20-Minute Turkey Taco Skillet

Name: 20-Minute Turkey Taco Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small red bell pepper, diced; 1 pound ground turkey; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon cumin; 1 (12oz) jar salsa; 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese; 1 avocado, sliced; 2 tablespoons cilantro, roughly chopped; 1 lime; Tortilla chips

by Laney Schwartz on Sep 22, 2020 (updated Sep 17, 2024) 22 comments

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from 9 reviews

Need a quick and easy dinner option? This Turkey Taco Skillet is your go-to dish! Ready in 20 minutes, this easy-to-make Mexican meal combines ground turkey with rich flavors and spices, offering a perfect solution for those busy weeknights!

This Turkey Taco Skillet checks all my boxes. Easy and quick to make? Check! Doable for a weeknight or lunch? Check! Full of flavor? You know that’s a check. This is all of your favorite Mexican food flavors in one simple skillet meal, ready to be used in any dish or eaten straight out of the skillet with a fork.

As a busy home cook, I have lots of 20 minute meals on the site, but this one is up there as one of my faves.

Making this taco skillet with turkey is super easy and fast! Just cook bell peppers and ground turkey in a skillet, season them, and then mix in salsa and black beans. Top it with cheese and broil until the cheese melts. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a tasty and effortless meal ready to enjoy!

It’s great for a quick weeknight meal, a weekend get-together, or even for meal prep. Serve it as a dip with tortilla chips, over rice or quinoa, inside tacos, burritos, or over a salad. Its flexibility and delicious flavor make it a versatile way to enjoy this meal!

Watch how to make it

Ingredients you’ll need

ingredients in bowls on a grey background

Olive Oil – Acts as a cooking oil, ensuring the ingredients don’t stick to the skillet while the ingredients release their flavor.
Red Bell Pepper – Provides a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and a crunchy texture, adding both taste and visual appeal with its vibrant color.
Ground Turkey – My favorite ground meat to cook with.
Seasonings (salt, garlic powder, cumin) – These spices collectively enhance the dish, with salt bringing out the flavors, garlic powder adding a pungent kick, and cumin contributing its warm, earthy essence.
Salsa – Introduces a zesty, tomato-based layer of flavor, infusing the skillet with a slightly spicy and tangy profile. You can use a jar of sauce or make my Smoky Poblano Pepper Salsa.
Black Beans – Add a hearty, fibrous element to the dish, complementing the texture.
Shredded Mexican Cheese – Melts into a creamy, gooey topping that binds the ingredients together and adds a rich, indulgent taste.
Avocado – Offers a creamy, buttery texture and a subtle nuttiness, balancing the spiciness of the dish.
Cilantro – Lends a fresh, citrusy flavor that cuts through the richness, enhancing the overall freshness of the dish.
Lime – A squeeze of lime juice adds a bright, acidic touch, elevating the flavors and bringing a refreshing zest to the skillet.
Tortilla Chips – Serve as a crunchy, salty vessel for scooping up the skillet, perfect for enjoying the dish as a dip.

How To Make Taco Skillet with Ground Turkey

cast iron skillet with chopped bell peppers — Sauté the bell pepper in a skillet.

cast iron skillet with chopped bell peppers and ground turkey — Add the ground turkey and spices.

cast iron skillet with chopped bell peppers, ground turkey, salsa and black beans — Add the black beans and salsa.

skillet with ground turkey and chopped veggies topped with shredded cheese — Top with shredded cheese.

turkey taco skillet with chopped veggies topped with melted cheese — Melt the cheese under the broiler then serve immediately.

Cook the bell pepper: Add the olive oil to a medium skillet and heat over medium high heat. Add the bell pepper and a pinch of salt. Saute for 3-5 minutes or until the peppers soften.
Cook the turkey: To the skillet, add the turkey, salt, garlic powder, and cumin. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the turkey with a spatula until the ground turkey is cooked through. Add in the salsa and beans, and stir until warmed through.
Broil the cheese: Sprinkle cheese on top and put under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and serve: Plate and top with sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Serve with tortilla chips. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips

Cut the red bell pepper into uniform pieces for consistent cooking and a balanced flavor in every bite.
The salsa you use can make a big difference, so pick one with good flavor and the right amount of spice for your taste.
To avoid extra liquid and maintain the texture, rinse and drain the black beans thoroughly before adding them to the skillet.
Keep an eye on the skillet under the broiler to prevent the cheese from burning – it should be just bubbly and golden brown.
Add fresh avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime just before serving to maintain their fresh flavors and textures.

Ways To Enjoy

Classic Skillet Meal: Enjoy it straight from the skillet for a warm, hearty meal with melted cheese and flavorful turkey.
Dip with Chips: Serve it as a dip with crunchy tortilla chips, perfect for an easy snack or appetizer.
Taco Filling: Scoop it into soft or hard taco shells and add your favorite toppings for a twist on traditional tacos.
Burrito Stuffing: Wrap it in a large flour tortilla with rice and beans for a filling and delicious homemade burrito.
Over Rice: Spoon it over a bed of steamed rice to create a taco bowl meal.
Salad Topper: Use it as a topping on a fresh green salad.
Loaded Nachos: Layer it on top of nachos with extra cheese and jalapeños.
Quesadilla: Place it between two tortillas with extra cheese and grill for a tasty quesadilla.
Enchiladas: Roll it in corn tortillas, cover it with enchilada sauce, and bake for an easy enchilada dish.
Stuffed Peppers: Stuff it into bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake for a wholesome and unique meal option.

Storing & Freezing

Storing: Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: Portion the cooled skillet meal into freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To reheat, thaw the skillet meal in the refrigerator overnight. Warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit dry, adding a splash of water or chicken broth can help restore moisture.