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Turkey Taco Quinoa Skillet Recipe

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4.2 from 4 reviews

This Turkey Taco Quinoa Skillet is a hearty, healthy one-pan meal that combines lean ground turkey, protein-rich quinoa, black beans, and vibrant spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish delivers bold taco flavors with a nutritious twist and melty cheese topping, making it both satisfying and wholesome.

Ingredients

Protein and Vegetables

  • 1/2 pound lean ground turkey (99% lean)
  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 ounce can diced green chilis
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced fire roasted tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn

Spices and Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Black pepper, to taste

Grains and Liquids

  • 1/2 cup rinsed quinoa
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup jarred salsa

Cheese and Garnish

  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • Cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat and sauté onions: Spray a large skillet generously with cooking spray and heat it over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook for about 2 minutes until it starts to soften.
  2. Cook turkey and garlic: Add the ground turkey and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the meat is almost fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon as it cooks.
  3. Add spices and chilis: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, and diced green chilis. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to bloom and coat the meat.
  4. Combine remaining ingredients: Add the black beans, frozen corn, fire roasted tomatoes, salsa, and rinsed quinoa to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined.
  5. Simmer with water: When the mixture starts bubbling, pour in the water. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the quinoa is tender but still has a slight bite.
  6. Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover the skillet again and cook until the cheese melts completely.
  7. Serve and garnish: Serve the turkey taco quinoa skillet as is, spoon it into tortillas for tacos, or spoon on top of your favorite greens. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

  • Use 99% lean turkey for a healthier option with less fat.
  • Rinsing quinoa before cooking removes natural bitterness.
  • Substitute or omit cheese to make it dairy-free if desired.
  • Customize the heat by adjusting the chili powder and adding fresh jalapeños.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.