Name: Easy Taco Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup diced yellow onion; 1 red bell pepper diced; 1 pound lean ground turkey; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; 4 ounce can diced green chiles; 15 ounce can black beans drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup frozen corn; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; 15 ounce jar salsa; 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese; 10 tortilla chips

Nothing beats a comforting, flavor-packed meal that comes together in one pan, and this Easy Taco Skillet Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Crisp, cheesy, and bursting with bold spices, it’s a quick weeknight winner that I keep coming back to time after time.

The image shows a close-up of a wooden spoon lifting a portion of a layered nacho dish. The bottom layer consists of crunchy beige tortilla chips, topped with cooked ground meat mixed with black beans and small pieces of red tomatoes, adding dark brown, black, and red colors. Over this, there is a generous layer of melted yellow and white cheese, slightly stringy and covering the toppings. Small green cilantro leaves are scattered throughout for a fresh touch. The rest of the dish with similar layers of chips, meat, beans, tomatoes, cheese, and herbs fills the white marbled surface in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Taco Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Taco Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Taco Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of how easy and satisfying this taco skillet comes together. It’s all done in one pan, making cleanup a breeze — something I always appreciate after a busy day. Plus, the blend of spices and the melty cheese topping make it feel like a cozy celebration in every bite.

One-pan convenience: Everything cooks right in a single skillet, saving you time and dishes.
Bold, layered flavors: The smoky paprika and cumin with fresh cilantro bring a depth you’ll crave again and again.
Adaptable and forgiving: Whether you swap ground turkey for beef or add extra veggies, this recipe rolls with it.
Quick weeknight dinner: Ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings or last-minute guests.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Taco Skillet Recipe plays a role in creating a hearty dish that’s full of texture and flavor. I like to keep the basics on hand for quick meals, and these ingredients combine in such a satisfying way that it feels special without fuss.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl filled with bright yellow diced onion, another bowl with vivid red diced bell pepper, a mound of raw lean ground turkey, small white bowls each containing chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, a small bowl with fresh chopped cilantro, a few whole green chiles, a small white bowl of rinsed black beans, a small white bowl of bright yellow frozen corn kernels, a small white bowl of rich red salsa, a small white bowl heaped with shredded colby jack cheese, and a few unbroken golden tortilla chips arranged neatly around the ingredients, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps everything cook evenly without sticking.
Diced yellow onion: Brings sweetness and a savory base flavor that softens beautifully.
Red bell pepper: Offers a pop of color and a mild sweetness that balances the spices.
Lean ground turkey: A healthier protein choice that keeps the dish light but filling.
Chili powder: Essential for that smoky, slightly spicy classic taco flavor.
Ground cumin: Gives the dish an earthy warmth and complexity.
Garlic powder: Easy way to boost savory depth without chopping fresh garlic.
Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness, which makes the skillet more layered in taste.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Keeps the flavors balanced and bright.
Diced green chiles: Adds a mild heat and a bit of tangy kick.
Black beans: Provides creaminess and extra protein to make it hearty.
Frozen corn: Sweet bursts of texture that remind me of summer nights.
Chopped cilantro: Fresh, bright herb that cuts through the richness.
Salsa: Moistens everything while adding a tangy tomato base.
Shredded colby jack cheese: Melts perfectly on top for a gooey, golden finish.
Tortilla chips: Top this for crunch and that authentic taco feel right in the skillet.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Easy Taco Skillet Recipe is how flexible it is. I love tossing in whatever veggies I have on hand or swapping in my favorite protein, so feel free to customize this to your taste or pantry.

Variation: I sometimes swap ground turkey for ground beef or chicken sausage to deepen the flavor. You could even make it vegetarian by using extra beans and mushrooms!
For extra heat: Try adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
Make it lighter: Use reduced-fat cheese or omit the chips topping if you want a low-carb version.
Seasonal spin: Swap frozen corn for fresh when it’s in season, or add zucchini for an extra veggie boost.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Taco Skillet Recipe

A plate of layered nachos is shown on a simple round beige plate. The first layer is a bed of crispy beige corn chips scattered on the plate. On top, there is a cooked mix of brown ground meat with black beans and bits of bright yellow corn and small pieces of red tomato. The next layer shows melted orange-yellow cheddar cheese that covers some corn chips. Fresh green cilantro leaves are sprinkled on top. On the side of the plate, there are two bright green lime wedges. In the background, some green cilantro leaves are visible on a white marbled surface. A silver fork lies on the left side of the plate, partially resting on the nachos. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sizzle the base flavors

Start by heating your olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat — you want it hot enough to give a nice sear but not so hot that it burns the veggies. Add the ground turkey and break it apart as it cooks. Then push it to one side of the pan, and toss your diced onions and red bell peppers in the other side. Sprinkle on the salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir the veggies occasionally and keep crumbling that turkey until it’s all cooked through and smells amazing—about 7-10 minutes.

Step 2: Stir in the good stuff

Once your turkey is cooked and veggies are tender, pour in the black beans, corn, diced green chiles, chopped cilantro, and salsa. Stir it all up until everything is nicely combined and heated through — give it about 3-5 minutes. This step really brings all the flavors together, so taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Add crunch and melty cheese

Top the mixture with a layer of crushed tortilla chips, then sprinkle shredded colby jack cheese evenly over everything. Slide your skillet under the broiler (preheated ahead) just long enough for the cheese to melt, bubble, and get those gorgeous golden brown spots—usually about 2-4 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Step 4: Garnish and enjoy

Pull your skillet out carefully (it’ll be hot!) and sprinkle a little extra cilantro on top for color and freshness. Serve it straight from the pan and watch it disappear fast!

Top Tip

After making this dish countless times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really elevate the results and make the process smoother.

Layering the turkey and veggies: Cooking them side-by-side instead of mixed early on helps the turkey brown evenly without steaming the veggies, keeping everything nicely textured.
Broiler timing: The broiler is powerful, so I keep the skillet just a few inches from the heat and watch it closely to avoid burning the cheese.
Chip crunch: Crushing the tortilla chips before topping spreads the crunch more evenly and helps them hold up under the cheese instead of getting soggy.
Don’t skip cilantro: I used to overlook this garnish, but fresh cilantro brightens the whole dish and is really worth adding at the end.

How to Serve Easy Taco Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish mine with a handful of chopped fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to cool down the spice. A few slices of avocado or some fresh lime wedges give it a fresh pop too — seriously, don’t skip those! A sprinkle of sliced green onions adds an extra little zing as well.

Side Dishes

Since this skillet is filling on its own, I usually keep the sides light. A simple Mexican street corn salad, a quick guacamole with chips, or a crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette pairs beautifully. If you want more carbs, warm tortillas or Spanish rice are perfect companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served this recipe family-style in smaller individual skillets or cast iron pans. Another fun idea: scoop the taco skillet into halved, roasted bell peppers or sweet potatoes for a festive twist that looks gorgeous and adds more veggies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually deepen after a day, making it even tastier the next time around. Just skip adding chips before storing and add fresh ones when reheating.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to prep ahead. Spread cooled taco skillet in a freezer-safe dish and freeze for up to 2 months. I recommend freezing before adding cheese and chips, then you can add fresh ones when reheating for best texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. When reheated, add fresh tortilla chips and cheese on top then broil quickly for that melty, fresh-from-the-oven finish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey in this Easy Taco Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground beef works great and will give a richer flavor. Just brown it the same way you would the turkey.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is moderately spicy thanks to chili powder and green chiles, but nothing too intense. You can adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or including jalapeños if you like it hotter.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the ground turkey for extra black beans, diced mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute. Just sauté the veggies a bit longer to build flavor.

What sides go best with the Easy Taco Skillet Recipe?

Fresh salads, Mexican street corn, rice dishes, or simply warmed tortillas are fantastic pairings to round out your meal.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Taco Skillet Recipe has become a trusted favorite in my home because it’s fuss-free, cozy, and endlessly adaptable — everything I want in a weeknight dinner. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and maybe it’ll even become your go-to taco night dish too. Grab your skillet, gather those simple ingredients, and let’s get cooking!