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 something incredibly satisfying about a one-pan meal that’s bursting with flavor, and this Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe delivers just that. It's hearty, colorful, and comes together faster than you might expect—perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want that taco night vibe with minimal fuss.

The dish shows a close-up view of loaded nachos with a wooden spoon lifting a portion above the rest. The bottom layer is made of crispy, light beige tortilla chips scattered widely. On top of this, there is a mix of cooked ground meat and black beans, with small chunks of bright red peppers adding color. Melted bright yellow and white cheese is spread unevenly over the top, creating a creamy and slightly stretchy texture. Small bits of green herbs are sprinkled throughout, adding freshness. The background is a white marbled surface, and the photo is 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’m genuinely excited every time I make this skillet because it combines the ease of ground turkey with bold taco spices and fresh ingredients. It’s a family favorite that always feels fresh and comforting at the same time.

Speedy and Simple: From start to finish, this skillet comes together in just about 30 minutes, perfect for those evenings when you want dinner without the hassle.
Balanced and Flavorful: The blend of spices, veggies, and beans creates a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and veggies—all in one pan.
Customizable: You can easily tailor it to your taste or dietary needs, making it versatile whether you like it spicy, mild, or loaded with cheese.
Comfort Food Appeal: It’s like taco night without the mess of assembling individual tacos—everything’s ready to go in one skillet.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe plays a key role—turkey gives you lean protein, while the combo of veggies and beans adds texture and nutrition. Here’s a quick rundown of what I recommend looking for and why.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of diced bright yellow onion, a small white ceramic bowl of diced vibrant red bell pepper, a mound of fresh raw lean ground turkey, a small white ceramic bowl of rich red chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl of warm brown ground cumin, a small white ceramic bowl of fine pale garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of deep reddish smoked paprika, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of diced green chiles with fresh green and red hues, a small white ceramic bowl of shiny black beans, a small white ceramic bowl of bright yellow frozen corn, a few sprigs of chopped fresh cilantro, a small white ceramic bowl of chunky red salsa, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded Colby Jack cheese in creamy orange and white tones, and a small white ceramic bowl holding a neat stack of golden tortilla chips, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly arranged in balanced symmetry, 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: Adds a subtle richness without overpowering the other flavors; plus, it's a healthier fat choice for cooking.
Diced yellow onion: Brings sweetness and depth when sautéed, balancing the spice nicely.
Red bell pepper: Offers a pop of color and mild natural sweetness, plus some crunch if you leave it slightly tender.
Lean ground turkey: The star protein that’s lighter than beef but still hearty and perfect for soaking up spices.
Chili powder and ground cumin: Essential taco spices that deliver warmth and that classic Southwestern flavor.
Garlic powder and smoked paprika: These punch up the savory aspects and add a smoky undertone without extra effort.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season and enhance all the other ingredients naturally.
Diced green chilies: Give a mild kick and some zesty brightness without overwhelming the dish.
Black beans: Add earthiness and fiber, plus a creamy texture that complements the lean turkey.
Frozen corn: Sweetness and slight crunch balance the savory meat and spices.
Chopped cilantro: Freshens up the whole dish with a herbaceous note right at the end.
Salsa: Acts like a flavorful sauce that pulls all the ingredients together and amps up the taco vibes.
Shredded Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully on top for richness and gooeyness—totally irresistible.
Tortilla chips: Adds a fun crunch beneath the melted cheese—you’ll love how they soften slightly but still keep some texture.

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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 the best things about this Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe is how flexible it is. I like to tweak it based on what’s on hand or how spicy I’m feeling, and you should totally do the same. Here are a couple ways I switch things up:

Variation: Sometimes I swap the black beans for pinto beans or omit them if I want it lighter—either way, it still tastes fantastic.
Make it spicier: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne when sautéing onions and peppers if you want more heat.
Cheese swaps: I’ve tried Pepper Jack or sharp cheddar instead of Colby Jack, and each gives a delicious twist.
Fresh toppings: Adding a dollop of sour cream or some diced avocado really elevates the flavors and adds creaminess.

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

The image shows a close-up of a white round plate with a dish made of layered ingredients. The bottom layer is crispy tortilla chips in light yellow color, some broken. On top, there is a thick layer of cooked ground meat mixed with black beans, diced red bell peppers, and some yellow corn kernels. Melted cheddar cheese, bright orange-yellow, is spread unevenly over the meat layer. Fresh cilantro leaves, bright green, are sprinkled on top, adding color contrast. A quarter of a lime wedge sits on the right side of the plate, adding freshness. The background has a white marbled texture, and a silver fork is placed on the left side of the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sizzle and Crumble Your Turkey

Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high and add the olive oil—just enough to coat the bottom. When it’s shimmering, toss in the ground turkey. Use a spatula to break it apart into small crumbles. Don’t rush; allowing the turkey to brown nicely adds flavor, so take your time until it’s no longer pink and starts to get some golden spots.

Step 2: Add the Onion and Red Pepper

Push your browned turkey to one side of the pan. Toss in the diced onions and red bell pepper on the empty side. Sprinkle salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika over everything. Stir the veggies gently and let them soften about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. This layering of cooking keeps the flavors vibrant and the texture just right.

Step 3: Stir in Beans, Corn, Chiles & Salsa

Once the veggies are tender and the turkey is fully cooked, add the drained black beans, frozen corn, diced green chilies, and chopped cilantro. Pour in the salsa and mix everything well, allowing it to heat through completely—about 3-5 minutes. The salsa creates a saucy base that ties it all together.

Step 4: Top, Broil, and Serve

Scatter the tortilla chips evenly over the skillet surface, then sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese on top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven set on broil. Keep a close eye and broil for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and just starting to brown. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro if you like, and dig in!

Top Tip

From my experience making this Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe multiple times, a few little tricks make a big difference in taste and texture. Here's what I’ve learned to help you nail it every time:

Brown the turkey well: Don’t just cook it through—let those little crispy bits form. They add so much flavor and texture.
Don’t overcook veggies: Sauté onions and peppers until just tender but still vibrant—that way they add freshness instead of mushiness.
Watch the broiler closely: Cheese can go from perfectly bubbled to burnt fast. I usually set my timer for 2 minutes and check every 30 seconds.
Use fresh cilantro last: Add cilantro right before serving to keep that bright herbal punch intact.

How to Serve Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe

ground turkey tacos - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this taco skillet with a handful of fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice right before serving—it really wakes up the flavors. Sometimes I add diced avocado or a dollop of sour cream too; both add a rich creaminess that balances the spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This skillet is a meal in itself, but if you want to round things out, I often serve it alongside a simple green salad or Mexican street corn salad for a fresh contrast. A few warm corn tortillas on the side also work well if you want to scoop up every last bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at casual dinners, I’ve spooned this mixture into small, crispy taco shells and added a drizzle of crema and pickled onions. It’s a hit for game nights or when I want to impress guests without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—usually they keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, making it a great lunch option too.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers without the tortilla chips and cheese, then add fresh toppings after thawing and reheating. It defrosts well in the fridge overnight and reheats on the stove or microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the skillet contents in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist. Then, add fresh cheese or chips and broil for a couple of minutes if I want to recreate that fresh-from-the-oven experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works well in this taco skillet recipe. It’s similar in texture and flavor, so you can substitute it cup for cup without changing cooking times.

How spicy is this recipe?

This Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe has a mild to medium spice level thanks to chili powder and green chilies. If you prefer more heat, you can add jalapeños or cayenne pepper to boost spiciness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your salsa, spices, and tortilla chips don’t contain gluten. Most are safe, but it’s worth confirming on the packaging.

What can I use instead of tortilla chips if I want a low-carb option?

For a low-carb twist, you can omit the tortilla chips and top with extra cheese or crushed pork rinds before broiling. Alternatively, serve with lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas on the side.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight rotation because it’s so reliable, tasty, and just plain fun to make. It brings that cozy taco night excitement without the mess or stress—just simple, delicious comfort food that you can whip up anytime. Give it a try and see how quickly it becomes one of your go-to meals too!