Dinner time at my house can be wild. With three teenagers, everyone is hungry at a different time, and they all want something different. I am always looking for easy weeknight dinners that make everyone happy without me spending forever in the kitchen. That is how this recipe came to life. It is one of those easy ground turkey recipes for dinner that actually tastes good and fills everyone up.
I love making one pan meals and one pot meals because there is less mess and less stress. This skillet dinner checks all the boxes. It is quick, cozy, and full of flavor. You can call it one of my favorite simple ground turkey recipes because it takes only a few ingredients and a little time. Perfect for those days when life feels too busy and you just need easy meals with ground turkey that everyone will actually eat.
Over the years, I have tried so many ground turkey recipes and honestly, this one is right up there with the best. It is one of those good fall recipes for dinner that makes the house smell so nice and feels like home. I love finding new things to make with ground turkey and this one is always a winner with my crew.
If you have been wondering what to cook with turkey ground meat or searching for ideas for turkey ground meat, this recipe is for you. It is one of those quick ground turkey recipes that you can make when you are short on time but still want a warm homemade dinner. You can try it for ground turkey meal ideas, or even if you just need supper ideas with ground turkey that are healthy-ish but still taste like comfort food.
This skillet is also one of my go-to ground turkey dinner ideas because it fits right into our busy week. It is one of those turkey ground meat recipes that you can mix up with whatever veggies you have at home. If you are ever stuck thinking about what to make with ground turkey, just pull this recipe out. It is one of the best meals with ground turkey and totally fits the list of easy recipes ground turkey lovers will enjoy.
Dinner should not be complicated, especially with teens running around. This meal is proof that simple can still be amazing. Add it to your list of ground turkey meals and trust me, it will become one of your favorite meals to make with ground turkey when you just need dinner to happen fast.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (about 14 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheese (optional but very yummy)
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1. Cook the turkey
Heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook it until it turns brown. Break it apart with your spoon as it cooks.
Step 2. Add the veggies
Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for about five minutes. The veggies should start to get soft and smell so good.
Step 3. Add the flavor
Now add the diced tomatoes, corn, and all the seasonings. Mix everything together and let it cook for about ten minutes. This helps all the flavors mix and taste amazing.
Step 4. Add cheese on top
If you like it cheesy, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cover the skillet for a minute until it melts. It gets all gooey and makes it extra cozy.
Step 5. Serve and enjoy
Scoop it into bowls and serve it as is or with rice, noodles, or tortillas. It also tastes great in a wrap for an easy lunch.
Tips and Ideas
You can add other veggies like zucchini or spinach if you have them. You can also toss in some cooked beans or quinoa to make it even heartier. If you want it spicy, add a little hot sauce or sliced jalapeño.
Sometimes I make this skillet dinner with a side of rice and a little salad. Other times I just scoop it up with tortilla chips. The kids love it both ways.
My Little Mom Moment
This dinner has saved me so many times on busy nights. I remember once my youngest was having one of those days where she just wanted to be held the whole time, and my oldest had homework spread all over the counter, and dinner time was coming fast. I made this skillet dinner in about 20 minutes with one hand stirring and one hand holding her. And somehow, dinner turned out perfect.
That is the magic of simple recipes like this. They give us a little win on the nights that feel a bit too much. It is warm, filling, and feels like a hug in a bowl.
Meal Prep Tips
- Cook the ground turkey ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then just reheat and add the veggies when you are ready to eat.
- Chop all your veggies like onion, bell pepper, and garlic the night before to save time on busy weeknights.
- Double the recipe so you can have leftovers for lunch or another dinner later in the week.
- You can portion it into meal prep containers with rice or pasta for easy grab-and-go meals.
- If you like more flavor, mix the seasonings ahead and store them in a little jar. Makes cooking faster when you are in a rush.
Storage Tips
- Let the skillet cool completely before storing it in the fridge.
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- You can freeze it too. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
- If it gets a little dry after reheating, add a splash of broth or water to bring back the moisture.
FAQs
Can I use another meat instead of ground turkey?
Yes, you can use ground chicken, ground beef, or even ground pork if you prefer. The cooking steps stay the same, just make sure to cook it fully before adding the veggies.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this is a great meal to make ahead. You can cook everything, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for a few days. It reheats really well for a quick dinner or lunch.
How do I keep the turkey from drying out?
Try not to overcook it. Once the turkey turns brown and is no longer pink, it is done. Adding the tomatoes and veggies helps keep it moist and flavorful.
Can I make it dairy free?
Yes, you can skip the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. It will still taste really good without it.
Ground Turkey Skillet Dinner Recipe Card
Ground Turkey Skillet Dinner
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion , chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper , diced
- 1 cup corn fresh, frozen, or canned
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14 ounces
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded cheese optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until brown. Break it apart with a spoon while it cooks.
- Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies start to soften and smell really good.
- Add the diced tomatoes, corn, and all your seasonings. Stir well and let it cook for about 10 minutes so all the flavors come together.
- If you want it cheesy, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cover for a minute to let it melt and get all gooey.
- Serve warm with rice, pasta, or tortillas. You can also scoop it into a bowl and enjoy it as is.
Notes
Tips
- Do not overcook the turkey or it might get dry.
- Add a splash of chicken broth or tomato sauce if it gets too thick.
- You can make it ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat with a little water or broth to keep it juicy.
Variations
- Add black beans or kidney beans to make it heartier.
- Mix in cooked rice or quinoa for a complete one pot meal.
- Try different veggies like zucchini, spinach, or carrots.
- For extra spice, add jalapeños or a little hot sauce.
- Use ground chicken or beef instead of turkey if that is what you have.
Dinner time is such a big deal in my house. With three teenagers, everyone walks into the kitchen asking what is for dinner before I can even sit down. That is why I love simple meals like this ground turkey skillet. It makes life just a little easier and brings everyone to the table without much fuss.
This recipe is one of my favorite dinner ideas with ground turkey because it is fast, filling, and does not need a bunch of fancy stuff. It fits right in with those easy ground turkey recipes for dinner that save you on busy nights. I like how it feels like comfort food but still a little healthy. You can call it one of those easy meals with ground turkey that makes weeknights smoother.
I am always looking for easy recipes ground turkey fans will love, and this one never fails. It has become one of our good fall recipes for dinner because it is warm, cozy, and makes the whole house smell amazing. Plus, it is one of those ground turkey meal ideas that you can change up however you like.
If you ever find yourself standing in the kitchen wondering what to cook with turkey ground meat or what to make with ground turkey, this one is it. It is one of those simple ground turkey recipes that you will come back to again and again. You can serve it with rice, noodles, or even just as is for quick ground turkey recipes that please everyone.
There are so many things to make with ground turkey, but this one might be my favorite. It is one of those turkey ground meat recipes that feels like a win every time. I love one pan meals and one pot meals because there is less cleanup, and that is a huge bonus after a long day.
If you want new ground turkey dinner ideas or easy weeknight dinners that come together fast, this recipe is for you. It fits all the boxes for meals with ground turkey that are simple but taste like you tried harder than you did. Add this one to your list of ground turkey meals and supper ideas with ground turkey, and I promise it will become one of your go-to recipes using ground turkey when life gets busy.
Sometimes the best dinners are not fancy. They are just made with love, a little time, and one pan.
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