Name: Turkey Taco Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487338H43M59S
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 sweet onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 lb ground turkey (94% lean recommended); 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp chili powder; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour; ⅔ cup chicken stock; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded lettuce; Pickled onions (for topping); Cotija cheese (for sprinkling); Lime wedges (for spritzing); Tortilla chips (for serving); 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered; ½ sweet onion, diced; ¼ cup chopped cilantro; Juice of ½ lime; Pinch of salt and pepper; 1 avocado; 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro; Juice of 1 lime; Pinch of salt and pepper

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Short Description

A hearty one-pan dinner featuring seasoned ground turkey, peppers, and onions in a cheesy skillet layered with fresh lettuce, pico, guacamole, and cotija—served with crisp tortilla chips.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful, lightly spiced turkey with bold seasoning
Quick to prepare in a single skillet and customizable toppings
Fresh brightness from pico and guacamole complements the cheesy richness
Perfect served with chips for dipping, scooping, and sharing

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Turkey Skillet

1 Tbsp olive oil
1 sweet onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb ground turkey (94% lean recommended)
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1 Tbsp all‑purpose flour
⅔ cup chicken stock
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce
Pickled onions (for topping)
Cotija cheese (for sprinkling)
Lime wedges (for spritzing)
Tortilla chips (for serving)

Quick Pico

1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
½ sweet onion, diced
¼ cup chopped cilantro
Juice of ½ lime
Pinch of salt and pepper

Quick Guacamole

1 avocado
2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
Pinch of salt and pepper

Directions

Prepare the Turkey Skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add diced onion, bell pepper, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables soften (~5 minutes).
Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until turkey is browned.
Stir in flour and mix well. Add chicken stock and cook for a few minutes until mixture thickens.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the turkey mixture. Let it melt—cover skillet if needed.
Layer shredded lettuce and pickled onions on top. Finish with quick pico, guacamole, and sprinkle cotija cheese. Serve with lime wedges and tortilla chips on the side.

Make the Quick Pico

In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, diced onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and set aside (or chill for better flavor).

Make the Quick Guacamole

Mash avocado in a bowl. Stir in cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste and set aside.

Servings And Timing

Serves 3–4, depending on appetites and sides
Prep time: ~10 minutes (includes chopping and making pico/guac)
Cooking time: ~10–12 minutes
Total time: ~20 minutes

Variations

Swap turkey for ground beef, chicken, or plant-based crumbles
Add other toppings like mango salsa, roasted corn, jalapeños, or black beans
Use Monterey Jack or pepper jack instead of cheddar for a different flavor
Serve over rice or in warm tortillas for bowls or tacos

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep turkey skillet and toppings stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days
Reheating: Warm skillet in pan over low heat, adding a splash of stock or water if needed. Pico and guacamole are best served fresh or chilled and added at the end.

FAQs

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes—add chopped jalapeño, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to taste during the cooking process or in your toppings.

How do I make pickled onions quickly?

Thinly slice onions and marinate in vinegar with a pinch of sugar and salt for at least 10 minutes, or overnight for softer flavor.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Yes—cook the turkey mixture ahead and store in fridge. Reheat and top with fresh lettuce, pico, and guac when ready to serve.

What chip works best for serving?

Choose sturdy tortilla chips (like restaurant-style or blue corn) for scooping hearty portions without breaking.

Is this dish gluten‑free?

Use gluten-free flour or omit the flour and use cornstarch as a thickener. Ensure chicken stock and seasonings are gluten‑free.

How do I prevent soggy lettuce?

Layer lettuce on top at the last minute to keep it crisp. Serve and consume immediately after assembly.

Conclusion

This turkey taco skillet is a fast, satisfying meal dressed with fresh toppings and served with crunchy chips. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual meals with friends. With vibrant pico, creamy guac, and zesty condiments, it’s a winning blend of flavors and textures.