Print

Easy Cheesy Ground Turkey Skillet Taco Bowls

ground turkey taco bowls - featured image

A quick and easy one-skillet taco bowl recipe with seasoned ground turkey, black beans, corn, and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting meal comes together in under 30 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar recommended)
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil. Place your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer, about 30 seconds.
  2. Cook the aromatics. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the hot oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is translucent and the pepper has softened slightly.
  3. Brown the turkey. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Using your wooden spoon, break it up into crumbles. Let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to get a nice brown sear on one side, then stir and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, until the turkey is no longer pink.
  4. Add the garlic and seasoning. Push the turkey mixture to one side of the skillet. Add the minced garlic to the empty space and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Then stir it all together. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the turkey and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices.
  5. Add the tomatoes, beans, and corn. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, the drained and rinsed black beans, and the frozen corn. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  6. Simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld.
  7. Add the cheese. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with the lid and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
  8. Rest and serve. Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 2 minutes. Serve straight from the skillet or spoon into bowls. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, use 93% lean ground turkey and shred your own cheddar cheese for optimal melting. Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky depth. The dish is even better the next day as flavors meld. To make ahead, prepare without cheese, refrigerate, then reheat and add cheese before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey, taco bowls, skillet dinner, easy weeknight dinner, cheesy, one-pan meal, quick dinner, healthy dinner