Print

Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet in 15 Minutes

easy ground turkey taco skillet - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and flavorful ground turkey taco skillet that comes together in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe features perfectly browned turkey, homemade taco seasoning, and simple ingredients for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93/7 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles (optional)
  • 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Warm tortillas (for serving, optional)
  • Shredded lettuce (for serving, optional)
  • Diced tomatoes (for serving, optional)
  • Shredded cheese (for serving, optional)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving, optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for serving, optional)
  • Lime wedges (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first (2 minutes). Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and mix all the taco seasoning ingredients together in a small bowl.
  2. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat (1 minute). Add the olive oil and let it shimmer.
  3. Add the diced onion (2 minutes). Cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and softened.
  4. Add the ground turkey (5 minutes—DO NOT STIR FOR THE FIRST 3). Press into an even layer and leave undisturbed for 3 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust. Then break apart and cook for another 2 minutes until no pink remains.
  5. Add the garlic (30 seconds). Push turkey to one side, cook garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir into turkey.
  6. Add the seasoning and tomatoes (2 minutes). Sprinkle taco seasoning over turkey, stir to coat. Add undrained diced tomatoes, green chiles (if using), and water or broth. Stir, scraping up browned bits.
  7. Simmer and thicken (3 minutes). Bring to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 3 minutes until liquid reduces slightly.
  8. Taste and adjust (30 seconds). Add more salt or cayenne if desired.
  9. Serve immediately. Spoon into warm tortillas, over rice, or into bowls. Top with desired fixings.

Notes

Let the turkey brown undisturbed for 3 minutes to develop a deep, savory crust. For best results, use 93/7 lean ground turkey. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add extra smoky flavor. A squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving brightens the dish. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey taco skillet, easy taco recipe, 15 minute dinner, weeknight dinner, ground turkey recipe, taco skillet, quick dinner

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/easy-ground-turkey-taco-skillet-in-15-minutes/