If you are craving a meal that is hearty, full of bold flavors, and comes together in just one pan, this Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe is going to become your new favorite dinner hack. Imagine the smoky warmth of enchilada sauce mingling with tender ground turkey, sweet corn, and tender bell peppers, all layered with melty Mexican cheese and soft corn tortillas. It’s a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that offers all the comforts of classic enchiladas but without the fuss of rolling and baking. Whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or an easy weeknight crowd-pleaser, this Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make for a spectacular dish, and this recipe is no exception. Each component adds a unique pop of flavor or texture to the skillet, making the whole dish perfectly balanced and satisfying.
- 1 lb ground turkey: Lean and packed with protein, it’s the star that keeps things light yet hearty.
- 4 corn tortillas, cut into 1 inch slices: These add a soft, comforting base that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed: Adds earthiness and fiber, boosting the heartiness of the meal.
- 1 15 oz can red enchilada sauce: The rich, tangy sauce that brings vibrant flavor and depth.
- 1 4 oz can diced green chilis: A little mild heat and a ton of authentic Southwestern flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Sweetness and crunch that brighten every bite.
- 3/4 cup frozen corn (NOT sweet corn): Adds subtle sweetness and texture without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion: Provides aromatic savoriness that’s essential in any skillet.
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully to bring creamy, gooey goodness.
- 1 tbsp avocado oil: A healthy fat that helps brown the turkey and sauté the veggies perfectly.
- 1 tsp cumin: Earthy spice that adds warmth and a touch of smokiness.
- To taste – cilantro, olives, queso fresco, avocado, sour cream: Fresh garnishes that elevate every serving with texture and freshness.
How to Make Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Turkey
Start by heating the avocado oil in your skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey along with cumin, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook it thoroughly until the turkey is browned and crumbly, stirring occasionally with a spatula. This step builds the savory base of your skillet, so make sure the turkey is well-cooked and nicely browned before setting it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped red bell pepper and white onion. Sauté these until they turn tender and fragrant — this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. The peppers will sweeten while the onions develop a lovely softness that pairs beautifully with the turkey and sauce.
Step 3: Combine Beans, Chilis, and Sauce
Next, add the rinsed black beans, diced green chilis, red enchilada sauce, frozen corn, and the cooked ground turkey back into the skillet. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can mingle and intensify.
Step 4: Add Tortillas and Cheese
Now stir in the sliced corn tortillas and sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese on top. Continue cooking on low heat until the cheese melts and everything is heated through. The tortillas will absorb some of the sauce, making the dish irresistibly saucy and satisfyingly soft.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Finally, divide the skillet mixture into bowls and add your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced olives, crumbled queso fresco, creamy avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream. Each garnish adds a bright or creamy contrast that makes every mouthful even more exciting.
How to Serve Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro brings a pop of herbaceous brightness, while sliced olives add a salty bite that complements the rich sauce. Queso fresco is a fantastic crumbly cheese option that adds creaminess without overpowering the dish. Cool avocado slices and a spoonful of sour cream finish the skillet with creamy, soothing textures and subtle richness.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own as a satisfying one-pan meal, but you can always serve it alongside a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette or some fluffy Mexican rice to round out the plate. Tortilla chips also work wonderfully if you want extra crunch with every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe in individual cast-iron skillets right at the table—this keeps it hot and adds rustic charm. You could also use colorful bowls or ramekins, layering ingredients with garnishes visible on top to make every serving a celebration of flavor and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Turkey Enchilada Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen after a day, making leftovers a fantastic lunch or next-day dinner option.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully if you want to prep in advance. Portion out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or a little extra enchilada sauce if it seems dry to revive that fresh-from-the-stove saucy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well and maintains the light, lean profile of the dish. Just cook it until fully browned, just like the turkey.
What if I don’t have corn tortillas?
You can substitute flour tortillas, but keep in mind they won’t soak up the sauce the same way corn tortillas do. You might want to reduce their size or tear them into smaller pieces before adding.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mildly spicy thanks to the diced green chilis and cumin, but if you prefer more heat you can add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to kick things up a notch.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the turkey and add extra black beans or use a plant-based ground meat alternative for a delicious vegetarian version.
What is the best cheese to use in this recipe?
A Mexican blend cheese works great because it melts smoothly and brings a mix of flavors. If unavailable, a combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar is a good substitute.
Final Thoughts
This Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe is one of those gems that feels like a home-cooked hug on a plate. It’s quick, simple, and incredibly flavorful, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want something comforting without extra fuss. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
Print
Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Turkey Enchilada Skillet combining ground turkey, vegetables, and enchilada sauce, layered with corn tortillas and melted cheese for a satisfying one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Protein and Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 4 corn tortillas, cut into 1 inch slices
- 1 15 oz can black beans, rinsed
- 1 15 oz can red enchilada sauce
- 1 4 oz can diced green chilis
- 1/2 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3/4 cup frozen corn (NOT sweet corn)
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
Oils and Spices
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped cilantro
- Olives
- Queso fresco
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Cook Ground Turkey: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart into small crumbles. Once done, remove the turkey from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped red bell pepper and white onion. Cook until the vegetables are tender and slightly softened. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Beans and Sauce: Add the rinsed black beans, diced green chilis, red enchilada sauce, frozen corn, and the cooked ground turkey back into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer with Tortillas and Cheese: Gently mix the sliced corn tortillas into the skillet. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly on top. Continue to cook on low heat until the cheese has melted and the tortillas have softened, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Spoon the turkey enchilada skillet into bowls and garnish with optional toppings such as chopped cilantro, olives, crumbled queso fresco, avocado slices, and a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- For a spicier dish, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the cumin.
- To keep it gluten-free, ensure your corn tortillas are certified gluten-free.
- This recipe can be doubled easily and makes excellent leftovers.
- Use fresh corn instead of frozen if available for added sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
