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High Protein Turkey Taco Skillet - Fast, Flavorful, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (or any color)
  • 1 pound (450 g) lean ground turkey (93% or 99% lean)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (optional)
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne (optional, for heat)
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn (or canned, drained)
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water (as needed)
  • Juice of 1/2 lime, plus wedges for serving
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack, sliced avocado, Greek yogurt or sour cream, hot sauce, jalapeño, green onions
  • Optional bases: cooked brown or white rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, tortilla chips, or warm tortillas

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the oil. Dice the onion and bell pepper if you haven’t already.
  2. Sauté the veggies. Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden.
  3. Brown the turkey. Add the ground turkey. Break it up with a spatula and cook 5–7 minutes until no longer pink and lightly browned.
  4. Add garlic and spices. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander (if using), salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  5. Build the skillet. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, beans, and corn. Stir to combine. If the mixture looks dry, add 1/4–1/3 cup broth or water.
  6. Simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Finish bright. Squeeze in lime juice and taste. Adjust salt, pepper, and heat as needed.
  8. Serve your way. Sprinkle with cilantro and any desired cheese. Serve over rice, cauliflower rice, or tuck into tortillas. Add avocado, yogurt, or hot sauce to finish.