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Turkey Taco Skillet

Turkey Taco Skillet

A quick, easy, and flavorful Turkey Taco Skillet combining lean ground turkey, colorful veggies, and classic taco seasoning to create a healthy, family-friendly all-in-one meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan dish offers a warm, hearty taco-inspired dinner with customizable spice levels and toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Legumes

  • 1 lb ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Oils

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano blend)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced avocado

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Sauté Aromatics Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Brown the Turkey Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink, making sure to brown the turkey evenly for added depth of flavor.
  3. Step 3: Season and Combine Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the turkey and vegetables. Pour in the tomato sauce and add the drained black beans. Stir everything together until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Simmer to Blend Flavors Reduce the heat to low and let the skillet simmer for 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  5. Step 5: Serve and Garnish Remove the skillet from heat. Top with your choice of shredded cheese, sliced avocado, or fresh cilantro. Serve warm with corn tortillas, rice, or enjoy as-is for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • Use 93% lean ground turkey for a juicy texture without excess fat.
  • Allow the skillet to simmer and rest to intensify flavors and improve texture.
  • Pre-chop all vegetables to speed up cooking, especially on busy nights.
  • Add taco seasoning gradually to adjust spice level to your preference.
  • Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey taco skillet, quick dinner, healthy taco recipe, weeknight meal, ground turkey recipe, easy skillet meal, gluten free tacos