Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something flavorful, healthy, and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Ground Turkey Mediterranean Recipe is your answer. It's a delicious and vibrant dish packed with fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flavors that will quickly become a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers a healthy and satisfying meal without sacrificing taste or time. Let's dive in!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), chickpeas, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese and Olives
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives. Gently fold in the chopped fresh parsley.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Ground Turkey Mediterranean recipe immediately over rice, quinoa, couscous, or your favorite pasta. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt adds a lovely creamy touch!
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- For extra flavor, try using a combination of ground turkey and ground lamb.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
- To make this recipe even quicker, use pre-chopped vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Delicious Variations:
- Lemon Herb: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Spicy: Incorporate a chopped jalapeño pepper along with the other vegetables for a kick.
- Vegetarian: Replace the ground turkey with crumbled vegetarian sausage or lentils for a hearty vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Ground Turkey Mediterranean recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes that are both healthy and delicious. It's a great quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights, and the homemade cooking ensures you know exactly what's going into your food. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal!