Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet

Name: Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen); 1 can enchilada sauce (10 oz); 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 onion, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend); Fresh cilantro and avocado for garnish

Highlighted under: Basic Quick Meals Collection

I absolutely love making this Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet for a quick weeknight dinner. It's packed with flavor and comes together in just under 30 minutes. The combination of ground turkey, black beans, and enchilada sauce has a way of making my taste buds dance. Plus, everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup for me! Whether I'm feeding my family or entertaining friends, this dish never fails to impress and keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Created by

Marlowe Sinclair

Last updated on 2026-02-23T23:46:36.994Z

When I first made this Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet, I wanted something that would satisfy my craving for Mexican food without spending hours in the kitchen. The result was a dish that was not only quick but also full of vibrant flavors. The smoky spices of the enchilada sauce really tie the ingredients together beautifully.

One tip I found useful is to use leftover turkey from a previous meal. It cuts down on preparation time significantly and enhances the flavor. Serving it with fresh avocado and cilantro on top makes it feel gourmet without the extra effort!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and flavorful blend of spices
Quick and easy one-pan meal
Perfectly balanced with turkey and beans

The Role of Ground Turkey

Ground turkey is a lean protein that serves as the foundation for this enchilada skillet. It not only absorbs the flavors of the spices and enchilada sauce, but it also keeps the dish lighter compared to traditional beef or pork options. When browning the turkey, make sure to break it into small pieces to ensure even cooking and a satisfying texture. If you notice the turkey sticking to the pan, a splash of chicken broth can help release it without losing any flavor.

For those who are looking for alternative proteins, ground chicken or even plant-based substitutes like lentils can work wonderfully in this recipe. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, depending on the ingredient used, so always check for proper doneness before serving.

Perfecting the Skillet Dish

This Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet is all about ease, and cooking everything in one pan minimizes cleanup. When adding the black beans and corn, be sure to mix them in thoroughly to prevent any ingredient from being undercooked or left with a raw flavor. The combination simmers together to yield a rich sauce that melds beautifully with the turkey, creating a cohesive bite. Keep the skillet at medium heat to encourage a gentle simmer, watching for a little bubbling around the edges, which indicates readiness.

If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper during the spice phase. This will elevate the flavor profile without overwhelming the dish. Remember, it’s easier to add heat than to take it away, so start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

Serving and Storing Tips

Once your skillet is looking bubbly and the cheese has melted, serving immediately is ideal for the best texture and flavor. Pair it with warm tortillas or a side of rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For garnishes, I absolutely recommend fresh cilantro and creamy avocado to add a contrasting taste and texture that enhances the dish.

If you have leftovers, you can cool the skillet down and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating on the stovetop over low heat will help retain moisture, and adding a splash of water or broth can keep it from becoming too dry. Freezing is also an option; just portion it out into freezer-safe bags, where it can last for up to three months.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet

1 lb ground turkey
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
1 can enchilada sauce (10 oz)
1 bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Fresh cilantro and avocado for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Turkey

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.

Add Beans and Spices

Stir in the black beans, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Incorporate Enchilada Sauce

Pour in the enchilada sauce, stirring to combine everything evenly. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Top with Cheese

Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the mixture, cover the skillet, and allow it to melt for about 2 minutes. Once the cheese is melted, remove from heat.

Serve and Garnish

Scoop out portions onto plates and garnish with fresh cilantro and avocado. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips

For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or use hot enchilada sauce. This dish can also be made with ground beef or chicken if preferred.

Variations for Dietary Needs

This recipe is flexible and can easily accommodate various dietary preferences. For a vegetarian version, swap the ground turkey for extra beans or quinoa to maintain protein content. Just be sure to sauté additional vegetables, like mushrooms or zucchini, to keep the dish hearty and satisfying.

For gluten-free needs, check the enchilada sauce label to ensure it’s certified gluten-free, as some brands may add gluten-containing ingredients. You can also enjoy this as a nacho dish by layering the mixture over baked tortilla chips, topped with cheese and broiled until bubbly.

Flavor Enhancements

To elevate the flavor profile, consider marinating the ground turkey for about 30 minutes in a mixture of lime juice, cumin, and chili powder before cooking. This adds a zesty brightness that complements the enchilada sauce beautifully.

You can also experiment with different cheeses; a smoky cheese like Gouda or the richness of Monterey Jack can introduce new dimensions to the dish. Mixing cheeses can give your skillet a complex flavor that keeps everyone guessing what you added!

DIY Enchilada Sauce

Making your own enchilada sauce can take this dish to new heights. Combine canned tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a bit of sugar for a homemade version that’s quick and flavorful. Simmer for about 15 minutes to develop the flavors before adding it to the turkey mixture.

If you're in a rush and prefer a shortcut, jarred enchilada sauce works just fine. However, don't hesitate to enhance it with sautéed onions and spices to kick up the taste even more, creating a richer layer of flavor that will impress.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It should last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

→ What can I serve with this skillet?

This dish pairs well with rice, tortilla chips, or even a fresh salad.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free enchilada sauce, this recipe is gluten-free.