One-Pot Turkey Taco Skillet (Printable)

Lean turkey and fresh zucchini cooked with bold taco spices in one easy skillet for a flavorful meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1 pound lean ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 medium zucchinis, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)

→ Spices and Seasonings

08 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Liquids and Finishing

15 - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
16 - 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Juice of 1 lime
19 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
02 - Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
04 - Stir in red bell pepper, zucchini, and jalapeño if using. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
05 - Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to coat the meat and vegetables.
06 - Add cherry tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir, bring to a simmer, and cook uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes until most liquid has evaporated and zucchini is tender.
07 - Remove from heat. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the skillet and cover for 1 to 2 minutes until melted.
08 - Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve hot.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • One-Pan Clean-up: All the cooking happens in one skillet, making the after-dinner routine a breeze.
  • High Protein & Low Carb: With 32g of protein and only 10g of carbohydrates per serving, it is both filling and nutritious.
  • Fresh Flavors: The combination of lime juice, cilantro, and fresh zucchini brings a bright, summer feel to classic taco seasonings.
02 -
  • Zucchini Texture: Simmer uncovered just until the zucchini is tender to prevent it from becoming too soft.
  • Melting Cheese: Use the skillet lid for the final 2 minutes to trap heat and melt the cheddar quickly without overcooking the meat.
  • Heat Control: Adjust the jalapeño and crushed red pepper flakes to suit your personal spice preference.
Go Back