Ground Turkey Taco Skillet (Print Version)

Enjoy a one-pan mix of turkey, beans, and veggies, simmered with Mexican spices for a hearty, quick dinner.

# Components:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 pound ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
05 - 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
06 - 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

→ Spices & Seasonings

07 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Garnishes

15 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese (optional)
16 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
17 - 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
18 - Lime wedges (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until thoroughly browned, approximately 5-6 minutes.
02 - Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
03 - Stir in the corn kernels, drained and rinsed black beans, and the undrained diced tomatoes.
04 - Incorporate all the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
05 - Reduce the heat to medium. Allow the mixture to simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring periodically, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded.
06 - If using, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the skillet. Cover the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
07 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, and a squeeze of lime before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have
  • Packed with protein and vegetables for a balanced meal
  • Easily customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs
  • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
02 -
  • High in protein with approximately 29g per serving
  • Contains fiber rich ingredients that keep you satisfied longer
  • Naturally gluten free when using certified gluten free ingredients
  • Can be made dairy free by omitting the cheese
  • Perfect for meal prep as flavors improve overnight
03 -
  • Toast your spices directly in the pan with the cooked turkey and vegetables for about 30 seconds before adding the wet ingredients. This blooms the spices and intensifies their flavors dramatically.
  • For the best texture avoid overcooking the vegetables. They should retain some firmness to provide textural contrast to the softer turkey and beans.
  • If you have a few extra minutes char your corn kernels in a separate dry pan before adding them to the skillet. This simple step adds a delicious smoky sweetness that elevates the entire dish.

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