Name: The BEST Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 medium onion, diced; 1-2 bell peppers, diced (any color); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices; 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or preferred); 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together in a flash, you’ve got to try The BEST Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet. This one-pan wonder combines juicy ground turkey, vibrant veggies, and smothering enchilada sauce for an easy dinner solution that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you’re cooking for family or just want an effortless way to enjoy Mexican-inspired comfort food, this skillet recipe is an absolute game-changer.

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 This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for hectic evenings.
Healthy and Lean: Ground turkey keeps it light without sacrificing taste.
One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single skillet.
Flavor-Packed: Rich enchilada sauce and spices deliver authentic Mexican flair.
Adaptable: Easily tweaked for dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring a vital element to the dish. Every item contributes not just flavor but also texture and nutritional balance, making this skillet truly satisfying and rich in color.

Ground Turkey: Lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs spices beautifully.
Enchilada Sauce: Adds smoky, tangy flavor and vibrant color.
Diced Tomatoes: Provide acidity and juicy freshness.
Bell Peppers: Crunch, sweetness, and colorful appeal.
Onions: Bring savory depth and subtle sweetness when sautéed.
Black Beans: Add heartiness and fiber, making the dish more filling.
Shredded Cheese: Melts perfectly to top the skillet with creamy richness.
Spices (Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder): Essential for authentic Mexican seasoning.
Olive Oil: Used for browning the turkey and sautéing veggies efficiently.

Variations

You can easily customize The BEST Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or pantry options. Feel free to tweak and transform this recipe into your own personal favorite with these simple ideas.

Vegetarian Version: Swap ground turkey for extra beans, lentils, or tofu crumbles.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to turn up the heat.
Cheesy Swap: Use pepper jack or cheddar cheese for varied flavor profiles.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the beans and add extra veggies like zucchini or cauliflower rice.
Gluten-Free: Confirm your enchilada sauce is gluten-free or make your own homemade version.

The BEST Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet for Easy Meals

How to Make The BEST Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s no longer pink and starts to brown, about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the savory foundation for your dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the turkey. Cook until the onions become translucent and peppers soften, about 4-5 minutes. This adds sweetness and vibrant texture to your skillet.

Step 3: Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Spices

Stir in black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Mix well so the spices coat the ingredients evenly, creating a beautifully seasoned blend.

Step 4: Pour in the Enchilada Sauce

Pour your enchilada sauce over the mixture and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Let the skillet simmer for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Top with Cheese and Melt

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the skillet. Cover with a lid or foil and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your The BEST Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet is ready! Scoop it onto plates or serve straight from the pan for a cozy, inviting meal.

Pro Tips for Making The BEST Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking turkey in batches if needed helps it brown nicely instead of steaming.
Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices provide more vibrant flavor than old, stale ones.
Simmer Gently: Keep the heat moderate when simmering the sauce to prevent burning.
Customize Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust chili powder or cumin to your heat tolerance.
Let it Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking for flavors to deepen.

How to Serve The BEST Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and slices of ripe avocado take this skillet to the next level in freshness and texture.

Side Dishes

Pair with warm corn tortillas, Mexican rice, or a crisp green salad to round out the meal perfectly without adding unnecessary bulk.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the skillet over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or spoon it into baked taco shells for a fun taco salad twist that families love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the skillet to cool to room temperature before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. Stored properly, it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This skillet freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and keep for up to 3 months—perfect for easy, ready-to-heat meals later.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming and to keep the cheese melty and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes! Ground chicken is a great alternative that provides a similar texture and will work well with the spices and enchilada sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free as long as the enchilada sauce you use does not contain gluten. Always check labels or make your own sauce to be sure.

How spicy is The BEST Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet?

The recipe is moderately spiced, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more chili powder or diced jalapeños to suit your palate.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! The flavors actually improve after resting overnight in the fridge, making it a perfect meal prep dish.

What can I serve with this skillet?

Enjoy it with sides like Mexican rice, a fresh salad, or simply warm tortillas for a complete and satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

Once you try The BEST Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet, you’ll have a go-to dinner that checks all the boxes: fast, flavorful, and flexible. It’s a delicious way to bring bold Mexican-inspired flavors into your weeknight routine with minimal fuss. Give this recipe a try and see how easy, satisfying mealtime can be!