Description
Turkey Taco Skillet is a flavorful and easy one-pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Ground turkey is simmered with spices, pinto beans, corn, and salsa, then topped with crunchy tortilla chips and melted reduced-fat Mexican cheese. Finished with fresh cilantro, pickled red onions, tomatoes, and optional guacamole or sour cream, this dish offers a satisfying combination of textures and bold Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno, seeds removed and diced
- 1 lb 93% lean ground turkey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 3/4 cup canned pinto beans, drained
- 3/4 cup corn kernels
- 12 oz jarred salsa (about 1 jar)
- 32 tortilla chips (about 4 oz)
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- Pickled red onions
- 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
- Lime wedges
- Guacamole (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Once heated, add the finely chopped onion and diced jalapeno. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook thoroughly until browned, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Add spices and vegetables: Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne, drained pinto beans, corn kernels, and salsa. Mix well to combine all ingredients and let the mixture cook for about 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Top with chips and cheese: Lightly crumble the tortilla chips evenly over the turkey mixture. Sprinkle the shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend on top of the chips to cover.
- Melt the cheese: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook on low heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese melts. Alternatively, transfer the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheese. Carefully remove from the oven afterward.
- Add toppings and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped cilantro, pickled red onions, and chopped tomatoes. Add optional toppings like guacamole or sour cream if desired. Serve with fresh lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish.
Notes
- This recipe is a quick and easy one-pan meal ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Using 93% lean ground turkey keeps the dish lower in fat but still flavorful.
- You can substitute chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Pickled red onions add a tangy crunch but can be omitted if unavailable.
- For a spicier version, keep jalapeno seeds or add extra cayenne powder.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 503 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 1081 mg
- Fat: 23.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43.5 g
- Fiber: 5.5 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 99 mg
