A quick, flavorful, and satisfying one-pan meal that brings the delicious taste of enchiladas to your table in a fraction of the time. This Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet is perfect for busy weeknights and makes for fantastic leftovers.
Ingredients:
- Proteins and Beans:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1–2 bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- Liquids and Oils:
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or preferred)
- Spices:
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Preparation:
- Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink and beginning to brown, about 5-7 minutes. This creates the savory base of the dish. Be sure to break up any large clumps of turkey as it cooks to ensure even browning. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, cook the turkey in batches to achieve a good sear.
- Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables: Add diced onions and bell peppers to the turkey. Cook until onions are translucent and peppers have softened, about 4-5 minutes, adding sweetness and texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You can add a pinch of salt to help the vegetables release their moisture and soften faster.
- Step 3: Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Spices: Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with juices, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat ingredients with seasoning. Ensure that all the ingredients are well combined and that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Step 4: Pour in the Enchilada Sauce: Pour the enchilada sauce over the mixture and stir to combine. Let the skillet simmer for 8-10 minutes to meld flavors and thicken the sauce slightly. Reduce the heat to medium-low to prevent the sauce from splattering or burning. Stir occasionally to ensure even simmering and prevent sticking.
- Step 5: Top with Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top. Cover with a lid or foil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts fully and becomes gooey. Keep an eye on the skillet to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn. Alternatively, you can place the skillet under a broiler for a minute or two to melt the cheese quickly, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Step 6: Serve and Enjoy: Serve the skillet hot, either plated or straight from the pan. Garnish with optional toppings like cilantro, sour cream, or avocado slices for extra freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite veggies, cheeses, and toppings.
- Healthy: Lean ground turkey and fiber-rich beans make this a nutritious and satisfying meal.
- Flavorful: The combination of spices and enchilada sauce creates a delicious and authentic taste.
Presentation Suggestions:
- Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style meal.
- Plate individual portions and garnish with a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and a slice of avocado.
- Serve with a side of tortilla chips for scooping.
- Accompany with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the skillet.
Tips:
- Turkey Browning: Don’t overcrowd the pan when browning the turkey; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Spice Freshness: Use fresh spices for the most vibrant flavor. Replace spices every 6-12 months for optimal taste.
- Simmering: Simmer gently to prevent burning the sauce. Keep the heat at medium-low and stir occasionally.
- Spice Adjustment: Adjust seasoning like chili powder or cumin to suit your heat preference. Taste as you go and adjust according to your liking.
- Flavor Deepening: Let the dish rest a few minutes after cooking to deepen the flavors.
- Cheese Options: Use a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor. Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend also work well.
- Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like corn, zucchini, or jalapeños for extra flavor and nutrition.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fiber: 8-10g
- Sodium: 600-800mg
Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion:
The Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet is a fantastic recipe for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, and its versatility allows you to customize it to your liking. Enjoy the delicious flavors of enchiladas without the fuss!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by substituting the ground turkey with crumbled tofu or a vegetarian ground meat substitute. You could also add more vegetables like mushrooms or chopped sweet potatoes.
- Can I use chicken instead of turkey?
- Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute for ground turkey in this recipe. The cooking time will be similar, and the flavor will still be delicious.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the skillet up to the point of adding the cheese, then refrigerate it. When ready to serve, sprinkle with cheese and bake or cook on the stovetop until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This makes it a great option for meal prepping.
- Can I use homemade enchilada sauce?
- Definitely! Homemade enchilada sauce will add a more authentic and personalized flavor to the dish. Use your favorite recipe or find one online – it’s a great way to control the spice level and ingredients.
- What can I serve this with besides tortilla chips?
- This skillet is delicious served with rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also serve it with a side of cornbread or a fresh green salad.
