Go Back

Healthy Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet - A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced (any color works)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (93% or 99% lean)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 1/2 cups red enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels (no need to thaw)
  • 4–6 small corn tortillas, cut into bite-size strips (optional, for heartier texture)
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
  • Juice of 1/2 lime, plus wedges for serving
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, Greek yogurt or light sour cream, jalapeño slices, green onions

Method
 

  1. Warm the skillet: Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened and lightly golden, about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add garlic and turkey: Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds, then add the ground turkey. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, 5–7 minutes.
  3. Season it well: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir until the spices coat the turkey and become fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Build the sauce: Add black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes (with juices), enchilada sauce, and corn. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Optional tortilla layer: Stir in the tortilla strips. They’ll soften and absorb the sauce, giving that classic enchilada feel. If you prefer a lower-carb skillet, skip this step.
  6. Simmer and thicken: Reduce heat to medium-low. Let the mixture bubble lightly for 5–8 minutes, or until slightly thickened and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Add the cheese: Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover with a lid (or tent with foil) and let it melt, 1–2 minutes. Squeeze in the lime juice and scatter cilantro on top.
  8. Serve: Spoon into bowls and add your favorite toppings. Serve with extra lime wedges for brightness.