakes

Equipment-

• Cooking pan

• cutting board

• knife

• spatula

Instructions- Easy Ground Turkey and Green Bean Skillet

1. Preparation:

The preparation for this dish starts with the vegetables. Begin by chopping one medium to large onion. Next, dice a couple of garlic cloves, or if you prefer, simply squeeze them through a garlic press directly into the pan when it is time to add them. For the green beans, fresh is wonderful, but they do take a little extra work. Trim the stems from both ends, then cut the beans into bite-sized pieces.

If you’re short on time, frozen or canned green beans are great shortcuts. Frozen beans are usually pre-trimmed and just need to be cut down, while canned beans are already fully cooked and softened. Keep in mind that the type of green bean you choose will affect your cooking time. Fresh beans will take longer to soften and brown, frozen beans will fall somewhere in the middle, and canned beans will mostly just need their excess liquid cooked off. The beauty of this dish is that it’s all done in one pan. Simply cook until the vegetables are tender and beginning to brown, adjusting the timing depending on the beans you use.

2. Cooking your skillet:

This dish is built in the pan, and cooked in stages. That is why we are often adding new ingredients before the previous ones are fully cooked, because everything will continue cooking together as we go.

1. Start cooking your skillet!

Start by preheating a large skillet over medium heat and adding a drizzle of olive oil. Once the pan is hot, add the chopped onion and green beans with a light sprinkle of salt. Toss everything together so the vegetables are evenly coated. If you’re using frozen green beans, you can add them straight from the freezer or thaw them first in the microwave—either works fine. Just keep in mind that frozen beans may release extra water, so let them cook a few minutes longer to evaporate the liquid. Sauté until the onions are soft and the green beans are tender on the outside but still have a bit of bite inside. Stir occasionally to prevent burning; a little browning is perfectly fine and adds great flavor.

2. Add your garlic and turkey

Next, add the garlic and ground turkey to the skillet. Season the turkey with a little seasoned salt, or try your favorite spices like onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’d like more heat. As the turkey hits the pan, break it apart from the large clump it usually comes in, aiming for small, bite-sized pieces. Stir and cook the mixture, tossing occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. At this stage, the goal is to cook the turkey most of the way through but not completely. Leaving it slightly underdone keeps the meat tender and ensures it finishes perfectly as the dish simmers with the sauce and vegetables later. Overcooking now will dry the turkey out, and make the vegetables mushy.

3. Building the sauce

For the final stage, stir in a can of tomato paste (about 1 cup if you’re using a larger jar) along with a can of diced tomatoes. For extra flavor and a touch of heat, I like using Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles. This is also the perfect time to add your seasonings to build a rich tomato sauce. Italian seasoning, parsley, basil, paprika, onion powder, or garlic powder all work beautifully, mix and match to your taste.

Keep in mind that canned tomato paste, sauce, and diced tomatoes often contain a lot of water. The goal here is to simmer the mixture until the liquid reduces and thickens into a hearty sauce. Stir occasionally and let the skillet cook down until it’s no longer watery and you won’t have liquid pooling at the bottom of your bowl. You’re aiming for a thick, robust sauce that coats the turkey and vegetables—this should feel like a satisfying skillet dinner, not a soupy mess.

4. Finishing your skillet:

To finish, plate the skillet mixture hot and sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or for an extra punch of flavor, try a salty Pecorino Romano. A little fresh parsley on top adds a pop of color and brightness. This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread, rice, or even a light salad. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb weeknight dinner or a comforting skillet meal for the whole family, this Easy Ground Turkey and Green Bean Skillet is sure to hit the spot.

Looking to round out the meal? This Easy Ground Turkey and Green Bean Skillet makes a hearty main dish, and it pairs beautifully with a fresh, tangy side. Try serving it alongside my Savory Tomato and Feta Salad with Cucumbers and Peppers for a colorful, Mediterranean-inspired plate. The crisp vegetables and salty feta balance the rich tomato sauce and lean turkey perfectly!

Savory Tomato and Feta Salad with Cucumber and Peppers