Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?

Yes! While ground turkey keeps the dish leaner, ground beef works just as well in this taco skillet. Opt for 90% lean beef to keep it on the lighter side. Just be sure to drain any excess fat after browning.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftover Ground Turkey Taco Skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or salsa if the mixture becomes too dry.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, especially if you use certified gluten-free tortilla chips. Always double-check ingredient labels — especially on taco seasoning mixes — to ensure no hidden gluten-containing additives are included.

Ground Turkey Taco Skillet – Easy & Healthy Recipe

Name: Ground Turkey Taco Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean): provides protein and a lean meat base; 1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped: adds sweetness and aromatic flavor; 2 cloves garlic, minced: enhances the savory depth; 1 cup canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed: adds fiber and heartiness; 1 cup frozen corn kernels: brings sweetness and color; 3/4 cup tomato salsa: acts as a flavorful sauce base; 1 tablespoon taco seasoning: gives the signature Mexican flavor; 1/4 cup water: helps blend the sauce; 1 cup crushed tortilla chips: adds crunch and texture; 3/4 cup reduced-fat shredded Mexican cheese blend: provides melty, creamy richness; 2 tablespoons scallions, chopped: garnish for freshness and color

Description

This Ground Turkey Taco Skillet is a quick, one-pan dinner loaded with lean ground turkey, pinto beans, corn, salsa, and melted cheese. It’s a healthy, gluten-free, high-protein recipe that brings all your favorite taco flavors into a simple, satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb lean ground turkey (93% lean): provides protein and a lean meat base
1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped: adds sweetness and aromatic flavor
2 cloves garlic, minced: enhances the savory depth
1 cup canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed: adds fiber and heartiness
1 cup frozen corn kernels: brings sweetness and color
3/4 cup tomato salsa: acts as a flavorful sauce base
1 tablespoon taco seasoning: gives the signature Mexican flavor
1/4 cup water: helps blend the sauce
1 cup crushed tortilla chips: adds crunch and texture
3/4 cup reduced-fat shredded Mexican cheese blend: provides melty, creamy richness
2 tablespoons scallions, chopped: garnish for freshness and color

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Instructions

In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until soft and translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground turkey and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Stir in pinto beans and frozen corn, mixing well with the turkey.
Add salsa, taco seasoning, and water. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the mixture evenly.
Top with shredded cheese, cover the skillet, and let cook for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Remove from heat, garnish with chopped scallions, and serve hot.

Notes

Use homemade taco seasoning for better control of sodium and spice.
You can substitute pinto beans with black beans or kidney beans.
For a spicier version, use hot salsa or add jalapeños.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if using certified GF chips and seasoning.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/4 cups
Calories: 360
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 530mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 65mg