Name: Ground Turkey Skillet: Easy One-Pan Recipe for a Quick Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained; 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce); 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Ground Turkey Skillet: Craving a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy weeknight meal? Look no further! Imagine sinking your fork into a savory blend of seasoned ground turkey, vibrant vegetables, and a hint of comforting warmth, all cooked together in one pan. This isn't just dinner; it's a culinary hug after a long day.

While skillet meals have been a staple in kitchens across the globe for centuries, offering a practical way to feed families with minimal fuss, the beauty of a Ground Turkey Skillet lies in its modern adaptability. It's a blank canvas for your creativity! You can tailor the vegetables, spices, and even the protein to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

But why is this dish so universally loved? It's simple: it's quick, it's satisfying, and it's packed with flavor. The combination of lean ground turkey and colorful veggies provides a healthy and balanced meal, while the one-pan cooking method minimizes cleanup. The savory flavors, often enhanced with herbs and spices, create a truly irresistible experience. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, a Ground Turkey Skillet is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a regular in your meal rotation. Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight dinner!

Ingredients:

1 pound ground turkey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, salsa, tortilla chips

Preparing the Ground Turkey Base

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. I like to use a large skillet, at least 12 inches, to give everything plenty of room to cook without overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, and we want that nice, flavorful browning on the turkey.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned. Make sure to crumble the turkey well as it cooks. You don't want any large clumps. I find that using a spatula or a wooden spoon works best for this. Cook until there's no pink left. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This is important to prevent the final dish from being too greasy. You can carefully tilt the skillet and spoon out the grease, or you can use a colander to drain the turkey. Just be careful not to burn yourself!
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked turkey. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. The aroma of the garlic and onion cooking together is just wonderful! Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Add the chopped red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the bell peppers are slightly softened. I love the color and sweetness that bell peppers add to this dish. You can use any color bell pepper you like, but I find that red and green provide the best balance of flavor and visual appeal.

Adding the Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes

Stir in the rinsed and drained black beans, drained corn, diced tomatoes (undrained), and diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained). Make sure everything is well combined. The diced tomatoes and green chilies add a nice kick of heat, but if you're sensitive to spice, you can use regular diced tomatoes instead.
Add the taco seasoning and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir well to combine. The taco seasoning is the key to getting that classic taco flavor. You can use store-bought taco seasoning, or you can make your own. I often make my own using a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together. Simmering allows the flavors to really come together and create a delicious, cohesive dish. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. The cilantro adds a bright, fresh flavor that really elevates the dish. If you're not a fan of cilantro, you can omit it or substitute it with chopped parsley.
Serve the ground turkey skillet hot. This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways.

Serving Suggestions:

As a filling for tacos or burritos: Spoon the ground turkey mixture into warm tortillas and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and salsa.
Over rice or quinoa: Serve the ground turkey skillet over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa for a hearty and satisfying meal.
As a topping for nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with the ground turkey mixture and shredded cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
In a salad: Add the ground turkey skillet to a bed of lettuce and top with your favorite salad toppings, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing.
As a dip with tortilla chips: Serve the ground turkey skillet as a warm dip with tortilla chips.

Optional Toppings:

Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Avocado slices or guacamole
Salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
Chopped tomatoes
Chopped onions
Jalapeño slices
Hot sauce
Lime wedges

Tips and Variations:

Use different types of ground meat: You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef, ground chicken, or ground pork.
Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skillet, such as zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
Adjust the spice level: If you like a spicier dish, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder dish, use regular diced tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground turkey with crumbled tofu or a vegetarian ground meat substitute.
Add a can of green chilies: For extra flavor and a bit of heat, add a small can of diced green chilies.
Use fresh tomatoes: If you have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can use them instead of canned diced tomatoes. Just chop them up and add them to the skillet.
Make it ahead of time: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Freeze it for later: This dish also freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Calories: 350-400
Protein: 30-35g
Fat: 15-20g
Carbohydrates: 25-30g

Enjoy your delicious and easy Ground Turkey Skillet!

Conclusion:

This Ground Turkey Skillet recipe isn't just another weeknight dinner; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen, a comforting hug in a bowl, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, all rolled into one incredibly easy dish. I truly believe that once you try it, it will become a staple in your regular meal rotation. The combination of lean ground turkey, vibrant vegetables, and that perfectly balanced blend of spices creates a symphony of tastes and textures that's both satisfying and surprisingly healthy. But what truly makes this recipe a must-try? It's the sheer versatility! You're not just stuck with the ingredients I've listed. Feel free to experiment and make it your own. Craving a little extra heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach would be fantastic additions. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Think of this Ground Turkey Skillet as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Here are a few ideas to get you started: * Taco Night Transformation: Serve it in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole. It's a healthier and equally delicious alternative to traditional ground beef tacos. * Skillet Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with the ground turkey mixture, shredded cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Add a dollop of sour cream and some jalapenos for a truly indulgent treat. * Pasta Power: Toss the skillet mixture with your favorite cooked pasta for a quick and easy pasta dinner. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and some fresh herbs will elevate it to the next level. * Rice Bowl Bliss: Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal. Add some steamed broccoli or a side salad for extra nutrients. * Egg-cellent Breakfast: Top a serving of the skillet with a fried egg for a protein-packed and flavorful breakfast or brunch. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations. Maybe you want to add some black beans and corn for a Southwestern twist, or perhaps some mushrooms and onions for a more savory flavor profile. The beauty of this recipe is that it's incredibly adaptable to your personal preferences. I'm so confident that you'll love this Ground Turkey Skillet recipe that I urge you to give it a try. It's quick, easy, healthy, and incredibly delicious – what more could you ask for? Once you've made it, I'd absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite serving suggestions? Share your photos and comments in the comments section below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me to continue creating recipes that you'll love. So, go ahead, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I can't wait to see what culinary masterpieces you create. Happy cooking!