If you love bold Mexican flavors and easy, one-pan dinners, the Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet is about to be your new weeknight hero. This vibrant skillet meal combines juicy ground turkey, colorful veggies, hearty black beans, fluffy rice, and loads of gooey melted cheese – all seasoned with just the right kick. Ready in just over half an hour, it’s everything you crave in classic enchiladas, minus the fuss of rolling and baking. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet promises satisfying comfort food that’ll wow your taste buds and fit seamlessly into your busy schedule.

Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet so crave-worthy is how simple, fresh ingredients come together for irresistible flavor and texture. Each item on the list plays a crucial role, layering up taste, color, and just the right touch of heat—don’t skip the extras, they really bring it home!

Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the turkey to perfection.
Ground turkey: Lean and protein-packed, it soaks up the flavors beautifully.
Onion: Brings a mellow sweetness and aromatic base for the whole skillet.
Garlic: A pop of bold, savory flavor that deepens the dish.
Red bell pepper: Classic color and crunch that screams “enchilada.”
Black beans: Earthy and hearty, they boost fiber and substance.
Corn kernels: Pops of sweetness that balance out the spices perfectly.
Red enchilada sauce: The star of the skillet, it gives that signature tang and warmth.
Chili powder: Lends just the right amount of smoky heat.
Cumin: Adds earthy depth with every bite.
Paprika: For subtle warmth and color.
Salt: Brings all those delicious flavors together.
Cooked rice: Makes everything hearty, filling, and soaks up the sauce.
Shredded Mexican blend cheese: The gooey, melty crowning glory!
Fresh cilantro: Brightens everything with a fresh, herbal finish.
Sour cream and avocado: Creamy, cooling toppers for serving—don’t skip them!

How to Make Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey

Begin by heating olive oil in a big, deep skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground turkey. Use your spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks, letting it brown all over for around 6 to 7 minutes. Making sure the turkey cooks evenly sets the foundation for all the delicious flavors to come!

Step 2: Add the Aromatics and Peppers

Now for the classic enchilada flavors: stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, letting the vegetables soften and become fragrant. This quick step adds both sweetness and depth, setting the savory stage for your Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet.

Step 3: Add Beans, Corn, Sauce, and Spices

Time to bring in the heartiness! Pour in the drained and rinsed black beans and corn, plus the red enchilada sauce. Sprinkle over the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. Stir everything together and let the mixture gently simmer for 5 minutes. The beans and corn plump up with flavor, and the aroma will have everyone peeking into the kitchen!

Step 4: Stir in the Rice

Fold in the cooked rice, making sure it blends with the cheesy, saucy mixture. The rice will soak up all the saucy goodness, giving the dish its signature cozy texture. If you’re after a low-carb version, swap in cauliflower rice right now—no one will mind!

Step 5: Add Cheese and Melt

Once everything is hot and bubbling, evenly scatter the shredded Mexican blend cheese over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid to lock in steam and let the cheese melt for 3 to 4 minutes. You’re looking for gooey, melted perfection—the kind that begs for just one more bite.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and shower everything with fresh chopped cilantro. Scoop generous servings into bowls and top with dollops of tangy sour cream and creamy avocado slices. Your Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet is ready for its big debut—dig in while it’s hot and bubbly!

How to Serve Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet

Garnishes

Sprinkle a generous handful of fresh cilantro over the skillet for a burst of herby brightness. Cool, creamy toppings like sour cream and freshly sliced avocado tame the spices and add luscious contrast—don’t be shy! A squeeze of lime juice perks up every bite, and if you love a kick, scatter on a few chopped jalapeños.

Side Dishes

While this skillet is hearty on its own, it pairs beautifully with a side of warm flour or corn tortillas to scoop up saucy bites. A crunchy green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette, crisp tortilla chips, or even a quick pico de gallo can round out the meal with freshness and a bit of zing.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning the Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet into individual ramekins for a fun, personal touch at parties. You can also turn it into a filling for enchilada-stuffed peppers or nestle scoops inside lettuce cups for a lighter twist. If you like, go all out and pile it onto nachos—just sprinkle more cheese and broil until bubbly!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish is a meal-prep superstar! Let leftovers cool completely before sealing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, retaining their flavor and texture for easy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet, portion it into freezer-safe containers once cooled. It keeps well for up to two months. Just note that the texture of avocado or sour cream toppings won’t hold up—add those fresh after reheating!

Reheating

To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For the whole skillet, warm it over medium heat with a splash of water, cover, and stir occasionally until it’s heated through and gooey again. Add fresh toppings before serving for best results.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken and ground beef both work beautifully in this recipe. Just follow the same steps, adjusting cooking times slightly as needed for browning.

How spicy is the Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet?

This version has a gentle warmth thanks to chili powder and enchilada sauce, but it’s not spicy-hot. Love more heat? Add chopped jalapeños or an extra dash of chili powder when you stir in the spices.

Is it possible to make this Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet dairy-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite dairy-free cheese shreds, and skip the sour cream or use a plant-based version for serving. The flavors and gooeyness will still shine through.

Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice?

You sure can! Both brown rice and cooked quinoa make delicious, wholesome alternatives. Just be sure they’re cooked before stirring into the skillet, as uncooked grains won’t absorb flavors as quickly.

How can I meal prep this dish for the week?

This skillet holds up great for meal prep! Portion servings into individual containers and store in the fridge. Add fresh cilantro, sour cream, and avocado right before eating so each serving tastes freshly made.

Final Thoughts

This Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet is one of those comfort meals you’ll crave week after week—easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and brimming with flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and put your own spin on the toppings. Whether you’re sharing with family or grabbing a cozy solo dinner, this skillet is sure to become a fast favorite. Give it a try and let the fiesta begin!

Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that combines the flavors of enchiladas with the convenience of a skillet dish. Packed with ground turkey, black beans, corn, and a blend of spices, this flavorful dish is topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro for an easy and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Turkey Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced

Additional Ingredients:

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups cooked rice
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Sour cream and avocado for serving

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
Stir in onion, garlic, and bell pepper, and cook until softened.
Add black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, spices, and let simmer.
Mix in cooked rice and top with cheese.
Cover and cook until cheese is melted. Garnish with cilantro and serve with sour cream and avocado.