Oh, do I have a treat for you today! Picture this: ground turkey cooked to perfection, smothered in gooey melted cheese, and mixed with a savory blend of spices that make every bite feel like a cozy hug. This Cheesy Turkey Skillet is comfort food at its finest—quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for a busy weeknight or when you just want something delicious without a ton of effort. You’re going to love how simple yet satisfying it is!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Air Fryer Paper Liners

Buy Now →

Vegetable Chopper

Buy Now →

Magic Bullet Blender

Buy Now →

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Turkey Skillet

This dish is all about making your life easier while still delivering on flavor. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly healthy, so you can dig in without the guilt. Here’s why this skillet meal is going to become one of your go-to recipes:

Versatile: Perfect for dinner, lunch, or even meal prep. It works with a variety of sides, like a fresh salad or roasted veggies, making it a flexible meal for any occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Ground turkey is an affordable protein that pairs well with pantry staples, so you don’t need to splurge on expensive ingredients.
Quick and Easy: One skillet, minimal prep, and a short cook time. You’ll be eating in no time—without all the cleanup that comes with more complex dishes.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or spice it up with some chili flakes for an extra kick. This dish can easily adapt to your tastes!
Crowd-Pleasing: With its cheesy goodness, it’s guaranteed to please kids and adults alike. Who doesn’t love a skillet full of melted cheese?

hadjar.jade._Close-up_shot_Nikon_Z7_homemade_incredibly_detai_5a87a1ae-0630-498f-8488-05b0c14340d4_2

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this skillet—it’s packed with simple ingredients that come together for a big, comforting flavor:

Ground Turkey: The lean protein that’s both hearty and healthy.
Cheddar Cheese: Melty, gooey, and absolutely perfect for this dish.
Onion: Adds a savory depth to the flavor.
Garlic: A must-have for that aromatic punch.
Bell Peppers: Sweet and colorful, they add both flavor and nutrition.
Tomatoes: Fresh or canned, they give a juicy base to the skillet.
Spices: A blend of cumin, paprika, and chili powder brings all the savory goodness to life.
Olive Oil: To sauté everything to perfection.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning to taste.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your cheesy, comforting skillet:

Cook the Turkey: Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Veggies: Stir in the chopped onion, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until the veggies are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Season: Sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the turkey and veggies with all the flavorful spices.
Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with or without juices) and stir everything together. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Melt the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the turkey and veggie mixture. Cover the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Once the cheese is nice and melted, remove from heat. Serve hot, and enjoy all the cheesy, savory goodness in every bite!

How to Serve Cheesy Turkey Skillet

This skillet is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways you can serve it to make the meal even better:

Over Rice: Serve it over fluffy rice for a hearty, satisfying meal.
With Tortillas: Spoon it into soft flour tortillas for a quick and easy wrap.
With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the cheesy turkey.
With Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted veggies for extra color and nutrients.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and measure out the spices the night before to save time.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a fiery kick!
Swap the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of cheddar, try swapping it for mozzarella or a Mexican cheese blend.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.
Double the Recipe: This dish is perfect for meal prep! Make a double batch and store leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
A1: Yes, ground chicken is a great substitute for turkey in this dish. It will still taste delicious!

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

Q3: How do I make this spicier?
A3: Add more chili powder, paprika, or even some diced jalapeños to kick up the heat!

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q5: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A5: Definitely! Feel free to throw in zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Q7: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A7: Absolutely! Feel free to use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for a twist.

Q8: Can I serve this with chips?
A8: Yes! Serve it with tortilla chips for a fun, Tex-Mex inspired meal.

Q9: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A9: Sure! Substitute the ground turkey with a plant-based meat alternative, or use beans for a hearty vegetarian option.

Q10: How do I make this dish dairy-free?
A10: Use dairy-free cheese to make the recipe dairy-free, and make sure your other ingredients don’t contain dairy.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Turkey Skillet is everything you need in one easy, flavorful meal. It’s comforting, cheesy, and full of vibrant spices that bring everything to life. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a meal prep option, this skillet will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

Cheesy Turkey Skillet

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Maria
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Baked Turkey & Bell Pepper Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal featuring ground turkey, bell peppers, rice, and a melty cheese topping. A savory, cheesy dinner everyone will love!

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sauté Vegetables and Turkey:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
Cook the Turkey:
Add the ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
Mix the Ingredients:
Stir in the diced bell peppers, cooked rice, diced tomatoes with juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes.
Assemble:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly spread the turkey and pepper mixture in the dish.
Add Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Serve:
Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of recipe)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 65mg