Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet (One-Pan Meal) Recipe
This Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean ground turkey, vibrant veggies, and classic taco seasonings, this dish offers a wholesome, protein-packed dinner with minimal cleanup. Optional additions like rice and cheese make it versatile and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with green chilies if desired)
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked rice or cauliflower rice (for serving or mixing in)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional topping)
- Sour cream (for topping)
- Chopped cilantro (for topping)
- Sliced jalapeños (for topping)
- Avocado slices or diced (for topping)
Instructions
- Heat oil and sauté veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add diced yellow onion and diced bell pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
- Brown the ground turkey: Add 1 pound of ground turkey to the skillet. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
- Add seasoning and canned ingredients: Sprinkle in 1 packet of taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade). Stir to coat the turkey evenly. Then add the diced tomatoes (with green chilies if using), drained corn, and rinsed black beans. Mix everything well.
- Simmer and let flavors meld: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5–7 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Optional: Mix in rice: If using, stir in 1 cup of cooked rice or cauliflower rice. Heat through for 2–3 minutes until warmed.
- Top with cheese and serve: Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the skillet. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for about 1 minute. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and avocado.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- For a lower-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- If you like it spicier, add more jalapeños or use diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute ground turkey with a plant-based ground meat alternative and ensure the taco seasoning is vegetarian-friendly.
Keywords: ground turkey taco skillet, one-pan meal, easy taco recipe, healthy dinner, quick weeknight meal
