Skillet Turkey Tacos: Easy Weeknight Dinner in 20 Minutes

Name: Skillet Turkey Tacos: Easy Weeknight Dinner in 20 Minutes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 packet taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons); 1/2 cup water; 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 12 taco shells (corn or flour, your preference); Your favorite toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, lettuce, diced tomatoes, etc.

January 23, 2026

By:

Navy

Skillet turkey tacos are a weeknight staple in my house, and for good reason! They’re quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, making them the perfect solution for busy evenings when everyone’s craving something delicious. Plus, using a skillet makes cleanup a breeze. These skillet turkey tacos are a dish that brings comfort food convenience to any table.

Growing up, my grandmother would always make simple, flavorful meals that tasted like love. This recipe is inspired by her approach: using readily available ingredients to create something truly special.

Why You Will Love This skillet turkey tacos Recipe

These aren’t your average tacos. First, the ground turkey is cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet, resulting in crispy, flavorful bits that add amazing texture. The seasoning blend is simple but impactful, bringing out the best in the turkey’s natural flavor. What’s more? It comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal fuss or cleanup.

This recipe is also incredibly adaptable, making it easy to customize to your family’s preferences. Use your favorite toppings and salsa for a personalized taco experience that everyone will love! If you’ve enjoyed these tacos, you might like my Skillet Turkey Wraps for another delicious and quick meal.

skillet turkey tacos - Detail or variation — Close-up detail

Ingredients Needed for This skillet turkey tacos Recipe

1 pound ground turkey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons)
1/2 cup water
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
12 taco shells (corn or flour, your preference)
Your favorite toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, lettuce, diced tomatoes, etc.

How to Make This skillet turkey tacos Recipe

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.

3. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

4. Stir in the black beans, corn, and cilantro. Cook for another 2 minutes, until heated through.

5. Warm the taco shells according to package directions.

6. Fill each taco shell with the turkey mixture and your favorite toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy! Try a different take on skillet tacos with my recipe for Skillet Cod Tacos.

How to Serve This skillet turkey tacos Recipe

Serve these skillet turkey tacos hot, piled high with your favorite toppings. I like to set out a taco bar so everyone can customize their own tacos. Consider offering a variety of salsas, from mild to spicy, and different types of cheese, like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija.

Don’t forget the sides! A simple green salad, Mexican rice, or some tortilla chips with guacamole are all great accompaniments. For a lighter option, serve the turkey mixture over a bed of lettuce for a delicious taco salad.

How to Store This skillet turkey tacos Recipe

Leftover turkey mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the turkey mixture in a freezer safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Taco shells are best served fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Tips to Make This skillet turkey tacos Recipe

For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili powder or cumin to the taco seasoning.
Use lean ground turkey to keep the recipe healthy.
Don’t overcook the turkey, or it will become dry.
If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, you can make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and salt.
For a spicier version, add chopped jalapeños to the skillet along with the onion and garlic.

Helpful Notes for This skillet turkey tacos Recipe

The type of taco shell you use is entirely up to your preference. Corn tortillas are a classic choice and are naturally gluten free but flour tortillas are softer and more pliable. Hard taco shells provide a satisfying crunch, but can be more prone to breaking.

Feel free to adjust the amount of taco seasoning to your taste. Some taco seasoning packets can be quite salty, so start with less and add more to taste. You can also add in other vegetables along with the corn and beans. Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach would all be delicious additions to your skillet turkey tacos. If you’ve enjoyed this recipe, you might enjoy Skillet Turkey Wraps 2.

Variation of This skillet turkey tacos Recipe

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground turkey with crumbled tofu or black beans. Amp up the flavor with a squeeze of lime juice.

For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the seasoning blend. Get creative with your toppings! Consider adding pickled onions, roasted corn salsa, or a drizzle of chipotle mayo. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle shredded cheese directly into the skillet after cooking the turkey mixture and let it melt before serving. Then, Follow us on Pinterest for more unique and tasty recipes!

How do you keep skillet turkey tacos from being dry?

To prevent dry skillet turkey tacos, use a flavorful sauce or add some moisture such as diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, or even a little chicken broth to the meat mixture while it’s cooking. Be sure not to overcook the turkey.

What toppings are good for skillet turkey tacos?

Popular toppings include shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack are great), sour cream or Greek yogurt, salsa, guacamole, chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Get creative and use your favorites!

Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey for skillet tacos?

Yes, you can definitely use ground beef instead of ground turkey in this recipe. The cooking process will be very similar, although you may need to drain off some excess fat if using ground beef with a higher fat content.

How long do skillet turkey tacos last in the fridge?

Cooked skillet turkey taco meat can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving in tacos or other dishes.

Conclusion

I truly hope you love this skillet turkey tacos recipe as much as my family does. It’s a simple, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get togethers. Give this skillet turkey tacos recipe a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below!