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Healthy High Protein Turkey & Black Bean Skillet - A Quick, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% or 99% lean)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (any color works)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted if you like smoky flavor)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4–1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of 1/2 lime (about 1 tablespoon)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Optional toppings: diced avocado, shredded cheese, Greek yogurt, hot sauce
  • Optional base: cooked brown rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or tortillas

Method
 

  1. Warm the pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Cook the onion and pepper: Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté 3–4 minutes until slightly softened and fragrant.
  3. Brown the turkey: Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook 5–7 minutes until no longer pink and lightly browned.
  4. Add aromatics: Stir in the garlic. Cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Season: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the turkey and veggies.
  6. Build the skillet: Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with juices), and chicken broth. Stir well.
  7. Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
  8. Finish with lime: Stir in lime juice. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
  9. Garnish and serve: Top with fresh cilantro and any optional toppings. Serve as-is, over rice, or tucked into warm tortillas.