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Healthy High Protein Turkey Taco Skillet - Easy, Flavorful, and One-Pan

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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
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (or any color)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 to 1.25 pounds lean ground turkey (93% or 99%)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper or cayenne (optional for heat)
  • 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen (optional)
  • Juice of 1/2 lime, plus wedges for serving
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • For serving: shredded lettuce, avocado, Greek yogurt or sour cream, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, tortillas or rice, and salsa

Method
 

  1. Warm the skillet: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring, until softened. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  3. Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey. Break it up with a spoon and cook 5–7 minutes until no longer pink. If there’s excess moisture, let it cook off for a minute.
  4. Season: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper if using. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  5. Simmer: Pour in tomato sauce and broth. Stir to coat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Add mix-ins: Stir in black beans and corn. Cook 2–3 more minutes to warm through.
  7. Finish: Squeeze in lime juice and sprinkle with cilantro. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime as needed.
  8. Serve your way: Spoon over rice or cauliflower rice, tuck into tortillas or lettuce cups, or build taco bowls with your favorite toppings.