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Best 15-Minute Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe

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A quick and easy ground turkey taco skillet that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal is packed with flavor from simple pantry ingredients and is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 medium bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred), undrained
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, lime wedges, hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 30 seconds.
  2. Add the ground turkey to the hot skillet. Break it into large chunks and let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust. Then break into smaller pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink and nicely browned, about 4-5 minutes total.
  3. Push the turkey to one side of the skillet. Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the other side. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and peppers begin to soften. Add the minced garlic in the last 30 seconds and cook until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the meat and vegetables. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  5. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with their liquid. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly and flavors meld.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (add more salt, heat, or a squeeze of lime).
  7. Serve immediately in bowls, over rice, in tortillas, or with tortilla chips. Top with desired toppings.

Notes

For best results, let the turkey brown undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan if doubling the recipe. The spice blend can be doubled and stored for future use. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey taco skillet, 15 minute dinner, weeknight dinner, one pan meal, taco skillet, ground turkey recipe, easy dinner, healthy taco