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

There’s something so comforting about the mix of bold spices and melty cheese in this Easy Taco Skillet Recipe. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings all the best taco flavors together quickly – perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty without fuss.

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’ve made this Easy Taco Skillet Recipe so many times—some weeks it’s a go-to for dinner because it’s fast, flavorful, and hits all those crave-worthy Mexican-inspired notes. It’s a recipe that feels both homemade and a little festive without extra effort.

One-pan wonder: You cook meat, veggies, and all in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy.
Customizable: You can easily swap in different protein, veggies, or spice levels depending on what you love.
Balanced flavors: The combo of smoky spices, fresh cilantro, and creamy cheese keeps every bite exciting and satisfying.
Kid-friendly and family-approved: It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters tend to enjoy, especially with some toppings on the side.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients that play so nicely together—it’s all about layering flavor and texture. Plus, these ingredients are pretty easy to find, even last minute at the store.

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 just enough healthy fat to sauté and bring out the spices’ aromas.
Diced yellow onion: Gives a sweet, savory base that softens and caramelizes beautifully.
Red bell pepper: Adds brightness and a little crunch for contrast.
Lean ground turkey: A lighter protein that soaks up spices and keeps the skillet from feeling heavy.
Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika: These spices layer smoky, warm flavors—key for that authentic taco taste.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and highlight all the flavors.
Diced green chiles: Provide just enough mild heat and tanginess to brighten the dish.
Black beans: Add protein and texture, plus stretch the meal to feed more people.
Frozen corn: Sweet pops of flavor that complement the spices perfectly.
Chopped cilantro: A fresh herb that wakes up the dish with its vibrant notes.
Salsa: Brings a saucy, zesty base that keeps everything juicy and flavorful.
Shredded colby jack cheese: Melts quickly for that golden, gooey finish everyone loves.
Tortilla chips: Add a surprise crunch under the cheesy top layer.

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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

What I love about this Easy Taco Skillet Recipe is how flexible it feels. I often tweak it depending on what I have at hand or who's joining for dinner, and it always turns out delicious.

Variation: I sometimes swap ground turkey for ground beef or even plant-based crumbles when I’m feeling meatless—both work beautifully without losing flavor.
Add extra veggies: Roasted zucchini, mushrooms, or even fresh diced tomatoes can boost the nutrition and make it even more vibrant.
Spice it up: If you like heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or add a dash of cayenne to the spice blend.
Cheese swaps: I’ve tried sharp cheddar or even crumbled queso fresco for different textures and tastes.

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: Get that skillet hot and ready

Start by heating a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl in a tablespoon of olive oil so it coats the bottom evenly—this ensures your turkey won’t stick and cooks nicely.

Step 2: Brown the ground turkey and soften the veggies

Add the lean ground turkey and crumble it with your spatula as it cooks. Push it to one side and toss the diced onion and red pepper in the empty space. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika at this stage to let the spices bloom. Keep stirring until the turkey is fully cooked, and the veggies are tender but still vibrant.

Step 3: Stir in the beans, corn, chiles, cilantro, and salsa

Once the meat and veggies are ready, add the black beans (drained and rinsed to keep things fresh), frozen corn, diced green chiles, cilantro, and your favorite jar of salsa. Mix everything well and heat through, letting flavors mingle for about 3–5 minutes.

Step 4: Top with chips and cheese, then broil

Sprinkle tortilla chips evenly over the skillet’s surface, then cover with a generous layer of shredded colby jack cheese. Pop the skillet under the broiler for just a couple of minutes—keep a close eye so the cheese melts perfectly and gets those lightly browned spots without burning.

Step 5: Garnish and serve

Remove from the oven, sprinkle a little extra fresh cilantro on top for a bright finish, and serve straight from the pan. It’s casual, fun, and seriously tasty.

Top Tip

After making this Easy Taco Skillet Recipe several times, these tips really helped me perfect it and avoid common pitfalls—plus they’ll help you get the most flavor without extra hassle.

Don’t skip the spices: Adding chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder at the right moment lets the flavors deepen while cooking the meat and veggies.
Watch the broiler closely: Cheese can go from beautifully gooey to burnt in seconds, so I usually stay right beside the oven during this step.
Rinse canned beans: It cuts any excess sodium and keeps the dish tasting fresh and clean, rather than heavy or canned.
Fresh cilantro last: Adding it at the very end preserves its vibrant flavor and color—definitely don’t sauté it with the veggies!

How to Serve Easy Taco Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I love to top this with more chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice—that bright acidity makes all the flavors pop. Sometimes I add a dollop of sour cream or cool guacamole if I’m feeling extra indulgent.

Side Dishes

This skillet pairs wonderfully with Mexican rice or a simple side salad with avocado and a drizzle of lime vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, black beans or corn on the cob work beautifully alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual dinner party, I’ve served this right in the skillet on the table surrounded by small bowls of chopped onions, jalapeños, pico de gallo, and sliced radishes so everyone can customize their plates. It’s fun, interactive, and looks festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and the flavors actually meld together nicely overnight. Just keep the chips and cheese out when storing if you don't want sogginess—add fresh ones when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe once or twice with good results—just skip adding the chips and cheese before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add fresh toppings when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. I like to add fresh tortilla chips and cheese on top, then pop it under the broiler for a minute to revive that crispy cheesy goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the ground turkey with plant-based crumbles or extra beans and veggies for a delicious vegetarian version that still packs plenty of protein and flavor.

What can I substitute for the tortilla chips?

If you want to skip tortilla chips, try crushed tortilla strips, crunchy pita chips, or even a sprinkling of toasted breadcrumbs for a similar texture with a little twist.

Can I use a different cheese?

Definitely! Cheeses like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack work great here if you want to mix up the flavor profile or add a little heat. Just choose something that melts well.

How long does this recipe take from start to finish?

Total active time for this Easy Taco Skillet Recipe is about 30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal option — perfect for weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Taco Skillet Recipe holds a special spot in my weekly meal rotation because it’s fast, flavorful, and perfectly flexible for whatever I have on hand. Cooking it feels like a small celebration of flavors, and sharing it feels like I’m inviting friends to something simple but satisfying. I hope you enjoy making and customizing it as much as I do—it’s an easy go-to for happy, delicious dinners.