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Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe for Quick Weeknight Meals

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A quick and flavorful ground turkey taco skillet perfect for busy weeknights, combining simple pantry staples and fresh veggies for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced avocado, jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in your skillet until shimmering but not smoking, about 1-2 minutes.
  2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper; sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and slightly translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, avoiding browning.
  4. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink and starting to brown.
  5. Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the turkey mixture and stir well to coat all the meat and veggies.
  6. Add the black beans, corn, and canned diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir to combine and simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as desired.
  8. Turn off the heat and sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
  9. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
  10. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream or avocado slices.

Notes

If skillet looks dry during cooking, add a splash of water or chicken broth. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure turkey browns properly. Let meat sit briefly to develop a crust. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based alternative. Can be made in an Instant Pot on sauté mode with pressure cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey, taco skillet, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy recipe, healthy, Mexican, one-pan meal