Are you craving a delicious, nutritious meal that's ready in under 40 minutes and requires minimal cleanup? Look no further than this Ground Turkey Quinoa Skillet Dinner - a protein-packed, flavor-loaded dish that will revolutionize your weeknight cooking! Packed with lean protein, wholesome quinoa, and vibrant vegetables, this recipe is not just a meal, but a culinary adventure that will satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Paleo Vegan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
- Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet, sautéing until the vegetables become soft and slightly translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sprinkle cumin, salt, and pepper over the meat and vegetables, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Add rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth to the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let the skillet stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow quinoa to fully absorb remaining moisture.
- Fluff the quinoa with a fork, taste, and adjust seasonings if needed before serving.
Tips
- Always rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating and ensure a clean, nutty flavor.
- Use high-quality vegetable broth for enhanced taste - consider low-sodium options for better control of salt content.
- Don't rush the sautéing process: allowing onions and peppers to soften slowly develops deeper, richer flavors.
- Break ground turkey into small, even pieces while cooking to ensure uniform browning and texture.
- Keep the skillet covered during the quinoa simmering stage to trap steam and ensure even, fluffy cooking.
- Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow quinoa to absorb remaining moisture and become perfectly tender.
- Feel free to customize with additional spices like smoked paprika or herbs like fresh parsley for extra flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 282kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
