Name: Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup diced yellow onion; 1 red bell pepper diced; 1 pound lean ground turkey; 2 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; 4 ounce can diced green chiles; 15 ounce can black beans drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup frozen corn; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; 15 ounce jar salsa; 1 cup shredded colby jack cheese; 10 tortilla chips

There’s just something so satisfying about a one-pan meal that’s packed with flavor and ready in no time. This Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe brings the warmth of tacos right to your stovetop, blending savory turkey, vibrant veggies, and melty cheese into one cozy dish you'll want to make again and again.

The image shows a close-up of a wooden spoon lifting a portion of a layered nacho dish. The bottom layer consists of crunchy beige tortilla chips, topped with cooked ground meat mixed with black beans and small pieces of red tomatoes, adding dark brown, black, and red colors. Over this, there is a generous layer of melted yellow and white cheese, slightly stringy and covering the toppings. Small green cilantro leaves are scattered throughout for a fresh touch. The rest of the dish with similar layers of chips, meat, beans, tomatoes, cheese, and herbs fills the white marbled surface in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe countless times for busy weeknights, and it always comes through—a flavorful, hearty meal with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of dish that feels a little like a warm hug after a long day.

Simple and Fast: You can get this entire meal on the table in just about 30 minutes, perfect for when time is tight.
Healthy and Lean: Using ground turkey keeps it lighter but still hugely satisfying, making it great for family dinners.
Flavor Packed: The blend of spices, fresh veggies, and salsa creates a vibrant taste without needing complicated prep.
One Pan Wonder: Cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks together in a single skillet—ideal for busy cooks like you and me.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this recipe is how these simple ingredients come together with just the right balance of textures and flavors. Shopping is straightforward—nothing too exotic—so it’s easy to keep these staples on hand for a quick meal fix.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl filled with bright yellow diced onion, another bowl with vivid red diced bell pepper, a mound of raw lean ground turkey, small white bowls each containing chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, a small bowl with fresh chopped cilantro, a few whole green chiles, a small white bowl of rinsed black beans, a small white bowl of bright yellow frozen corn kernels, a small white bowl of rich red salsa, a small white bowl heaped with shredded colby jack cheese, and a few unbroken golden tortilla chips arranged neatly around the ingredients, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: A great base for sautéing, bringing a subtle fruitiness while helping to brown the turkey nicely.
Diced yellow onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic foundation that softens beautifully when cooked.
Red bell pepper: Offers a pop of color and a bit of natural sweetness that balances the spices.
Lean ground turkey: Keeps the dish light while soaking up the taco spices perfectly.
Chili powder: Brings that essential taco heat and depth of flavor.
Ground cumin: Adds earthiness that feels authentic and warm.
Garlic powder: Boosts savory notes without overpowering.
Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky undertone that makes this skillet stand out.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the flavors.
Diced green chiles: A little zing to brighten the dish.
Black beans: Adds hearty fiber and a creamy texture contrast.
Frozen corn: Sweet bursts that complement the veggies and beans.
Chopped cilantro: Freshness that really lifts the finished dish.
Salsa: A saucy, tangy base that ties all the ingredients together.
Shredded colby jack cheese: Melts into gooey deliciousness on top.
Tortilla chips: Provide a fun crunch and crispy contrast once broiled.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you like it spicier, packed with veggies, or made dairy-free, this taco skillet is a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch.

Spice it up: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce when I’m craving a little extra heat.
Vegetarian swap: Use a plant-based ground meat or extra beans instead of turkey, and you’ll still get tons of flavor and protein.
Cheese-free: Skip the cheese or use vegan cheese to make this dairy-free without sacrificing melty goodness.
Seasonal veggies: I love tossing in zucchini, diced tomatoes, or even some fresh corn when it’s in season for added freshness and texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe

A plate of layered nachos is shown on a simple round beige plate. The first layer is a bed of crispy beige corn chips scattered on the plate. On top, there is a cooked mix of brown ground meat with black beans and bits of bright yellow corn and small pieces of red tomato. The next layer shows melted orange-yellow cheddar cheese that covers some corn chips. Fresh green cilantro leaves are sprinkled on top. On the side of the plate, there are two bright green lime wedges. In the background, some green cilantro leaves are visible on a white marbled surface. A silver fork lies on the left side of the plate, partially resting on the nachos. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Heat it Up and Brown the Turkey

Get your skillet warming over medium-high heat and swirl in that olive oil so the pan is evenly coated. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with your spatula. It’s key to really crumble the meat so you get that nice browned texture instead of big clumps. I usually cook it for around 5–7 minutes until no longer pink.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies Right Alongside

Push the turkey to one side of the pan. Toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper next to it. Season everything with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Let the veggies soften and get fragrant—this usually takes about 5 minutes. The aroma at this point might just drive your whole family into the kitchen!

Step 3: Stir in the Saucy and Savory Goodies

Add the black beans, frozen corn, diced green chiles, chopped cilantro, and salsa. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through, about 3 minutes. This mixture is where all the delicious flavors meld, so give it a good mix to evenly distribute those spices and salsa.

Step 4: Top, Broil, and Serve

Sprinkle the tortilla chips evenly over the top, then layer the shredded colby jack cheese. Pop the skillet under your oven’s broiler just long enough for the cheese to melt and get bubbly and golden—this usually takes 2–3 minutes, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. Garnish with a bit more fresh cilantro, and you’re ready to dig in.

Top Tip

From my experience making this dish, keeping an eye on the broiling step makes a huge difference. It's so easy to go from perfectly melty cheese to burnt edges quickly, but it’s worth watching closely for that golden-bubbly moment.

Uniform Crumbling: Don’t rush the ground turkey breaking-up process—it ensures even cooking and texture.
Don’t Skip the Salt: Season each step well, including the veggies and turkey; it layers flavor beautifully.
Fresh Cilantro at the End: Adding cilantro last keeps its brightness and fresh taste intact.
Keep Tortilla Chips Unique: Instead of just layering chips on top, I sometimes crush some in the mix for extra crunch and texture variety.

How to Serve Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe

ground turkey skillet - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this skillet with extra fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, maybe a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and some sliced avocado for creaminess. These simple touches add even more layers of flavor and freshness to every bite.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I usually serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some Mexican-style rice for a bit more substance. A side of guacamole and chips is never a bad idea either, especially if you’re feeding a crowd!

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, I’ve served this skillet right in the pan at the center of the table with bowls of assorted toppings for everyone to customize their servings. It’s fun and interactive, and no extra plating needed. Great for busy nights or parties alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually portion out into meal prep containers so I can grab a quick, ready-made lunch during the week.

Freezing

This skillet freezes well too. I recommend freezing it before adding the tortilla chips and cheese topping, then adding and broiling fresh when ready to serve. This keeps the chips crisp and cheese fresh-tasting instead of soggy.

Reheating

For reheating, I pop leftovers in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in, or reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Then add your fresh cheese and chips on top and pop under the broiler if you want that melty finish again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose gluten-free salsa and check your tortilla chips for gluten-free labeling.

What’s the best way to make this recipe spicier?

To amp up the heat, I recommend adding cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños when sautéing the veggies, or stirring in a few dashes of hot sauce along with the salsa for more kick.

Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Definitely! Ground chicken, beef, or even pork can be used. Keep in mind the cooking times may vary slightly, and you might want to adjust the seasoning to taste depending on the meat you choose.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! This Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe is mild enough for kids, but you can easily tailor the spice level. My kids love it with just a little cheese and mild salsa, and it’s a great way to sneak in veggies and beans.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe has become one of my go-to favorites when I want something quick, nourishing, and ridiculously tasty. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to feel like a little celebration in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this skillet whenever taco night rolls around.