Ground Turkey Taco Skillet

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels, fresh, frozen, or canned
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro or green onions

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Step 2

   Add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables begin to soften.

3. Step 3

   Add the ground turkey and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no longer pink.

4. Step 4

   Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.

5. Step 5

   Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the turkey is evenly coated with the spices.

6. Step 6

   Pour in the salsa, then add the black beans and corn. Stir everything together.

7. Step 7

   Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer for 4–5 minutes so the flavors can blend.

8. Step 8

   Stir in the cooked rice until evenly mixed with the turkey and sauce.

9. Step 9

   Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, cover the skillet, and cook for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.

10. Step 10

    Finish with fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro or green onions.

11. Step 11

    Serve warm with your favorite taco toppings.

Recipe notes

Cooked leftover rice works very well in this recipe.
Use mild, medium, or hot salsa depending on your spice preference.
For extra vegetables, add zucchini, spinach, or diced tomatoes.
If you want a creamier finish, add a spoonful of sour cream after cooking.
Crushed tortilla chips on top add a great taco-style crunch.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a small splash of water or broth to keep the rice from drying out.

Nutrition note

This skillet dinner provides protein from ground turkey, fiber from black beans and corn, and satisfying carbohydrates from rice. For a lighter version, use cauliflower rice or serve the taco mixture over shredded lettuce.

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