Cheesy Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet Your Family Will Love

Ever have one of those nights where you’re craving the cozy, cheesy goodness of enchiladas but don’t have the time or energy to roll each one? You know the feeling. That’s exactly why this Cheesy Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet is about to become your new best friend. It delivers all the soulful, comforting flavor of the classic dish in one single pan, with a fraction of the fuss. Honestly, it’s the kind of meal that makes a busy weeknight feel a whole lot more manageable.

Top Reasons To Make It

This dish is a weeknight hero for so many reasons. First, it’s a true one-pan wonder, meaning you’ll have minimal cleanup. Second, it comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a perfect solution for your easy weeknight dinners rotation. It’s also incredibly family-friendly and a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies. And let’s be real, that melty, gooey cheese on top is an instant mood-lifter. So good.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing and building flavor.
• 1 lb lean ground turkey: A lean and flavorful protein base.
• 1 yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, savory foundation.
• 1 bell pepper (any color), diced: For a pop of color and sweetness.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything’s better with garlic.
• 1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce: The key to that authentic, saucy flavor.
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained: For extra fiber and heartiness.
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels: Adds a sweet little crunch.
• 1 tsp ground cumin: For warm, earthy depth.
• 1/2 tsp chili powder: Provides a gentle, smoky heat.
• 4 (6-inch) corn tortillas, cut into strips: They soften into the skillet, just like enchiladas.
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese: For that irresistible, melty topping.
• For garnish: Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice.

Instructions

1. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the enchilada sauce, then add the black beans, corn, cumin, and chili powder. Give everything a good stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4. Gently fold in the strips of corn tortilla. They’ll start to soften and blend right into the saucy mixture.
5. Preheat your broiler. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the entire skillet.
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and delightfully golden in spots.
7. Remove from the oven carefully—the handle will be hot! Let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving with your favorite garnishes.

Cheesy Ground Turkey Cooking Tips

• Don’t skip browning the turkey. Getting a little bit of color on the meat adds a ton of flavor to the whole dish.
• If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, no worries! Simply transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding the cheese and broiling.
• For an extra layer of flavor, try warming your spices. Add the cumin and chili powder to the skillet with the turkey for just 30 seconds before adding the liquids.
• Let the skillet rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. This allows the saucy base to thicken up just a bit, making it easier to serve.
• Get the kids involved by letting them add the cheese or pick the garnishes. It’s a fun way to make dinner a family affair.
• Honestly, the broiler step is crucial for that perfect, restaurant-quality cheesy top. Don’t skip it!

Variations & Substitutions

• Ground Chicken or Beef: Feel free to swap the turkey for ground chicken or lean ground beef.
• Make it Vegetarian: Use a plant-based ground crumble or an extra can of black beans instead of the turkey.
• Spice Level: Love heat? Add a diced jalapeño with the bell pepper or a dash of hot sauce. For a milder dish, use a green enchilada sauce.
• Different Beans: Pinto or kidney beans work beautifully here if you don’t have black beans.
• Greens: Stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach right at the end of simmering for a veggie boost.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This skillet is a complete meal all on its own, but it’s also wonderful with a few simple sides. A crisp, green salad with a lime vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast. For a truly effortless dinner, just add some tortilla chips for scooping and a dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt. It’s one of those easy meals that feels special without any extra work.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating is best done on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or extra enchilada sauce to keep it moist. You can also microwave single portions until hot, stirring halfway through. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the tortillas can become a bit mushy upon thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can brown the turkey and chop the veggies ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then just pick up at step 2 when you’re ready to cook for a super fast dinner.
• What’s the best cheese to use? I love a pre-shredded Mexican blend for convenience, but a Monterey Jack or a sharp cheddar would also be delicious. For melting, you want a good, good melty cheese.
• Is this a healthy dinner idea? With lean ground turkey, plenty of veggies, and beans, it’s a balanced and hearty option that fits right into a busy family’s routine.
• My family doesn’t like spicy food. Is this dish mild? As written, it’s very family-friendly and mild. The flavor comes from the cumin and chili powder, which is smoky, not hot. Just be sure to use a mild enchilada sauce.