If you love big, bold flavors but want dinner on the table in a flash, then the Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet is about to become your new weeknight superstar. Imagine layers of juicy turkey, smoky spices, sweet corn, hearty black beans, and gooey cheese all swirled together in one glorious pan, with just the right punch from enchilada sauce and salsa. This recipe captures everything you love about enchiladas, but skips the rolling and baking, making it a colorful, crave-worthy one-pan meal you’ll crave again and again.

Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet is in its pantry-friendly lineup. Each ingredient plays a starring role: from adding that signature enchilada tang to packing in veggie crunch or creamy richness. Gather these essentials and you’ll be astonished at how much flavor you create with just a handful of simple components!

Olive Oil: Brings everything together with a subtle richness and helps the turkey brown beautifully.
Ground Turkey: Lean, protein-packed, and perfect for soaking up all those Mexican-inspired spices.
Yellow Onion: Diced for sweetness and depth, creating a savory base for your skillet.
Garlic: A must-have for robust, aromatic flavor that infuses the whole dish.
Ground Cumin: Lends a signature earthy warmth, giving every bite that classic enchilada taste.
Chili Powder: Delivers mild heat and gorgeous color – adjust to taste if you like it spicier!
Smoked Paprika: Adds a deliciously subtle smokiness that makes the skillet extra savory.
Salt: Enhances and brings out the best in all the other flavors.
Black Pepper: Just the right amount of bite to balance the richness.
Black Beans: Hearty, fiber-rich, and essential for that Tex-Mex heartiness.
Frozen Corn: Adds pops of sweetness and color, and no need to thaw ahead of time!
Red Enchilada Sauce: The flavor backbone – bring your favorite brand for max deliciousness.
Salsa: Pops everything alive with bright, tangy flavor; choose mild or hot to suit your taste.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey goodness—swap for Mexican blend or pepper jack for a twist.
Chopped Fresh Cilantro (optional): Lends a fresh, herby finish that brightens the skillet.
Sliced Green Onions (optional): Delicate crunch and color for the perfect garnish.
Tortilla Chips or Warm Tortillas: The scoopers of choice—great for serving and dipping up every last bite.

How to Make Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey

Start with a big skillet and pour in the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the ground turkey. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks, letting it turn lightly golden and cooked through, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. This step is all about building savory flavor from the bottom up!

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Next, toss in the diced yellow onion. Cook for about 3 minutes until it softens and starts to pick up some of the turkey’s flavor—this base makes all the difference, adding sweetness and balance.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices

Turn the heat down just a notch, and stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let this cook for a quick 30 seconds, just until fragrant; you don’t want the garlic to brown. Your kitchen will smell incredible at this point!

Step 4: Mix in Beans, Corn, Enchilada Sauce, and Salsa

Now it’s time for the magic! Add the drained black beans and frozen corn, then pour in the red enchilada sauce and salsa. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. Bring it all to a gentle simmer so the flavors meld, and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring every so often.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle that glorious cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese becomes perfectly melty and irresistible. This is what gives your Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet its ultimate comfort food status.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat, then scatter on the fresh cilantro and green onions for a pop of color and freshness, if using. Spoon generous portions into bowls and serve right away with your favorite tortilla chips or warm tortillas. Dig in!

How to Serve Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a good garnish! A handful of fresh cilantro and a scattering of sliced green onions add color and lift the whole dish. For even more finishing flair, a squeeze of lime or a dollop of sour cream works wonders.

Side Dishes

Pair your Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet with a side of Mexican rice or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal. Spicy roasted potatoes or classic refried beans are also great matches, especially for hungry crowds or family dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful in presentation! Spoon the skillet mixture into crispy taco shells for a fun twist, use it as a hearty burrito or quesadilla filling, or serve over baked potatoes for a fusion spin. However you plate it, friends and family will be wowed.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers. It’ll keep for up to 4 days in the fridge, so it’s perfect for meal-prep lunches and quick dinners.

Freezing

This skillet is very freezer-friendly. Simply portion the cooled mixture into resealable freezer bags or containers, label them clearly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat until steamy, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if it seems dry. Microwave reheating works well too—just cover and cook in short bursts, stirring in between for even heating. Top with fresh cheese or garnishes to revive the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken will give similar results, while ground beef brings a richer flavor. Just drain any excess fat before adding other ingredients if you use beef.

Is the Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet spicy?

This recipe is flavorful but not overly spicy. If you like heat, add diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or use spicy salsa to kick things up.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Definitely—just use your favorite plant-based cheese shreds or skip the cheese entirely. The skillet will still taste fantastic, thanks to all those bold spices and sauces.

What enchilada sauce is best?

Go with a brand you love, as sauce flavor varies greatly. If gluten is a concern, look for a gluten-free label. Homemade enchilada sauce also works beautifully in this skillet.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, it doubles well! Use a very large skillet or cook the turkey in batches. This is a great option for parties or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet wins over your table as quickly as it did mine. It’s speedy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable, making it a reliable staple for any busy cook. Give it a try—your taste buds (and your hungry family) will thank you!

Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe

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4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a Mexican twist!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 small yellow onion (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 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 cup frozen corn
1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
1/2 cup salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional)
tortilla chips or warm tortillas (for serving)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet: Over medium heat, cook ground turkey until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
Add onion and spices: Cook diced onion until softened, then add garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Combine remaining ingredients: Stir in black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, and salsa. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Melt cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top, cover, and let sit until melted.
Garnish and serve: Top with cilantro and green onions. Serve with tortilla chips or warm tortillas.