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Easy Flavor-Packed Ground Turkey Taco Skillet

ground turkey taco skillet - featured image

A quick and easy ground turkey taco skillet recipe perfect for busy weeknight dinners, featuring bold spices, black beans, corn, and a melty cheese topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn (150 g)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (115 g)
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  2. Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add ground turkey, crumble it into the skillet, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink, breaking up clumps.
  5. Mix in tomato paste and taco seasoning, stirring well to coat the turkey evenly.
  6. Add black beans, frozen corn, and chicken broth; stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly and flavors meld.
  8. Squeeze lime juice over the skillet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet; cover with a lid or foil and let sit for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot.

Notes

If turkey dries out, add a splash more broth or a teaspoon of olive oil. For extra smoky flavor, add smoked paprika to the taco seasoning. Let turkey brown without stirring constantly to develop a nice sear. Use fresh spices for best flavor. Leftovers reheat well and taste better the next day. For dairy-free, omit cheese or use plant-based alternatives. Lime juice is essential for brightness.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey, taco skillet, quick dinner, weeknight meal, easy recipe, black beans, corn, taco seasoning, healthy dinner