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Quick Cheesy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet: Best 20-Minute One-Pan Dinner

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This quick cheesy ground turkey taco skillet is a forgiving, fast, and delicious one-pan dinner that takes only 20 minutes from start to finish. It features lean ground turkey, black beans, corn, and a creamy melted cheese topping, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93/7 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel recommended)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or Monterey Jack and cheddar mix)
  • 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 and cook the onion (2 minutes): Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the diced onion. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and starts to soften.
  2. Add the ground turkey (5-6 minutes): Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon into small crumbles. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to get some browning on one side. Then start stirring and breaking it up further. Cook until the turkey is no longer pink.
  3. Add garlic and taco seasoning (1 minute): Push the turkey to one side of the pan and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then sprinkle the taco seasoning over the entire mixture and stir everything together. Cook for another 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  4. Pour in the tomatoes and broth (3 minutes): Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained) and the chicken broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly and thickens.
  5. Add corn and black beans (2 minutes): Stir in the frozen corn and drained black beans. Let everything cook together for 2 minutes, allowing the corn to heat through and the beans to absorb some of the saucy goodness.
  6. Add the cheese and cover (2-3 minutes): Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the skillet mixture. Do not stir it in. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid or foil, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbly around the edges.
  7. Rest and serve (1 minute): Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest for 1 minute. Spoon into bowls or onto plates and add your favorite toppings.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese as pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. If using a stainless steel pan, ensure the turkey is fully browned before adding liquid to avoid steaming. The recipe can be customized with additional vegetables, different cheeses, or a spicy kick.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey taco skillet, one-pan dinner, quick weeknight meal, cheesy taco skillet, 20-minute dinner, healthy comfort food

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/quick-cheesy-ground-turkey-taco-skillet-best-20-minute-one-pan-dinner/