Name: Tuscan Turkey and White Bean Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tuscan
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 1 cup minced shallots (or yellow onion); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 lb. ground turkey (or ground chicken, sausage, lean ground beef, or meatless grounds); 2 Tbsp. tomato paste; 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano; 1 tsp. fennel seeds; 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (depending on desired level of spice); 1/2 tsp. kosher salt; 1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper; 3/4 cup vegetable broth; 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes (do not drain); 1 (15-oz.) can butter beans (or any white bean like cannellini; do not drain); 4 packed cups chopped kale, stems and ribs removed; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish; Crusty bread (sourdough or baguette)

Introduction

This Tuscan Turkey and White Bean Skillet is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for weeknights. Combining lean ground turkey with hearty white beans and kale, it’s a creamy, savory dish that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread. Easy to prepare and packed with garden-inspired seasonings, it brings a touch of Italy to your dinner table.

This image shows a close-up of a cooked stew in a white pan with small black handles. The stew is thick and has many layers visible: a base of orange-red sauce mixed with small ground meat pieces, scattered white beans, bright red tomato chunks, and dark green kale leaves. The sauce looks smooth with a slight shine, while the meat is crumbly, the beans plump, tomatoes soft but chunky, and kale leafy with a slight curl. All ingredients are mixed closely together, making a colorful, textured surface. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup minced shallots (or yellow onion)

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 lb. ground turkey (or ground chicken, sausage, lean ground beef, or meatless grounds)

2 Tbsp. tomato paste

1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. fennel seeds

1/4 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (depending on desired level of spice)

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

1/2 tsp. cracked black pepper

3/4 cup vegetable broth

1 (14.5-oz.) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes (do not drain)

1 (15-oz.) can butter beans (or any white bean, such as cannellini) (do not drain)

4 packed cups chopped kale, stems and ribs removed

1/4 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

Crusty bread for serving (sourdough or baguette)

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the minced shallots or yellow onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the ground turkey, spreading it evenly to the edges of the pan. Let it brown on the bottom for 4 to 5 minutes, then stir and break the meat into small pieces.

Step 2: Create a well in the center of the pan and add the tomato paste, dried oregano, fennel seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until the tomato paste starts to caramelize. Stir everything together and cook for 2 more minutes until aromatic. Season with kosher salt and cracked black pepper.

Step 3: Pour in the vegetable broth, fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices), butter beans (with liquid), and add the chopped kale. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it gently simmer, uncovered, for 12 minutes.

Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue simmering uncovered for about 3 more minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 5: Serve the skillet mixture in bowls, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy with crusty bread on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

Use ground chicken, lean ground beef, or sausage instead of turkey for different flavors and textures.

Swap kale for spinach or Swiss chard if you prefer a milder leafy green.

For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste or add a pinch of smoked paprika.

Try using cannellini beans or chickpeas as an alternative to butter beans.

Make it dairy-free by omitting the heavy cream and Parmesan or using plant-based substitutes.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground turkey with meatless grounds or simply increase the amount of beans and vegetables to keep it hearty and satisfying.

Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

While this dish can be frozen, the texture of the kale may change upon thawing. If freezing, consider adding fresh kale when reheating to maintain its texture and color.