Quick Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Dinner (Print Version)

Ground Turkey Taco Skillet: A delicious, quick weeknight meal bursting with taco flavor. Enjoy minimal cleanup and satisfied bellies!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Dietary: Dairy-Free (optional), Gluten-Free (optional)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 tbsp olive oil
02 - 1 lb lean ground turkey
03 - 1 medium onion, chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
06 - 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
07 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
08 - 1 cup frozen corn

→ Seasonings & Spices

09 - 1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning
10 - 1 tsp ground cumin
11 - 1/2 tsp chili powder

→ Fresh Toppings

12 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
13 - Lime wedges, for serving

→ Optional Fun

14 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
15 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Alright, first things first, get that large skillet heating over medium-high. A little olive oil in there, then toss in your ground turkey. Break it up with your spatula, really get it browning. You want it to lose that raw pink color, becoming a nice golden-brown. This is where the flavor starts, hon! Drain any excess fat if there’s a lot, though with lean turkey, I rarely have to. I always make sure to get some good crispy bits, they're the best part!
02 - Once the turkey is mostly cooked, push it to one side of the skillet. Add a smidge more olive oil to the empty spot, then toss in your chopped onion and bell peppers. Let them soften up for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. They should get a little tender and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until you can really smell it – oh, that smell! Don't let it burn, that's a mistake I've made more times than I care to admit. Quick, quick!
03 - Now, stir the cooked turkey, onions, peppers, and garlic all together. Add in your can of diced tomatoes (undrained, remember? It adds moisture!), the rinsed black beans, and the frozen corn. Pour in your taco seasoning packet, cumin, and chili powder. Give it all a really good stir, making sure everything is combined. It should start to look like a beautiful, colorful mess, which is exactly what we're going for!
04 - Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it's bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly. I usually peek a few times, just to stir and make sure nothing’s sticking. You'll see the sauce get richer, and the whole kitchen will smell amazing. That's how you know it's working!
05 - If you're adding cheese, now's the time! Uncover the skillet, sprinkle your shredded cheese evenly over the top of the Ground Turkey Taco Skillet mixture. Pop the lid back on (or just let it sit for a few minutes if your skillet retains heat well) and let that cheese get all melty and gooey. Oh, the anticipation! This step is totally optional, but honestly, who can resist? Not me, that’s for sure.
06 - Once the cheese is perfectly melted (or if you skipped it, once it’s done simmering), remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle generously with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with those lime wedges. A squeeze of lime at the end is non-negotiable for me, it just brightens everything. Dish it up, perhaps with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and enjoy your delicious Ground Turkey Taco Skillet. It's a real winner, trust me!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the skillet when browning turkey; it steams instead of browns, losing flavor. Learned that the hard way, honestly.
02 - Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop for best texture, microwaving can separate the sauce.
03 - Pinto beans are a great swap if you're out of black beans. I've used them, and they work wonderfully, just a slightly different vibe.
04 - A generous squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end truly brightens all the flavors. It's a small step, but it makes a huge difference!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet
02 - spatula

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 350-400 kcal
Total Fat: 15-20g
Total Carbohydrate: 30-35g
Protein: 30-35g

Back