Description
Turkey Taco Skillet is a quick, one-pan dinner featuring lean ground turkey seasoned with classic taco spices, fresh vegetables, and melty cheese. This healthy, family-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering bold Mexican-inspired flavors with minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Meat
- 1 lb ground turkey (preferably lean, turkey breast)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1–2 bell peppers, chopped (any color)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano blend)
Legumes
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
Dairy & Garnishes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or desired cheese)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add chopped onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant to build the flavor foundation of your dish.
- Brown the Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink and slightly browned to develop a rich texture and deeper taste.
- Mix in the Seasonings and Beans: Sprinkle in your taco seasoning and stir well to coat the turkey mixture. Then add rinsed black beans and pour in the tomato sauce, stirring to combine everything evenly.
- Simmer and Meld Flavors: Reduce the heat and let the skillet simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the spices to infuse the meat and vegetables beautifully.
- Add Cheese and Finish: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and let it melt into a gooey, irresistible layer. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use fresh spices like freshly ground cumin and chili powder for a more vibrant flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the turkey to ensure better browning and flavor.
- If the tomato sauce makes it too watery, simmer longer uncovered to thicken.
- Choose lean ground turkey breast to reduce grease and keep the dish light.
- Let the skillet rest a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld perfectly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: turkey taco skillet, easy weeknight dinner, ground turkey recipe, taco skillet, one-pan meal, gluten free taco