If there’s one dish I can count on to make everyone at the table happy, it’s this Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe. Imagine all the flavor of classic enchiladas, but without the fuss—tender turkey, saucy goodness, cozy spices, melty cheese, and bold pops of veggies, all layered up in just one skillet. Every bite is hearty and satisfying, with the added comfort of knowing it’s easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner. Whether you’re new to skillet meals or looking for a new family favorite, this recipe has you covered with its irresistible combination of tastes and textures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This meal comes together with simple pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a big role in building layers of flavor and color. You’ll love how the spices, fresh toppings, and cheesy finish make every forkful crave-worthy!
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps the turkey brown beautifully.
- Ground turkey: Lean, protein-packed, and the perfect base for soaking up all the great enchilada flavors.
- Onion: Brings sweetness and depth as it softens into the mix.
- Garlic: A must for any savory Mexican-inspired dish—don’t skimp!
- Ground cumin: Gives the skillet that warm, earthy backbone.
- Chili powder: Adds color, gentle spice, and a hint of smokiness.
- Paprika: Boosts both color and flavor—try smoked paprika for extra complexity.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the bold flavors.
- Black pepper: A little pepper rounds out the spices nicely.
- Red enchilada sauce: The saucy star that ties everything together—use your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds tang, juiciness, and extra veggies to the skillet.
- Frozen corn: A pop of sweetness and color—straight from the freezer, no need to thaw.
- Canned black beans: Creamy and satisfying for added protein and fiber; be sure to rinse and drain well.
- Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic bubbly finish.
- Corn tortillas: Cut into bites, they hold up in the sauce and give that signature enchilada texture.
- Chopped cilantro and diced avocado: Optional, but highly recommended for a fresh, colorful garnish at serving time.
How to Make Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Start by heating your olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the ground turkey and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally until there’s no pink left, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. This creates the hearty foundation for your Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe and helps the meat take on a little golden color along the way.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics
Next, toss in your diced onion and minced garlic, stirring them right into the cooked turkey. Sauté everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, until the onion softens and that irresistible garlicky aroma fills your kitchen. These are the “flavor builders” that turn a good skillet into a great one.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, so every bit gets a cozy hug from the spice blend. This step fully infuses the turkey mixture and guarantees that every spoonful brings classic enchilada warmth.
Step 4: Add the Saucy Elements and Mix-Ins
Pour in the red enchilada sauce and drained diced tomatoes, stirring to create a luscious, tomato-rich base. Follow that up with the frozen corn, black beans, and, finally, stir in the chopped tortillas. Everything melds together into a comforting, colorful skillet that tastes just as good as it looks.
Step 5: Simmer and Melt the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors marry. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top in an even layer. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil, and let it cook another 3 to 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and gooey. The Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe is now bubbling and ready for its finishing touch!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the skillet from the heat. Scatter fresh chopped cilantro and juicy diced avocado over the top if you like—these colors and textures truly take the dish over the top when it’s time to dig in.
How to Serve Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Every Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe looks and tastes even more inviting with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and a few cubes of creamy avocado. Add a little squeeze of lime for brightness, a dollop of sour cream, or even a quick drizzle of hot sauce if you’re feeling zesty—these little touches make it extra special.
Side Dishes
This skillet is already a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with fluffy Mexican rice, crunchy tortilla chips, or a simple side salad tossed with lime vinaigrette. You can even spoon it over quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lighter spin, making it easy to customize your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or potluck, ladle the Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe straight from the skillet for that casual, homey feel everyone loves. Or, try scooping servings into individual oven-safe dishes and melting cheese on top for adorable personal portions. It also makes an amazing filling for taco night—just spoon it onto warm tortillas and add your favorite toppings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply let the skillet cool to room temperature and transfer the contents to an airtight container. The Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy reheated lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the cooled enchilada skillet mix into freezer-safe containers or bags. Label and date, and store for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual servings until hot, or warm everything in a covered skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or extra enchilada sauce if needed to keep things saucy, and don’t forget a fresh sprinkle of cheese on top if you crave extra gooeyness!
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works seamlessly in place of turkey—just follow the same steps and enjoy a lighter twist on the Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe.
Is this dish spicy?
This skillet has gentle warmth from chili powder and cumin, but it’s not overly spicy. If you like more heat, simply add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix!
Do I have to use corn tortillas?
Corn tortillas give this recipe that classic, authentic texture, but you can absolutely swap in flour tortillas if you prefer. It’s also a great option if you already have flour tortillas on hand.
What are some ways to make this Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe gluten-free?
As long as you use gluten-free enchilada sauce and stick with corn tortillas, this Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your ingredient labels to be sure.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the skillet up to the point before adding cheese. Store in the fridge, then top with cheese and reheat until bubbly and melty when ready to serve. It’s ideal for make-ahead meals or meal prep.
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of magic in dishes that are both easy and bursting with flavor, like this Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—the only real challenge is not coming back for a second helping!
Print
Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Turkey Enchilada Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal that is easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. Loaded with ground turkey, beans, corn, and cheese, it’s a delicious Mexican-inspired dish that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (10-ounce) can red enchilada sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 6 small corn tortillas, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Chopped cilantro and diced avocado for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until no longer pink.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until softened. Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add enchilada sauce, tomatoes, corn, beans, and tortillas. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle cheese over the top and cover. Cook until cheese is melted. Top with cilantro and avocado.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use flour tortillas or green enchilada sauce for variation.
- Dish can be made ahead and reheated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of skillet
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 740 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
