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Close-up of moist browned ground turkey crumbles mixed with black beans and corn in a black skillet. (Ground Turkey Taco Skillet)

Ground Turkey Taco Skillet: The Ultimate 30-Minute One-Pan Dinner

This Ground Turkey Taco Skillet features moist browned turkey, black beans, sweet corn, and diced tomatoes under a gooey melted cheese blanket. A high-protein, one-pan meal garnished with fresh cilantro and spicy jalapeños.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb (450g) Lean Ground Turkey 93% lean recommended
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) Black Beans Rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup (150g) Sweet Yellow Corn Frozen or canned
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411g) Diced Cooked Tomatoes With juices
  • 1 can (4 oz / 113g) Diced Green Chilies Mild or hot
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) Olive Oil Or avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp (15g) Taco Seasoning Homemade or store-bought
  • 2 cups (225g) Shredded Cheddar and Jack Cheese Freshly shredded for best melt
  • 1/2 cup (15g) Fresh Cilantro Leaves Roughly chopped
  • 2 medium Green Jalapeños Thinly sliced

Equipment

  • 1 12-inch Cast-Iron Skillet Ensures even heat and beautiful browning.
  • 1 Wooden spoon For breaking up the ground turkey.

Method
 

Cook the Turkey
  1. Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and let sit for 3 minutes without stirring to develop a brown crust.
  2. Break the turkey into small crumbles and cook until no pink remains. Stir in taco seasoning.
Simmer Vegetables
  1. Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with juice), and green chilies to the skillet.
  2. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the liquid reduces and flavors meld.
Melt and Garnish
  1. Lower heat. Sprinkle cheese over the center. Cover with a lid for 1 minute until gooey and melted.
  2. Top with fresh cilantro leaves and sliced jalapeño rounds. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use a cast iron skillet for the best heat retention.
If the mixture looks too dry, add 1/4 cup of beef or chicken broth during the simmering stage.