Save This Creamy Ranch Turkey & Veggie Skillet is the ultimate weeknight solution for families seeking a comforting, wholesome meal without the fuss. Combining lean ground turkey with a vibrant array of bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, this dish is brought together by a silky, tangy ranch-infused cream sauce. It is a 35-minute masterpiece that is as nutritious as it is delicious, offering a perfect balance of protein and vegetables in every bite.
Save One of the best parts of this recipe is its adaptability; it serves as a wonderful canvas for whatever produce you have in your crisper drawer. The savory depth of the ground turkey combined with the aromatic onion and garlic creates a base that is both hearty and light, while the heavy cream and ranch seasoning transform the skillet into a luxurious, restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
- Protein: 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
- Vegetables: 1 cup (150 g) bell peppers (diced), 1 cup (120 g) zucchini (diced), 1 cup (120 g) carrots (sliced), 1 cup (130 g) frozen peas, 1 small red onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Sauce: 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken or vegetable broth, 3 tbsp ranch seasoning mix, 1 tbsp olive oil, Salt and pepper to taste
- To Serve: 12 oz (340 g) cooked pasta or rice, 2 tbsp fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the Turkey
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes).
- Step 2: Aromatics
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté for 2 minutes until they are fragrant and translucent.
- Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
- Stir in the bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften slightly.
- Step 4: Add Peas
- Add the frozen peas to the mixture and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Build the Sauce
- Pour in the heavy cream and broth. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the top, stirring well to ensure everything is combined.
- Step 6: Simmer and Thicken
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 4–5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 7: Serve
- Serve the hot skillet mixture over cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. Note that this recipe contains dairy; if you have a sensitivity, ensure you use a suitable plant-based cream alternative. Additionally, feel free to use your favorite mixed vegetables or whatever you happen to have on hand in the fridge.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you prefer a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce before simmering. This recipe can be made gluten-free by serving the turkey and veggie mixture over rice or gluten-free pasta. You can also swap the ground turkey for ground chicken or even plant-based crumbles for a different protein profile.
Serviervorschläge
This hearty skillet pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the cream sauce. For a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing glass of iced tea is the perfect accompaniment. Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Save Whether you are serving this over a bed of fluffy rice or tossing it with your favorite pasta, this Creamy Ranch Turkey & Veggie Skillet is a reliable crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the rich, tangy flavors and the satisfaction of a complete meal made in one pan!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use something other than ground turkey?
Ground chicken, beef, or sausage all work well in this dish. Just adjust cooking time as needed—ground beef may take slightly longer to brown completely, while chicken cooks similarly to turkey.
- → What vegetables can I substitute?
Feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Broccoli florets, corn, green beans, mushrooms, or spinach all make excellent additions. Just keep the total quantity around 4 cups to maintain the right sauce-to-vegetable ratio.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. For the ranch seasoning, either use a dairy-free brand or make your own with herbs, garlic powder, and nutritional yeast.
- → How long will leftovers keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. The sauce may thicken when chilled—add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to bring it back to the right consistency.
- → Can I freeze this dish?
The skillet freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze without the pasta or rice, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetitop. Fresh-cooked pasta or rice work best when serving.
- → How can I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables, stir in hot sauce with the cream, or use a spicy ranch seasoning blend. A diced jalapeño added with the onions also adds nice heat without overwhelming the dish.