This one-pan Turkey Taco Skillet is ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring taco seasoning, bell peppers and ground turkey simmered in chicken broth for an easy, healthy dinner you'll love. Gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free.
Quick, Customizable and Comforting
Meal prep can get a bit boring if you're eating the same dish multiple times per week. This Turkey Taco Skillet is one of my favorite things to make ahead as it forms a flavorful base for customizing in so many ways. I love it spooned over rice with some avocado and salsa as a taco bowl, scooped up with tortilla chips or wrapped up in corn tortillas with a squeeze of lime and dairy-free sour cream. It freezes well too, meaning I can always have something nourishing on hand that's ready to go in no time.
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Ingredients and Substitutions
Ground turkey - A lean meat that brings flavor and protein to this skillet. You can use lean ground beef or chicken instead if you like. I love using turkey in these gluten-free turkey meatballs too!
Olive oil - Lightly aromatic oil perfect for softening the vegetables and browning the meat. Avocado oil also works well.
Yellow onion - Has a mild flavor and a bit of sweetness which rounds out the dish. Swap for a red onion or a couple of shallots for a more intense flavor.
Green bell pepper - Brings a fresh, vegetal flavor that works well with the flavors in this dish. Substitute with a red, yellow or orange bell pepper for a sweeter flavor.
Black beans - While optional, when I have a can in my pantry, I like to add them for added flavor, texture, protein, and fiber. Pinto beans make a great substitute in this dish.
Garlic - Fresh garlic is best here but powdered will work in a pinch. Pre-chopped garlic can be used to speed up prep.
Gluten-free taco seasoning - A blend of Mexican spices which adds a ton of flavor with minimal effort. Check that you're using a gluten-free taco seasoning or make your own.
Red pepper flakes - Brings a touch of heat to the skillet. Omit if you don't want the skillet to be as spicy.
Salt
How to Make Turkey Taco Skillet
Step 1: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up, until mostly browned. Stir in onion and bell pepper; cook 4-5 minutes until softened.
Step 2: Add garlic and taco seasoning; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add black beans if using.
Step 5: Heat until beans are warmed through.
Variations
- Bump up the fiber: Stir in a can of drained, rinsed black beans or pinto beans.
- Spice it up: Mix in some chipotle chili paste for some heat and smokiness.
- Get more greens: Fold in baby spinach right at the end of cooking until just wilted.
- Add some tang: Garnish with pickled jalapenos or pickled red onions for a satisfying hit of acidity.
Serving suggestions
- Taco bowls: over rice or cauliflower rice
- Lettuce cups: butter lettuce or romaine
- Nacho skillet: serve with grain-free tortilla chips
- Meal prep: portion into containers with rice + veggies
- Serve with gluten-free corn fritters on the side.
FAQs
Choose a lean ground turkey that has 7% fat instead of the 99% fat-free version. This slightly fattier meat will stay more tender and moist. Simmering it in broth also helps to make the texture more juicy.
Yes, this freezes really well. Allow the turkey taco skillet to cool fully then transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
You can reheat the mixture in a skillet with a splash of water over a medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until piping hot. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl until piping hot throughout.
More Savory Gluten-Free Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Turkey Taco Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free taco seasoning
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed optional
Optional toppings
- Avocado or guacamole
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Cilantro + lime juice
- Dairy-free sour cream
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up, until mostly browned.
- Stir in onion and bell pepper; cook 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic, taco seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in black beans, if using, and heat until beans are warmed through.
Serving suggestions:
- Taco bowls: over rice or cauliflower rice Lettuce cups: butter lettuce or romaine Nacho skillet: serve with grain-free tortilla chips Meal prep: portion into containers with rice + veggies
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