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Easy Cheesy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet (30-Minute Meal)

Easy Cheesy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet - featured image

A quick and easy one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground turkey, black beans, corn, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 30-minute skillet dinner is simple, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup (150g) frozen corn (no need to thaw)
  • 1 cup (113g) shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it shimmer for about 30 seconds.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and the pepper softens, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  4. Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon into crumbles. Let it cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to develop a brown crust, then continue cooking until no pink remains and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 6-8 minutes.
  5. Season the meat: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked turkey and stir well. Let it cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
  6. Add the tomatoes, beans, and corn: Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, drained black beans, and frozen corn. Stir everything together. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let it bubble gently, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly and flavors meld, about 5-7 minutes.
  7. Add the cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the top. Cover with a lid or foil and let sit for about 2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and gooey. For a crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes.
  8. Rest and serve: Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve hot with desired toppings.

Notes

Use 93% lean ground turkey for best moisture. Toast the taco seasoning for deeper flavor. Don’t skip browning the turkey properly—let it sit to develop a crust. For a vegetarian version, swap turkey for plant-based crumbles or extra black beans. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey taco skillet, easy cheesy taco skillet, 30-minute meal, one-pan dinner, weeknight dinner, ground turkey recipe, taco skillet