Bold flavors, gooey cheese, and a super-easy one-pan method — the Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet is the weeknight dinner hero you didn’t know you needed. It’s comfort food without the fuss, a vibrant twist on classic enchiladas that skips the rolling and baking for a speedy stovetop approach. With savory ground turkey, colorful veggies, tender tortilla strips, and a blanket of melty cheese, this skillet meal brings all the tastes of a cozy, bubbling casserole straight to your table with minimal cleanup. If you love bold, saucy meals that invite you to dig right in, you’re going to want to put this one on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about how simple, everyday ingredients come together to make this Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet seriously irresistible. Each item adds its own note to the flavor symphony — from the smoky spices to the creamy cheese, nothing here is filler!
- Olive oil: A little goes a long way in adding richness and helping everything sauté to perfection.
- Ground turkey: Lean, protein-packed, and a fantastic blank canvas for bold enchilada flavors.
- Yellow onion: Diced for a subtle sweetness that mellows and becomes irresistibly savory as it cooks.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of color and a touch of crisp sweetness to balance the spices.
- Garlic: Don’t skimp! Fresh garlic gives tons of aroma and deepens the dish’s flavor profile.
- Ground cumin: Earthy warmth that’s absolutely essential for classic enchilada vibes.
- Chili powder: Adds gentle, crowd-friendly heat that you can adjust to your liking.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a smoky undertone for that “slow-cooked all day” flavor in just minutes.
- Salt and black pepper: No dish is complete without these to highlight all the flavors.
- Black beans: Hearty and protein-rich, they make the skillet extra filling and satisfying.
- Frozen corn: Sweet, juicy bursts that complement the savory elements — and no need to thaw first.
- Red enchilada sauce: The backbone of bold, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor. Use your favorite brand or homemade.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and keeps everything simmering gently without overpowering the sauce.
- Corn tortillas: Tear or slice them into strips for a tender, casserole-like texture that soaks up all the goodness.
- Shredded Mexican cheese blend: The best kind of gooey, melty topping — use a pre-shredded bag for extra convenience.
- Chopped cilantro and diced avocado: Both optional, but they add brightness and creaminess to finish the skillet beautifully.
How to Make Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Heat up that skillet and swirl in your olive oil, letting it get just shimmering. Crumble in the ground turkey and let it brown, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This quick step creates a savory base and ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Don’t rush — let the turkey get golden for extra richness!
Step 2: Sauté the Veggies
Toss in your diced onion and red bell pepper, giving them a few minutes to soften and sweeten up. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks. This is where your kitchen starts to smell fantastic, and the vegetables pick up all the delicious brown bits left by the turkey.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Add the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir for about a minute until everything is fragrant and the spices cling to the turkey and veggies. This step “blooms” the spices, unlocking their full depth and ensuring every forkful of Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet is loaded with flavor.
Step 4: Mix in Beans, Corn, Sauce, and Broth
Pour in the black beans, frozen corn, enchilada sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine, making sure to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Now you’ve got a saucy, hearty mixture that’s already looking irresistible.
Step 5: Fold in Tortilla Strips and Simmer
Scatter in those tortilla strips, gently folding them into the saucy mixture. Bring it all to a gentle simmer and let cook, stirring occasionally, until the tortillas are soft and have absorbed some of the sauce — about 5 to 7 minutes. The tortillas puff up, soak in flavor, and transform everything into pure enchilada comfort.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Melt
Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the entire skillet, then cover. Let the cheese melt for just a couple minutes until bubbly and gooey. You’re moments away from dinner perfection!
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Pull the skillet off the heat and adorn it with chopped cilantro and diced avocado, if you’re feeling festive. Serve hot, right out of the skillet — because a bubbling, cheesy skillet like this is made for scooping and sharing.
How to Serve Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet
Garnishes
The magic of the Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet is that it’s ready-to-eat straight from the pan, but a few colorful toppings really take it up a notch. Try fresh cilantro for a burst of brightness, creamy diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or even pickled jalapeños for heat. Don’t be afraid to get creative — these extras are your ticket to customizing every serving to your taste.
Side Dishes
While the Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet is super satisfying on its own, it also plays well with sidekicks. Fluffy cilantro-lime rice, simple sautéed greens, or a crisp green salad make it a well-rounded dinner. If you’re in the mood for a party tray, some warm tortilla chips on the side are perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Invite guests to dig into the Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet family-style, or spoon it into individual bowls for a cozy feel. For a fun twist, serve portions on crunchy tostada shells, wrap them in tortillas for next-level tacos, or pile spoonfuls over a baked sweet potato. The leftovers also make delightful meal-prep burrito bowls for lunch the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet to cool to room temperature, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to four days, and rest assured that the flavors only mingle and improve overnight.
Freezing
For longer storage, this skillet freezes beautifully! Spoon cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags, pressing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for a quick-fix dinner, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat a portion of Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet, use the microwave for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway through, or warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat. If you love a bit of extra crunch, sprinkle some fresh cheese over the top before reheating and run it under the broiler for a minute!
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet earlier in the day, store it covered in the fridge, and simply reheat before serving. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers just as good as fresh.
How can I make this skillet spicier?
To add more heat, toss in a diced jalapeño with the onion and bell pepper, or add a pinch of cayenne along with the other spices. You can also drizzle with hot sauce or top with sliced pickled jalapeños just before serving.
Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Yes! If you want a gluten-free Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet, just be sure to use certified gluten-free corn tortillas and check that your enchilada sauce is GF-friendly. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I swap out the ground turkey?
Definitely. Ground chicken works just as well, or try ground beef for a heartier version. If you’re vegetarian, crumbled tofu or plant-based ground “meat” are delicious alternatives.
What should I do if my skillet looks too dry or too saucy?
If it’s looking too dry, add a splash more chicken broth or water and stir. If it’s getting too saucy, just let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, stirring so those tortilla strips absorb all that tasty liquid.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet, it’ll become a regular request at your dinner table. It’s easy, wildly flavorful, and perfect for sharing with people you love. So grab your skillet and get ready for an instant dinnertime hit!
Print
Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With tender ground turkey, beans, corn, and a blend of spices, all topped with melted cheese, cilantro, and avocado, this dish is a satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients
Ground Turkey Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 6 small corn tortillas, cut into strips
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- Chopped fresh cilantro and diced avocado for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Cook the turkey: Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon for about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Add vegetables and spices: Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until vegetables are softened.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, and chicken broth. Mix well.
- Add tortillas and cheese: Fold in tortilla strips, bring to a simmer. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover, and cook until melted.
- Finish and serve: Top with cilantro and avocado. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey.
- Add jalapeños for extra heat or top with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of skillet
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
