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Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet (One-Pan Meal)

Ground Turkey Taco Skillet

This Ground Turkey Taco Skillet is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that serves as a secret weapon for a stress-free evening. This one-pan meal comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution to the "what's for dinner?" dilemma without creating a mess. It's a versatile and wholesome recipe, packed with lean protein and veggies, that the whole family will enjoy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 375
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Ground Turkey: 1 pound (93% lean recommended)
  • Taco Seasoning: 1 standard packet (or about 2 tablespoons of homemade blend)
  • Yellow Onion: 1 small, diced
  • Bell Pepper: 1, any color
  • Canned Corn: 1 cup, drained
  • Black Beans: 1 cup, rinsed and drained
  • Diced Tomatoes: 1 14.5 oz can
  • Cooked Rice or Cauliflower Rice: 1 cup (optional)
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For topping
  • Optional Toppings: Sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, fresh avocado

Equipment

  • Large skillet or cast-iron pan
  • spoon

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Sauté the Veggies: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until they’ve softened up and the onion looks translucent.
  2. Brown the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet with the veggies. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s browned all over, with no pink remaining. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Season and Combine: Drain any excess fat from the skillet if needed. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the turkey and stir well to coat everything. Pour in the drained corn, rinsed black beans, and the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices). Give it all a good stir to combine.
  4. Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10 minutes. This is the magic step where all the flavors meld together into a cohesive, delicious dish.
  5. Add Rice (Optional): If you’re using cooked rice or cauliflower rice, stir it into the skillet now and cook for another minute or two until it’s heated through.
  6. Top and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, if using, and cover the pan for a minute to let it get all melty and delicious. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, and avocado.

Notes

For the best flavor, get a good sear on the turkey before breaking it apart. Bloom the spices by toasting them in the hot pan for a minute before adding liquids. To prevent a watery skillet, drain beans well and simmer with the lid off to reduce liquid if needed. This recipe is great for meal prep; store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.