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high-protein turkey taco skillet - featured image

High-Protein Turkey Taco Skillet: Easy Weeknight Dinner


  • Author: Harper
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A quick, one-pan weeknight dinner packed with 25-30 grams of protein from lean ground turkey and black beans. This flavorful skillet meal is ready in 20 minutes, freezer-friendly, and perfect for busy families.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground turkey (93% lean)
  • 23 tablespoons taco seasoning (or homemade mix: 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp oregano, ½ tsp salt)
  • 1 medium red onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 medium bell peppers (red and green), diced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • ½ cup salsa
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar, optional)
  • Optional garnishes: sour cream, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Prep ingredients: Dice onion and peppers, mince garlic, and drain/rinse beans.
  2. Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and break into crumbles with a wooden spoon.
  3. Brown the turkey for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  4. Add diced onion and peppers to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  5. Add minced garlic and taco seasoning. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Pour in tomato sauce and salsa. Stir to combine.
  7. Add drained black beans. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes to thicken sauce.
  8. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted (about 1 minute).
  9. Stir in half of the shredded cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  10. Serve topped with remaining cheese and optional garnishes like sour cream, cilantro, and avocado.

Notes

Rinse beans thoroughly to remove sodium and slimy liquid. Brown the turkey well for better flavor. If using 99% lean turkey, add a teaspoon of olive oil. Spinach should be added off-heat to prevent mushiness. This recipe is naturally gluten-free if the taco seasoning does not contain wheat flour.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 22
  • Carbohydrates: 18
  • Fiber: 6
  • Protein: 28

Keywords: high protein, turkey skillet, weeknight dinner, one pan meal, healthy tacos, meal prep, gluten-free option, quick dinner