This Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe is the ultimate weeknight winner—packed with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, loaded with protein and veggies, and made in just one pan! Every bite is comforting and vibrant, with saucy turkey, tender tortillas, melty cheese, and a pop of freshness from toppings. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or simply want a healthier spin on classic enchiladas, this one-skillet wonder will make your dinner table feel like a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to be amazed at how just a handful of simple ingredients come together to deliver big flavor in this Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe. Each element adds its own touch, making this dish irresistibly colorful, layered, and downright delicious.
- Olive oil: Kickstarts the sautéing process with a hint of smooth richness.
- Ground turkey: Lean protein that soaks up all those enchilada spices perfectly.
- Onion: Lends sweet-savory depth and balances the entire skillet.
- Garlic: Adds a warm, fragrant bite—don’t skip it!
- Chili powder: Builds the classic enchilada flavor foundation.
- Ground cumin: Brings earthy warmth and that unmistakable Tex-Mex aroma.
- Smoked paprika: For a gentle smokiness that takes things to the next level.
- Salt: Essential for bringing everything together.
- Black pepper: A subtle heat to round out each taste.
- Red enchilada sauce: The star sauce that ties all the ingredients together.
- Black beans: Hearty texture, fiber, and extra creaminess.
- Frozen corn: Pops of sweetness and color in every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, bubbly perfection over the top.
- Corn tortillas: Cut into strips for that iconic enchilada texture—so much easier than rolling!
- Fresh cilantro and green onions (optional): For bright, zesty garnishes that finish things off beautifully.
How to Make Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Turkey
Start by heating olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat—just enough to create that golden sear. Add the ground turkey and break it up with a spoon. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until browned and cooked through. The turkey should start smelling deliciously savory by the time you’re done.
Step 2: Sauté Onion & Add Aromatics
Stir in the diced onion and give it 2 to 3 minutes to soften up—this mellow sweetness complements the spices beautifully. Then toss in the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for about 30 seconds so your kitchen fills with the unmistakable aroma of homey, cozy Mexican food.
Step 3: Add the Enchilada Essentials
It’s time for that signature enchilada flavor! Pour in your red enchilada sauce, then add the black beans and corn. Stir everything together so those flavors have a chance to meld. The skillet should look and smell like a Tex-Mex dream at this point.
Step 4: Mix in Tortilla Strips
Scatter in the corn tortilla strips and gently fold them in with the turkey mixture. This is the magic moment—the tortillas absorb the sauce, soften beautifully, and give you that classic enchilada experience without any rolling required.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese & Melt
Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly all over. Cover the skillet for about 5 minutes, letting the cheese melt into a gooey golden layer. Peek in to find your Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe bubbling and ready for its grand finale!
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Top everything with a fresh shower of chopped cilantro and sliced green onions if you like. Serve the skillet hot, straight to the table for maximum wow factor and zero extra dishes.
How to Serve Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Bright, fresh garnishes elevate every bite. Try a handful of chopped cilantro and sliced green onions, or make it your own with dollops of sour cream, slices of creamy avocado, or even a sprinkle of jalapeños for extra kick. The colorful toppings take this Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe from delicious to unforgettable with hardly any effort.
Side Dishes
This skillet shines on its own, but it’s even more memorable paired with the right sides. Serve alongside a simple green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette, fluffy cilantro rice, or crunchy tortilla chips for dippable fun. You can’t go wrong—just pick your favorites and make it a feast!
Creative Ways to Present
To wow friends or family, try serving the Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe family-style with all the garnishes in little bowls, taco-bar style. Or turn leftovers into stuffed bell peppers, cheesy quesadillas, or even hearty enchilada soup. This recipe transforms effortlessly into new favorites for lunch or dinner the next day!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen even more overnight, so it’s just as satisfying the next day—perfect for an easy lunch or a no-fuss dinner.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze portions for future meals. Once cooled, portion the skillet into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. When you need a comforting dinner in a hurry, just defrost and reheat—it’s still wonderfully cheesy and satisfying.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm portions in a skillet over medium heat until sizzling, or use a microwave in 60-second increments, stirring as needed. Add a sprinkle of extra cheese or a splash of enchilada sauce to freshen things up, and dig into skillet bliss all over again!
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or beef both work well in this Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe, so use whatever you have on hand or prefer—the delightful flavors and texture will still shine through.
Can I make this skillet recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Omit the turkey and double up on beans (try pinto or kidney) or add more veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian twist that’s still super satisfying.
What if I only have flour tortillas?
No worries—flour tortillas can be cut into strips just like corn tortillas, and work wonderfully. For a crispier bite, try tossing in a handful of crushed tortilla chips instead.
Is there a way to make it spicier?
If you love heat, add diced jalapeños during cooking, toss in a few shakes of your favorite hot sauce, or use a spicy enchilada sauce for an extra kick to your Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe.
Can I prep the skillet ahead for meal prep?
This dish is fantastic for make-ahead meals. You can cook the turkey and mix up the filling a day in advance, then just assemble and melt the cheese when you’re ready to serve—easy and absolutely delicious!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple, satisfying, and downright comforting dinner, don’t wait another night to try this Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but always feels like something special. Gather your favorite toppings, dig in with family or friends, and enjoy every bold, cheesy bite!
Print
Turkey Enchilada Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Turkey Enchilada Skillet recipe is a delicious one-pan meal that combines the flavors of seasoned ground turkey, black beans, corn, and enchilada sauce, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. A quick and easy Mexican-inspired dish that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the Turkey Enchilada Skillet:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (10 oz) red enchilada sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 small corn tortillas, cut into strips
- Chopped fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the enchilada sauce, black beans, and corn. Add the tortilla strips and combine. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover and cook until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through, about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with cilantro and green onions before serving hot.
Notes
- You can substitute flour tortillas or crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy texture.
- Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Great topped with sour cream or avocado slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
