This Ground Turkey Taco Skillet is a fantastic solution for delicious weeknight dinner recipes, bringing all your favorite taco flavors together in one pan. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, perfect for busy evenings when you need a satisfying meal fast. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly simple dish that will quickly become a go-to.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground Turkey: You can easily substitute with lean ground chicken or even a plant-based crumble for a vegetarian option.
- Taco Seasoning: Use your favorite brand or make your own blend from spices you already have.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Regular diced tomatoes work well if you prefer less spice.
- Corn: Fresh, frozen, or canned corn are all great choices.
- Black Beans: Feel free to omit if you’re not a fan, or add pinto beans instead.
- Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, sour cream, avocado, hot sauce, crushed tortilla chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 (depending on ingredients and toppings)
- Tools Needed: Large skillet, spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Turkey and Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion softens, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add Seasoning and Liquids
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the turkey and onion mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly. Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies (do not drain), rinsed black beans, and frozen corn. Add 1/2 cup of water and stir everything together.
3. Simmer and Melt Cheese
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Serve and Garnish
Remove the skillet from the heat. You can serve this Ground Turkey Taco Skillet directly from the pan. Garnish with your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced avocado. Enjoy this easy weeknight dinner recipe with tortilla chips or warm tortillas.
Variation Ideas
- Add diced bell peppers with the onion for extra veggies.
- Stir in a spoonful of your favorite salsa for an extra layer of flavor.
- Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Serve over rice or in lettuce cups for a lighter meal.
- For a creamy texture, stir in a bit of cream cheese or Greek yogurt before adding the shredded cheese.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Ground Turkey Taco Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s heated through. You might want to add a splash of water if it seems too dry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this skillet dish a day in advance and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
What kind of skillet should I use?
A large, oven-safe skillet or a cast-iron skillet works best for this recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level depends on your taco seasoning and the type of diced tomatoes with green chilies you use. You can adjust it to your preference.
Can I freeze this Ground Turkey Taco Skillet?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What should I serve with this?
It’s delicious on its own, but also great with rice, in tortillas, or scooped up with tortilla chips. A simple side salad is also a nice addition to these weeknight dinner recipes.
Can I use different beans?
Absolutely! Pinto beans or even kidney beans would be excellent substitutions for the black beans.