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Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Recipe – Easy One Pan Dinner with Crispy Tortilla Strips

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This Ground Turkey Taco Skillet is a quick, flavorful one-pan dinner loaded with lean turkey, veggies, bold taco spices, and crispy tortilla strips. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, it’s hearty, customizable, and guaranteed to please a crowd.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (lean preferred)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (red, yellow, or green)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn (or fresh)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 4 corn tortillas (6-inch), cut into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional topping)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional topping)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional topping)
  • Diced avocado (optional topping)
  • Lime wedges (optional topping)
  • Sliced jalapeños (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Chop onion and bell pepper, mince garlic, and cut tortillas into thin strips (about 1/4-inch wide). Drain and rinse beans and tomatoes. Shred cheese and prep toppings as desired.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add tortilla strips, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and fry, stirring often, until golden and crispy (about 4-5 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  3. In the same skillet (leave a bit of oil), add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook over medium heat until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess liquid if needed.
  5. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to coat meat and veggies.
  6. Stir in diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and tomato paste. Mix until fully combined. Simmer for 3-4 minutes so flavors meld together. If too wet, simmer a minute longer.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover skillet, and let it melt—about 2 minutes.
  8. Scatter crispy tortilla strips over the skillet right before serving.
  9. Spoon into bowls, add desired toppings (sour cream, cilantro, avocado, lime wedges), and serve hot.

Notes

For gluten-free, use certified GF corn tortillas and check spices/beans. For dairy-free, skip cheese or use plant-based alternatives. Crisp tortilla strips in batches for best crunch. Add tortilla strips just before serving to prevent sogginess. Customize with extra veggies, different beans, or swap turkey for chicken/beef/plant-based crumbles. Leftovers keep well; store tortilla strips separately.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco skillet, ground turkey, one pan dinner, Mexican, easy weeknight meal, crispy tortilla strips, family friendly, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/ground-turkey-taco-skillet-recipe-easy-one-pan-dinner-with-crispy-tortilla-strips/