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Easy Ground Turkey Taco Skillet Meal Prep in 20 Minutes

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A quick and delicious ground turkey taco skillet perfect for meal prep, ready in just 20 minutes. This one-pan meal features crispy-edged turkey, tender rice, and beans in a seasoned tomato sauce, with flavors that get even better overnight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chiles
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
  • ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for serving)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • Shredded cheese (for serving)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
  • Avocado, diced (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients first: Dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, drain and rinse the black beans, and measure out your spices into a small bowl.
  2. Heat the oil and start the turkey: Place your large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it heat for about 30 seconds until it shimmers. Add the ground turkey in an even layer. Don’t touch it for 3-4 minutes to develop a deep brown crust.
  3. Break up and brown the turkey: After 3-4 minutes, use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the turkey into crumbles. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is cooked through and has crispy edges—about 3 more minutes. If there’s excess fat, carefully spoon it out, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan.
  4. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the turkey. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the pepper softens. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Toast the spices: Push the meat and vegetables to one side of the pan. Add your pre-measured spice blend directly to the empty space. Let them toast for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until they smell fragrant. Then stir everything together so the spices coat the meat and vegetables evenly.
  6. Add the liquids and beans: Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (including the liquid), the drained black beans, and the chicken broth. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it bubble gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid reduces slightly and the flavors meld together.
  7. Fold in the rice: Add the cooked rice to the skillet and gently fold it into the mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the rice is heated through. If the mixture looks too dry, add a splash more broth or water. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Cool and portion for meal prep: Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Divide the mixture evenly among four meal prep containers. If adding toppings like cheese or avocado, pack them separately. Let the containers cool completely (about 20 minutes) before sealing and refrigerating.

Notes

For best results, use cold leftover rice to prevent mushiness. The flavors improve over 24-48 hours, making this ideal for meal prep. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground turkey taco skillet, meal prep, easy dinner, one-pan meal, healthy taco skillet, 20 minute meal

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/easy-ground-turkey-taco-skillet-meal-prep-in-20-minutes/