Taco night just got a major upgrade. Did you know that ground turkey is one of the leanest and most versatile proteins available?
With less saturated fat than ground beef, it’s a fantastic choice for those trying to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Enter the Ground Turkey Taco Skillet: a one-pan, family-friendly recipe that’s hearty, packed with Tex-Mex flavors, and ready in just 30 minutes.
This skillet dish is perfect for busy weeknights, effortless meal prep, or anyone looking for a delicious, nutrient-rich meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.
This recipe checks all the boxes—easy, healthy, customizable, and budget-friendly.
Whether you want to spoon it over rice, tuck it into taco shells, or enjoy it straight from the skillet, you’re going to love how simple and satisfying this dish is.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Turkey Taco Skillet
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes
- One pan: Less cleanup, more convenience
- Healthy: High in protein, lower in fat than beef
- Customizable: Swap ingredients based on what you have
- Versatile: Great for meal prep, tacos, bowls, or nachos
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this skillet to life:
- Ground turkey: Lean and packed with protein
- Taco seasoning: Use store-bought or make your own
- Bell peppers and onion: Adds sweetness and texture
- Black beans and corn: For extra fiber and flavor
- Diced tomatoes or salsa: Adds moisture and tang
- Cooked rice or cauliflower rice (optional): To make it more filling
- Cheese and toppings: Shredded cheddar, sour cream, avocado, cilantro, jalapeños
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and sauté diced onion and bell pepper until softened, about 4–5 minutes. - Cook the ground turkey
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. - Add seasoning and mix-ins
Stir in taco seasoning, then add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes (or salsa). Mix everything together and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. - Optional: Add rice
Stir in cooked rice or cauliflower rice if you want a heartier, one-dish meal. Let it heat through for 2–3 minutes. - Top and serve
Sprinkle with shredded cheese and cover for a minute until it melts. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Variations and Customization Ideas
- Use different meat: Swap ground turkey for ground chicken, beef, or plant-based alternatives
- Low-carb option: Skip the rice or use cauliflower rice
- Add heat: Stir in jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce
- Make it vegetarian: Replace turkey with lentils or crumbled tofu
- Stuff it: Use as a filling for tacos, burritos, or bell peppers
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with tortilla chips for a nacho-style skillet
- Taco night upgrade: Spoon into crunchy taco shells or soft tortillas
- Build a burrito bowl with extra rice, lettuce, and avocado
- Top with a fried egg for a delicious breakfast-for-dinner twist
- Pair with sides like cilantro lime rice, a green salad, or roasted veggies
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave until heated through
- Tip: Add a splash of broth or water if the mixture thickens too much when reheating
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This skillet reheats well and is perfect for meal prep. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely. Let the mixture cool completely, portion it into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
What can I use instead of ground turkey?
Ground chicken, ground beef, or plant-based ground meat are all great alternatives.
Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet (One-Pan Meal)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey 93% lean recommended
- 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 bell pepper any color, diced
- 1 cup canned corn drained
- 1 cup black beans rinsed and drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with green chilies if desired)
- 1 cup cooked rice or cauliflower rice optional, for serving or mixing in
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese optional topping
Optional toppings:
- sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado
Instructions
Heat oil and sauté veggies
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper for about 4–5 minutes until soft.
Brown the ground turkey
- Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula—about 6–8 minutes.
Add seasoning and canned ingredients
- Sprinkle in taco seasoning and stir until the turkey is coated. Then add diced tomatoes, corn, and black beans. Mix well.
Simmer and let flavors meld
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes. Let the ingredients absorb the seasoning and thicken slightly.
Optional: Mix in rice
- If using cooked rice or cauliflower rice, stir it in now and heat through for 2–3 minutes.
Top with cheese and serve
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese and cover until melted, about 1 minute. Serve with desired toppings.