Isn’t it wild how a single skillet can transform a handful of ingredients into something magical? I remember the first time I whipped up this Easy Cheesy Turkey Taco Skillet—my kitchen smelled like a fiesta, and I couldn’t help but dance a little salsa as I cooked. It’s like a warm hug in a pan, with flavors that remind me of those summer nights spent at the local taco stand.
Steps
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is hot, sauté the finely chopped onion and diced jalapeño for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
- Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, pinto beans, corn, and salsa. Mix thoroughly and let the mixture cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Lightly crumble the tortilla chips over the turkey mixture, then evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt, or place it under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro, pickled red onions, and chopped tomatoes. Optionally, add avocado, guacamole, or sour cream, and serve with lime wedges.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and diced
- 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3/4 cup canned pinto beans, drained
- 3/4 cup corn kernels
- 12 ounces jarred salsa (approximately 1 jar)
- 32 tortilla chips (approximately 4 ounces)
- 1 cup shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (for topping)
- Pickled red onions (for topping)
- 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes (for topping)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Optional toppings: guacamole, sour cream, avocado
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2012 kcal | Carbohydrates: 174 g | Protein: 148 g | Fat: 94 g | Saturated Fat: 26 g | Cholesterol: 396 mg | Sodium: 4324 mg | Fiber: 22 g | Sugar: 36 g
FAQ
- Can I use a different protein instead of ground turkey?
- Yes, you can swap ground turkey for lean ground sirloin or chicken if you prefer. This allows you to customize the dish according to your taste or dietary needs.
- What can I serve with the Ground Turkey Taco Skillet if I don’t want to use tortilla chips?
- If you prefer not to use tortilla chips, you can serve the turkey mixture over rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even chopped romaine to create a taco salad.
- How can I adjust the spice level of this dish?
- To make the dish spicier, you can leave the seeds and ribs in the jalapeño and use a spicy salsa. For a milder version, omit the cayenne, remove the jalapeño seeds and ribs, and choose a mild salsa.
- What are some optional toppings I can use for this dish?
- You can top your Ground Turkey Taco Skillet with cilantro, chopped tomatoes, pickled onions, lime wedges, and additional options like avocado, guacamole, and sour cream to enhance the flavors.
- Can I substitute pinto beans with another type of bean?
- Yes, you can substitute pinto beans with black beans or any other type of bean that you prefer.
Tips
- For a leaner version of this dish, consider using 99% lean ground turkey instead of the 93% option, and opt for baked tortilla chips to reduce fat content.
- If you enjoy extra spice in your meals, keep the seeds and ribs in the jalapeño and choose a spicy salsa to enhance the heat level of the taco skillet.
- To add a fresh twist, substitute black beans for pinto beans or serve the turkey mixture over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative to tortilla chips.
- If you’re short on time, use fresh red or green onions instead of pickled red onions for a quicker preparation without compromising on flavor.
Equipment
- Large Skillet with Lid – Essential for cooking the turkey and combining all ingredients.
- Broiler or Oven-Safe Skillet – If choosing to melt the cheese under a broiler, you’ll need a skillet that is safe to use in the oven.
