Creamy Ranch Turkey & Veggie Skillet

The Creamy Ranch Turkey & Veggie Skillet is a comforting skillet dish featuring seasoned ground turkey, colorful mixed vegetables, and a tangy ranch cream sauce, served over your choice of pasta or rice. This quick and satisfying weeknight meal brings together the savory flavors of American cuisine in a simple, high-protein format that the whole family will enjoy.

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Whether you are looking for a post-workout dinner or a busy Tuesday night solution, this dish delivers creamy, cheesy goodness. The combination of ranch seasoning and cheddar cheese creates a rich sauce that perfectly coats the tender ground turkey and mixed vegetables, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups (300 g) mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, green beans, corn), fresh or frozen
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 12 oz (340 g) cooked pasta or rice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.

Step 2

Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the mixed vegetables to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender (longer if using fresh vegetables).

Step 5

Reduce heat to low. Stir in the ranch seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Pour in the heavy cream and add the sour cream. Stir until well combined and heated through.

Step 7

Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 8

Serve hot over cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To make the preparation as smooth as possible, ensure you have a large skillet and a sturdy spatula or wooden spoon on hand. A sharp knife and cutting board are essential for dicing the onion and mincing the garlic, while measuring cups and spoons will help you accurately portion the heavy cream and ranch seasoning.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a lighter version of this dish, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and a reduced-fat cheese. You can easily substitute the ground turkey for chicken or beef if preferred. For additional variety, try incorporating vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or peas into the mix.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this creamy skillet hot over 12 oz of cooked pasta or rice. A garnish of fresh chopped parsley adds a bright touch of color and flavor. This dish pairs exceptionally well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.

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With 410 calories and 28g of protein per serving (without pasta or rice), this Creamy Ranch Turkey & Veggie Skillet is a nutritious solution for your dinner rotation. Enjoy the perfect balance of convenience and classic American flavor in a dish that takes only 20 minutes to cook.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this skillet dairy-free?

Yes, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or full-fat canned coconut milk. Replace sour cream with a dairy-free alternative and use vegan cheddar shreds. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful.

→ What vegetables work best in this dish?

Bell peppers, carrots, green beans, corn, zucchini, broccoli, and peas all work wonderfully. Feel free to use whatever fresh or frozen mixed vegetables you have on hand.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can brown the turkey and vegetables ahead, then store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat and add the cream sauce just before serving for best results.

→ How can I make this lighter?

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, opt for reduced-fat cheddar cheese, and replace half the heavy cream with chicken broth. The dish remains satisfying while being lighter.

→ What can I serve with this skillet?

Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette make excellent sides to complete the meal.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

The turkey and vegetable mixture freezes well for up to 3 months. However, cream-based sauces can separate when frozen. For best results, freeze without the sauce and add fresh cream when reheating.