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Perfect Quick Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe

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A quick and easy ground turkey taco skillet that comes together in about 25 minutes. It’s packed with smoky, savory flavor and is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep the ingredients: dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, drain and rinse the black beans, and measure out your spices.
  2. Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat.
  3. Add the ground turkey to the hot skillet. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to get a good sear, then break it into crumbles. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Drain excess liquid if needed, then transfer turkey to a plate and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until onion is translucent and pepper has softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  7. Stir in the undrained diced tomatoes and drained black beans. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  8. Return the cooked turkey to the skillet along with the frozen corn. Stir together and let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until corn is heated through and flavors meld.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lime juice if needed.
  10. Serve in bowls or on plates, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

Notes

For best results, use 93/7 ground turkey. If using 99% lean, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan before cooking. Let the skillet rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. This recipe tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey, taco skillet, quick dinner, weeknight meal, healthy, gluten-free