If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, packed with wholesome ingredients, and comes together in one easy skillet, you’re in for a treat with this Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe. It’s a vibrant, satisfying meal featuring tender ground turkey, zesty enchilada sauce, and melty cheese that makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe balances savory spices and colorful veggies perfectly, making it a go-to for family dinners or quick gatherings with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, adding texture, and brightening up the dish’s appearance.
- Ground turkey: Lean and protein-packed, it provides a tender, savory foundation for the skillet.
- Olive oil: Just a tablespoon to sauté the veggies and bring subtle richness.
- Small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a mild crunch when softened.
- Garlic, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and depth to every bite.
- Black beans (15 oz can), drained and rinsed: A hearty, fiber-rich addition that complements the turkey.
- Corn kernels (1 cup): Fresh, canned, or frozen, they add pops of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Red enchilada sauce (10 oz can): The star of the dish with bold, tangy, and slightly smoky notes.
- Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, earthy spice that elevates the Mexican-inspired flavor profile.
- Chili powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a gentle heat and depth to balance the sauce.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors to perfection.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle hint of spice and complexity.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey bliss that ties everything together with creamy richness.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, optional): Offers fresh, herbaceous brightness at the end.
- Tortilla chips, rice, or tortillas: Your choice for serving, perfect for scooping or wrapping up the skillet goodness.
How to Make Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Then add in the minced garlic, letting it cook just 30 seconds more to release its irresistible aroma. These basics build the flavor base you’ll love.
Step 2: Brown the ground turkey
Next, add the ground turkey to your skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook it thoroughly until it’s browned and no longer pink, which usually takes around 5 to 6 minutes. This step is where the protein gets that flavorful crust that makes each bite satisfying.
Step 3: Mix in the beans, corn, and spices
Once your turkey looks perfectly cooked, stir in the black beans and corn, followed by the red enchilada sauce and your spices—cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until it’s evenly combined, making sure the sauce coats each ingredient with richness and a touch of spice.
Step 4: Simmer to blend flavors
Reduce the heat to low and let the skillet simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes. This gentle cooking melds all the ingredients together beautifully and thickens the sauce just enough for that perfect consistency you want in a skillet meal.
Step 5: Melt the cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a gooey, bubbly blanket that unites every component.
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Remove from the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro on top if you like that lovely, fresh pop of color and flavor. Your Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings can truly elevate this skillet. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro adds an herbal brightness, while a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of avocado give a creamy cooling contrast to the savory spices. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy finish that brightens the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe pairs wonderfully with a side of fluffy Spanish rice or a crisp green salad for balance. You can also serve it with warm, soft tortillas for a fun, build-your-own taco night vibe. Crunchy tortilla chips also make a great accompaniment for scooping up every last delicious bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve your skillet in pretty individual ramekins or over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Layer it in a casserole dish with extra cheese on top and broil for a crispy finish. You can even stuff the mixture into bell peppers or baked potatoes to mix things up and make it feel fresh and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe keeps nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It allows the flavors to deepen even more, so it tastes just as good—if not better—when reheated the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prep in advance, you can freeze the cooked skillet in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve freshness and texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, delicious meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the skillet in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated evenly. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist if needed, and top with a little extra cheese to revive that melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will give a slightly milder flavor that still works perfectly with the enchilada spices.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground turkey with extra beans, diced vegetables, or a plant-based meat alternative for a delicious vegetarian version.
How spicy is the Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe?
It has a moderate heat level thanks to the chili powder and enchilada sauce, but you can adjust the spice by adding more or less chili powder or topping with cooling ingredients like sour cream.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
Definitely! This dish holds up well for meal prep and tastes great reheated. Just portion it out into containers and refrigerate or freeze for convenient grab-and-go meals.
What’s the best cheese to use for this recipe?
Cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend works beautifully because they melt well and add rich flavor. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or even a bit of queso fresco for different textures.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe is a true winner when you want a flavorful, comforting, and fuss-free meal. Its vibrant colors, delicious spices, and cheesy goodness make it feel special, yet it’s simple enough for any night of the week. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to dinner options to share with loved ones.
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: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and flavorful Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet that combines lean ground turkey with black beans, corn, and a zesty red enchilada sauce. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro, this one-pan dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner served alongside tortilla chips, rice, or warm tortillas.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
Seasonings and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings and Serving
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Tortilla chips, rice, or tortillas (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add Beans, Corn, and Sauce: Stir in the drained black beans, corn kernels, red enchilada sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 5-7 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the skillet. Cover with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Garnish: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired for a fresh herbaceous note.
- Serve: Serve the enchilada skillet hot with tortilla chips, over cooked rice, or wrapped in warm tortillas for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeño with the spices.
- Use ground chicken or lean beef as alternatives to ground turkey.
- Fresh corn can be substituted if preferred; just use about one cup.
- The skillet can be prepared ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- To make it vegetarian, omit the turkey and increase beans and vegetables accordingly.
