Print

Easy One-Pan Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe

ground turkey taco skillet - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and healthy one-pan ground turkey taco skillet that comes together in about 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful dish features seasoned turkey, black beans, corn, and fire-roasted tomatoes for a satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color; red or orange preferred)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for serving)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend, for serving)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
  • Sliced avocado or guacamole (for serving)
  • Warm tortillas or tortilla chips (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Place your large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it shimmer for about 30 seconds—you want it hot but not smoking.
  2. Cook the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with your wooden spoon into crumbles. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and no longer pink. Don’t rush this step—browning adds flavor. If there’s excess liquid in the pan, drain it off (leave about a tablespoon for moisture).
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Push the turkey to one side of the pan. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the empty side. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until the onion turns translucent and the pepper softens. Add the minced garlic and stir everything together. Cook for 30 seconds more until the garlic is fragrant—don’t let it burn.
  4. Add the seasoning: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper over the turkey and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for 1 minute to toast the spices—this wakes them up and makes them more flavorful.
  5. Add the liquids and beans: Pour in the undrained fire-roasted tomatoes, the chicken broth, and the drained black beans. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those bits are pure flavor.
  6. Add the corn: Stir in the frozen corn kernels. No need to thaw them first—they’ll warm up quickly in the skillet.
  7. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet with a lid (or foil) and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir once halfway through.
  8. Taste and adjust: After 10 minutes, remove the lid. Give it a stir and taste. Does it need more salt? A pinch more cumin? A squeeze of lime? This is your moment to adjust. I usually add a little more black pepper and a squeeze of fresh lime juice right at the end.
  9. Serve: Spoon the taco skillet into bowls. Top with your favorite fixings—fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, sliced avocado, or a few tortilla chips for crunch. Serve with warm tortillas if you like.

Notes

For best flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes. If unavailable, substitute regular diced tomatoes plus 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke. To prevent dry turkey, use 93/7 lean ground turkey and don’t overcook. For a milder version, omit cayenne. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/easy-one-pan-ground-turkey-taco-skillet-recipe/