Easy Ground Turkey and Black Bean Taco Skillet

This Ground Turkey and Black Bean Taco Skillet is a healthy, family meal and uses a lot of pantry staples. It has all the flavour of tacos but with less mess since it is all made in one pan. Give it a try on your next Taco Tuesday.

This recipe was originally developed for Ontario Beans, check out their website for more recipes and to learn more about Ontario Beans.

This ground turkey and black bean taco skillet is a great way to stretch out a pound of extra lean ground turkey. Adding a can of beans increases the protein and fibre in the recipe and allows you to get more servings out of the dish in a cheap way. The recipe also uses canned tomatoes, rice, corn and vegetables and is topped with cheese to make it super flavourful and hearty.

You can top this recipe with all your favourite taco toppings like sour cream, jalapenos, avocados or guacamole, salsa or green onions but it is flavourful enough on its own.

What makes this Ground Turkey and Black Bean Taco Skillet so Good?

This recipe is great because it is a one-pot meal ready in about 30-35 minutes. It is perfect for a weeknight dinner, and it can easily feed 4-6 people. This recipe is full of nutrition and happens to be gluten-free. Combining meat and plant-based proteins is a good way to stretch protein (especially since meat is getting so expensive). If your family loves meat but you are trying to incorporate more beans and plant-based proteins, this a great way to get them exposed.

Ingredients needed to make the taco skillet

Ground Turkey – extra lean turkey is great in this recipe and is readily available. It is an excellent source of protein and is a source of many vitamins and minerals including vitamin B12, iron, phosphorus, zinc magnesium and selenium

Bell Peppers – red peppers are specified in the recipe, but any colour works. If you prefer less sweet, use green peppers.

Homemade taco seasoning – rather than using a store-bought taco seasoning, this recipe combines chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano to make an easy homemade version with less additives. This version is very mild in spice/heat, but you can adjust the amount of chili powder to your preference.

Rice – an easy and cheap pantry staple that adds carbohydrates (a good source of energy).  You could also substitute quinoa for more fibre and some more protein. I use parboiled white rice but you could use brown rice. If you use brown rice, you will need to cook the skillet for 20-25 minutes longer.

Black beans – a can of drained and rinsed black beans adds texture and flavour to the dish. It also makes it heartier and more nutrient rich. If you didn’t have black beans, red kidney beans would also work.  Beans are a great source of protein, fibre, and iron.

Diced tomatoes – the liquid from the tomatoes helps cook the rice and adds some extra veggies in a convenient way.

Corn kernels – half a cup of frozen corn kernels adds some sweetness to the dish that pairs well with the smoky flavours of the taco seasoning.  

Grated cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese – cheese makes everything better! Topping the skillet with grated cheese and putting it under the broiler for a few minutes adds some great melty cheesy goodness. You can use your favourite melting cheese. If you like spice, a Jalapeno Jack or cheddar would also be delicious.

Toppings are optional

This skillet is a complete meal on its own, but you can add traditional taco toppings to it like sour cream, sliced avocados, Jalapenos, or green onions.  You could also top it with plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.

I guarantee your family will love this recipe and it will become a staple on your weeknight menu rotation.

Looking for more recipes with beans?

Check out my Easy Weeknight White Bean and Tortellini Soup

Or this Vegan Mediterranean Orzo Salad with Chickpeas

Ground Turkey and Black Bean Taco Skillet

This Ground Turkey and Black Bean Taco Skillet is a great, healthy family meal and uses a lot of pantry staples. It has all the flavour of tacos but with less mess since it is all made in one pan. Give it a try on your next Taco Tuesday.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 492 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 tsp canola oil
• 1 lb extra lean ground turkey
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 red bell peppers, chopped
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp oregano
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup rice
• 1 19oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 19oz can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 cup grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• Optional toppings: sour cream, avocados, guacamole, green onions, salsa, lime juice

Instructions

 

• In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add turkey and break it up into small pieces using a wooden spoon.
• Add onion and peppers and cook until the are softened and the turkey is no longer pink.
• Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano and salt. Mix well. Add the rice and stir for one minute.
• Add the black beans, tomatoes and ½ cup of water. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low.
• Add the corn kernels and cook the mixture until all the liquid has absorbed and the rice is cooked, about 15-20 minutes.
• When the rice is almost done cooking, heat broiler to high. Top the skillet with grated cheese and place under the broiler for just 2-3 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
• Serve with your favourite toppings

Notes

Calories provided are an estimate only

Keyword glutne-free dinner, ground turkey taco skillet, taco skillet