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Easy Taco Skillet Recipe

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4.2 from 70 reviews

This Easy Taco Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground turkey, fire-roasted tomatoes, and shredded zucchini combine with classic taco seasoning, cooked with rice and topped with melted cheddar cheese under the broiler for a deliciously cheesy finish. Customize with your favorite toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or pickled onions for a festive and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/2 large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 small zucchini, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 (14.5 oz) cans fire roasted tomatoes
  • 4 oz diced green chiles
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice or white rice
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Optional Toppings

  • Cilantro
  • Green onion
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Radish
  • Avocado
  • Jalapeño slices
  • Pickled red onions
  • Queso fresco

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive or avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking for about 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until the onion becomes tender. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
  2. Cook the Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart and cook, stirring frequently, until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add Flavor and Veggies: Stir in the shredded zucchini, chopped cilantro, taco seasoning, fresh lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for 2 minutes to combine the flavors and soften the zucchini slightly.
  4. Combine with Tomatoes, Rice, and Cheese: Pour in the fire-roasted tomatoes, diced green chiles, cooked rice, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup). Stir everything together until well incorporated and the cheese melts evenly throughout the mixture. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  5. Broil to Finish: Preheat your oven broiler. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese topping is melted and slightly browned. Watch carefully to prevent burning. Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with your choice of optional toppings like cilantro, avocado, or pickled onions. Serve warm with tortillas or tortilla chips if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if preferred.
  • Use white or brown rice based on your preference; make sure it is cooked before adding.
  • For a spicier dish, add extra jalapeño slices or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with taco seasoning.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • This recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring taco seasoning is gluten-free and using gluten-free tortillas or chips.
  • If you don’t have a broiler, you can microwave the cheese topping to melt or briefly bake at 375°F (190°C) until cheese melts.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/easy-taco-skillet-recipe/