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Easy One-Pan Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe with Spicy Veggies for Quick Dinner

one-pan turkey taco skillet - featured image

A quick and flavorful one-pan turkey taco skillet with spicy veggies, perfect for busy weeknights and easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 2 medium bell peppers, assorted colors
  • 1 small jalapeño, seeded if less heat desired
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dice the bell peppers and onion into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely and slice the jalapeño thinly after removing seeds if you prefer less heat. This should take about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  3. Add diced onion and jalapeño to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano, stirring well to coat evenly.
  5. Stir in diced bell peppers and drained diced tomatoes. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, allowing peppers to soften and flavors to meld. If using black beans, add them now and heat through.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired.
  7. If using cheese, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the skillet, cover with a lid or foil, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes off the heat.
  8. Scatter chopped fresh cilantro on top before serving.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to allow turkey to brown properly. Add spices gradually while cooking for layered flavor. Use fresh veggies for best texture and flavor. Cover the pan briefly if peppers are not softening enough. Adding diced tomatoes helps keep turkey juicy. For a creamier finish, add a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with lime and cilantro. This recipe freezes well; thaw overnight before reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey taco skillet, one-pan dinner, spicy veggies, quick dinner, ground turkey recipe, easy weeknight meal