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Healthy Turkey Taco Skillet – Easy 30-Minute One-Pan Dinner

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A quick, one-pan dinner featuring lean ground turkey, bell peppers, and a smoky spice blend. Ready in under 30 minutes, this healthy taco skillet is perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93/7 works best)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted recommended)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional topping)
  • Lime wedges (optional topping)
  • Shredded cheese (optional topping)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional topping)
  • Avocado, diced (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Prep your vegetables first: dice the onion and bell peppers into roughly 1/2-inch pieces, mince the garlic.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the ground turkey to the hot skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon into crumbles. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is nicely browned.
  4. Continue cooking the turkey, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains, about 5-6 minutes total. Drain off excess liquid if needed.
  5. Remove the cooked turkey to a bowl and set aside. Do not wipe out the pan.
  6. Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the same skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften, about 4-5 minutes.
  7. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  8. Add all the spices (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using). Stir to coat the vegetables evenly. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  9. Return the cooked turkey to the skillet. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and chicken broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  10. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
  11. Remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered for 2-3 more minutes if you want a thicker consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  12. Remove from heat and let it rest for 2 minutes before serving. Serve with optional toppings as desired.

Notes

Use 93/7 lean ground turkey for best moisture. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add extra smokiness. For a thicker consistency, simmer uncovered for 2-3 minutes after cooking. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth if needed.

Nutrition

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