Experience the rich flavors of the Mediterranean right at home with this simple and savory skillet recipe. Ground turkey takes center stage, soaking up the bright, herb-packed goodness of tomatoes, olive oil, and tangy feta. It’s a delightful, nourishing meal that captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking—fresh, wholesome, and wonderfully satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes (preferably no salt added)
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
First, warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and break it up with a wooden spoon. Season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until it begins to brown—about 4 to 5 minutes.
Next, stir in the onion, garlic, oregano, basil, and chili flakes (if you prefer a little zing). Continue to cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the aromas of the herbs and garlic to mingle with the turkey.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, so the turkey becomes fully tender and all the flavors marry. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash more broth.
Finally, fold in the spinach and let it wilt for about 1 minute. Turn off the heat, sprinkle the feta cheese on top, and give everything one last gentle stir before serving.
This dish is fantastic spooned over whole wheat couscous or alongside roasted vegetables. You can also serve it in lettuce cups or top a hearty salad with a spoonful of the savory turkey mixture.
Why is this recipe great? It’s ideal for anyone craving a balanced meal that fits seamlessly into a Mediterranean-style eating plan. The lean ground turkey offers plenty of protein, while the tomatoes, spinach, and feta cheese bring color and nutrients to your plate. You can easily swap out the spinach for kale, or replace the feta with low-fat ricotta for a lighter twist. If you’re watching sodium, opt for low-salt or no-salt tomato products and rinse the feta in cool water to reduce its salt content. Enjoy this quick and comforting meal, and let the bright flavors transport you to a sunny Greek getaway.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
