Turkey Taco Skillet

This turkey taco skillet is a one-pan meal with everything you love about turkey tacos (just lighter). It’s quick, easy, and comes together in just 30 minutes.

Make a big batch to keep in the fridge or store it in portions in the refrigerator. Grab a Portion, defrost, and have a quick, protein-packed, on-the-go snack or meal component.

Plus, it’s a great way to get in extra veggies!

Recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp taco seasoning

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp chili powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

• Lime wedges (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.

2. Cook the aromatics: Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Season: Stir in taco seasoning, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute to bring out the spices.

4. Add the veggies: Add the diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Finish off: Top with shredded cheese, if desired, and let it melt for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Why You’ll Love this Turkey Taco Skillet

• Light on the washing up: It comes together in one pan.

• Packed with veggies: You can add all the veggies hiding in your fridge into this recipe.

• Goes with everything: On salad, over pasta, rice or a baked potato, in lettuce cups, with nachos, in pita…everything!

Ingredients

Here’s a bit about the ingredients you’ll need to gather:

• Ground turkey: Lean, protein-packed, and perfect for taco night.

• Taco seasoning: Adds an instant burst of flavor to the dish.

• Veggies: Onion, bell pepper, and garlic give a fresh, savory foundation to the skillet.

• Tomatoes and beans: Make the skillet hearty and provide a dose of fiber.

• Garnishes: Pile on chopped fresh cilantro, a little parsley, or mint. A squeeze of fresh lemon or lime is perfect with it.

Substitutions

Swap out some of the ingredients as you need to:

• Ground turkey: Swap for ground chicken, beef, or even a vegetarian substitute like crumbled tofu or lentils. Ground pork is great, too!

• Taco seasoning: Use homemade seasoning for more control over the spices.

• Beans: Try swapping black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans.

• Cheese: For a dairy-free version, leave out the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

• Corn: Replace with diced zucchini or bell peppers for added veggies.

Ways to Serve Your Turkey Taco Skillet:

This turkey recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served in tons of delicious ways.

Serve your turkey taco skillet in soft or crunchy taco shells. Add your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and jalapeños.

Try these less conventional ideas:

• Over rice:  Serve the turkey taco mixture over a bed of white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. Add a squeeze of lime and cilantro.

• In a salad: Use the turkey taco skillet as a topping for a salad.

• With tortilla chips: Serve it as a dip with tortilla chips. You can top the skillet with cheese and let it melt in the oven for a cheesy meal.

• As a bowl: Layer the turkey taco mixture with black beans, corn, avocado, and a sprinkle of cheese. You can also add some sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

• In lettuce wraps: Serve it in crisp lettuce leaves, like Romaine or butter lettuce.

• With queso: The turkey taco skillet with warm, melted queso cheese and serve it with tortillas or chips.

• With a side of beans or Mexican corn: Serve with a side of refried beans, black beans, or grilled Mexican corn (elote).

• With avocado toast: As a protein side.

H2 Tips and Tricks

Here’s what we recommend for the juiciest results:

• Don’t overcook the turkey: Keep an eye on the turkey as it cooks to ensure it remains juicy and tender.

• Use a heavy skillet: A cast-iron skillet will distribute heat evenly and give you a nice sear on the turkey.

• Make it spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to kick up the heat.

3 Common Mistakes When Making this Recipe

Try to steer clear of these typical trip-ups:

1. Overcooking the ground turkey: Ground turkey can dry out quickly, so avoid cooking it too long.

2. Under-seasoning: Taco seasoning is key to this recipe, so add enough and taste as you go.

3. Not letting it simmer: Simmering the tomatoes, corn, and beans helps the tastes come together—don’t skip this step.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the turkey and veggies and store them separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just combine and cook when ready to serve.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Turkey Taco Skillet is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free as well.

Can I freeze this?

You can freeze the turkey taco skillet mixture for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.