This one-pot Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet Meal got rave reviews all around from my family. This will be a regular at our dinner table, for sure! 375 calories and 6 Weight Watchers SP
This Ground Turkey Skillet Enchilada Meal is one of those meals that I can make at a moment’s notice because it’s rare that I don’t have the ingredients in the fridge and pantry. In fact, my family loved this meal so much that I’m sure to have everything on hand at all times. Enchilada sauce, salsa, diced green chiles, ground turkey, tortillas and black beans (plus a few other staples). Zippy flavors and a breeze to put together.
And if there’s no ground turkey in the fridge? I substitute it with shredded chicken or leave out the meat entirely and double up on the black beans and corn for a vegetarian version.
There is no shortage of one pot recipes here on Cookin’ Canuck because they always make dinnertime easier – from cooking to clean-up. I often pull from my list of 9 One-Pot Chicken Recipes, or turn to this one-pot orzo with shrimp or a vegetarian skillet meal.
Having a list of “go to” healthy dinner ideas helps me maintain my sanity during busy weeknights and this skillet meal is topping the list!
How to make an enchilada skillet meal:
Making this one pot meal couldn’t be easier! A bit of sautéing and about 10 minutes of simmering is all it takes.
Once the ground turkey is browned, sauté the aromatics with the spices. Onions, garlic and red bell pepper with cumin, oregano and salt.
Next, add all of the sauce ingredients – diced green chiles (liquid included), enchilada sauce and salsa. For the enchilada sauce, either go with homemade versions or use your favorite store-bought brand (I used the DePalmas green enchilada sauce – medium spice).
Stir in the black beans and corn, return the browned ground turkey to the pan, and let the whole mixture simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the corn tortilla strips, cover with grated cheese and garnish with cilantro. Ready to serve!
Can this one pot enchilada skillet be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Follow the recipe directions below through step 4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, allow it to cool, cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve it, heat the mixture in a large skillet set over medium heat. Stir in the tortilla strips, then top with the grated cheese and cilantro.
Can I use red enchilada sauce instead?
Either red or green enchilada sauce will work. I happen to prefer the taste of green enchilada sauce, but feel free to use red sauce if that’s your preference.
Is this recipe gluten free?
That depends. All of the boxes are checked – corn tortillas and rice are both gluten free ingredients. However, you want to be vigilant about the enchilada sauce if you are making this for someone who eats a gluten free diet. Some enchilada sauces include a wheat ingredient either in the spice mixture or as a thickener. Check labels carefully or stick with a homemade version to be safe.
Other healthy one pot meals:
One Pot Chicken, Quinoa, Mushroom & Spinach Recipe {Cookin’ Canuck}
One Pot Italian Chicken & Quinoa {Cookin’ Canuck}
Healthy One Pot Cauliflower Curry {Dietitian Debbie Dishes}
Healthy & Easy Chicken Marsala {Girl & the Kitchen}
Ground Turkey Enchilada Skillet Meal
Ingredients
- 1 pound extra lean ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin divided
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano divided
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt divided
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 3 teaspoons olive oil divided
- 1/2 yellow onion chopped
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 1/2 cups green enchilada sauce (I used medium spice)
- 3/4 cup salsa
- 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chiles
- 1 (14 oz.) can black beans drained & rinsed
- 3/4 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 3/4 cup cooked brown rice
- 4 corn tortillas cut into 1 1/2-inch strips
- 3/4 cup grated Pepper Jack cheese
- 3 tablespoons minced cilantro
Instructions
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly coat with cooking spray. Add the ground turkey, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon salt and pepper and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned. Transfer to a bowl.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 teaspoons olive oil to the skillet. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender and starting to brown, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil and stir in the red bell pepper. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in the garlic, remaining ½ teaspoon cumin, remaining ½ teaspoon oregano and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add the enchilada sauce, salsa, green chiles, black beans, corn, rice and cook ground turkey to the skillet. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in the corn tortillas, then sprinkle the cheese over the mixture. Cover the skillet for a minute to allow the cheese to melt.
- Garnish with cilantro. Serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Pam
I have made this a couple of times and I really do like it. I used brown jasmine rice and packaged southwest tortilla strips rather than corn tortillas. I would like to make this in the instant pot but I don’t think it would have the same excellent texture that cooking in in a skillet has (I found some IP recipes but they looked gummy to me). Thanks for a great recipe!
GinaJ
One of the best WW recipes I’ve made. Whole family LOVED! I used cauliflower rice instead of brown rice and no one even noticed. HA! Otherwise, I made exactly as written. Perfection.
Martha
I often have 93% ground turkey around and rarely the extra lean. If this dish is made with the 93%, how many points would it be? Has anyone figured it out? Looks wonderful. I will be trying it shortly!
Katie
Wow, this was SO GOOD!! It wasn’t the prettiest looking dish but my boyfriend and I both loved it!! This will be a regular in our home!
Dara
So great to hear that, Katie!
Melissa
Delicious
Brandy
Delicious and easy. My whole family complimented it and that’s rare! YUM.
Becky
Can I use red enchilada sauce?
Dara
Yes, that would definitely work.
Ke’ala
I replaced the red peppers with jalapeños, and I did not use the green chilies. II added some chicken broth in replacement of the juices from green chilies . I really liked this recipe and found it easy to make., healthy, and filling .
Jessica Williams
Is it ok to leave out the rice?
Dara
Sure. There will just be more liquid because the rice absorbs some of it.
Jason
This Recipe was a hit, quick and delicious!
Linda
Everyone loved this dish. Said it was addictive. It will be in my rotation for sure.
Dara
I’m so happy to hear it, Linda!
Michelle
This looks great, but I’m questioning whether the ingredients list is accurate. It calls for 3/4 cup cooked brown rice. This doesn’t seem right. I assume you’re supposed to add 3/4 cup uncooked rice. Is that correct?
Dara
Hi Michelle, “3/4 cooked brown rice” is actually correct. If you were to add uncooked brown rice, you would need far more liquid and a longer cooking time, so I definitely don’t suggest doing that. 🙂 I often have leftover brown rice in my fridge and this is a perfect dish to toss it into. Leftover quinoa or farro would work, too.
Carolyn
We loved it.i did not have corn tortillas i used white corn tortillas chips. Additionally, I did not have black bean so I used dark red k7dney beans. we added a dollop of sour cream. It makes a lot which is a help during COVID 19 quarantine.
Heidi @foodiecrush
Loved it Dara! We had to add a dollop or 3 of sour cream tot he top—it’s my man Jeff’s signature 😉 xoxoxo
Allison
I didn’t have enchilada sauce so I just used extra salsa and it waa still delicious. Thanks for an easy great recipe!
Dara
That’s great to hear, Allison!
Cathy
This is SO good! Thank you for your recipes, we thoroughly enjoy them.
karin
I made this last night and it was DELICIOUS!! I added some mushrooms that needed to be used.
I topped it with avocados, salsa and a dollop of sour cream! had some again and for lunch and shared the rest with my friends!
I’m enjoying your recipes, thanks so much!
Dara
That’s so great to hear, Karin! Thank you for commenting.
Linda
This was a huge hit in our house. Tons of flavor and very healthy!
Dara
That’s so great to hear, Linda! Thank you for letting me know.
Aanhetstrandvanoostende
I tried this recipe, it was delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Geminismom
I made some on-hand pantry tweaks, but we LOVED this. I have a 5 yr old who has an oral aversion, because she was a micro preemie. She shoveled this in a SO fast. It was amazing! My teen had 2 servings also. Thank you! Def making this again.
Dara
Love this! How great to hear it was a hit with both of your kids.