Turkey Taco Skillet – it is like consuming chips and dip for dinner!

Turkey taco skillet is my reply to consuming chips and dip for dinner, however possibly just a little bit more healthy. Perfect for Netflix marathons or only a informal meal, this one pot meal is straightforward to make and tremendous enjoyable to eat.

This publish was initially printed on August 18, 2018. It has been up to date with new pictures and content material. Enjoy!

So chips and dip have all the time been close to and pricey to my coronary heart, however truthfully I’ve by no means understood simply how a lot I rely upon them till confronted with a pandemic that forces me to remain inside and devour mass portions of tv for hours on finish. But chips and dip don’t a dinner make…or do they???

If you are feeling equally in regards to the very actual and (for my part) very good thought of turning all of our most beloved snack meals into one thing extra appropriate for daily consumption, you then’ll completely be on board with this recipe.

Turkey Taco Skillet

It feels like a taco, it feels like a one pan meal, it sounds vaguely wholesome, and sort of Mexican…and it’s all of these issues, however if you happen to look previous all that you simply’ll see what I see. An enormous outdated pan of tacky, spicy, taco dip, simply ready to get scooped up by the closest tortilla chip in sight.  I imply severely, what might all of us use greater than enjoyable and straightforward consolation meals proper now?

And whereas this turkey taco skillet positively hits the indulgence buttons the place all of us love them (chips and cheese) it’s additionally filled with contemporary veggies and lean protein, which I’m going to name a win, contemplating I’ve eaten nothing however bread, butter, and Oreos for the previous three days.

So take pleasure in it with your loved ones whereas watching one thing about Tigers on Netflix, or whereas Zooming together with your socially distanced however nonetheless tremendous fabulous group of besties. But no matter you do, positively do it with chips!

What Type of Ground Turkey Should I Buy?

Well in these bizarre instances I’d say go for no matter you’ll find, truthfully. But if I had my druthers (like within the earlier than instances) I are likely to go for darkish meat floor turkey. Most of time it received’t be labeled like that although, so that you’ll wish to search for one thing that’s 90% lean or much less. This simply signifies that it has a barely greater fats content material than all chicken turkey, and that added fats will assist hold your nonetheless very lean turkey meat from drying out. OR…

Make Your Own Ground Turkey

I do know this looks like a heavy elevate, and if you happen to don’t have a meals processor, properly then sure, it’s. But if you happen to do occur to have an honest meals processor at your disposal, that is the time (whenever you’re caught at house and easily can not watch Frozen 2 another G-D time) to make use of it! Grinding your individual meat this fashion is straightforward, economical, and offers you the chance to know EXACTLY what you’re consuming. Here’s how:

1. Take your meat of alternative (on this case turkey) and minimize it into 2 inch chunks.
2. Lay the chunks out on a parchment lined baking sheet and pop the entire thing within the freezer for about 20 minutes. You’re searching for the meat to be agency, however not frozen strong.
3. Once the meat has chilled pop it into your meals processor in batches (I wouldn’t attempt to grind a couple of cup at a time). Use 1-2 second pulses to course of your turkey right into a pleasantly coarse grind. Transfer the now floor turkey to a bowl and repeat with the remaining turkey meat.

Simple Substitutions

I’m all about subbing issues in (until you’re baking, by which case it might get just a little dicey) and out of recipes. I don’t assume that your entire inventory your fridge the identical means I do, or that you simply even like all the identical stuff (for example I believe cilantro is just about the satan of all meals, GROSS). We are all entitled to our opinions, and even simply our circumstances. So listed here are some simple substitutions for making this turkey taco skillet that may nonetheless honor the spirit of the dish, whereas additionally holding you from going insane.

• Ground turkey – Feel free to sub in floor beef, floor rooster, or the meat substitute of your alternative (I’d skip very fatty cuts like pork or lamb). If you’re utilizing beef, go for the leanest you’ll find. Conversely, if you happen to’re subbing in rooster go for darkish meat, reasonably than all chicken. Or grind your individual!
• Veggies – I used onions, bell peppers, and corn right here as a result of to me they scream TACO! But you might actually use any vegetable that speaks to you right here. Some combos that spring to thoughts…
  • Sweet potato, poblano peppers, and black beans
  • Zucchini, pink onion, and mushrooms
  • Squash, jicama, and jalapenos
• Fresh Tomatoes – OF COURSE you should utilize canned tomatoes! Especially if you happen to’re making this when tomatoes usually are not at their finest. In truth in that case I’d reasonably you employ canned. If you’re going that route simply ensure they’re diced and drained. And if you happen to discover the type which might be hearth roasted or studded with inexperienced chilis, even higher.
• Cheese – Cheese, I’ve discovered, is a deeply private alternative, and I might by no means consider steering you down any tacky path you don’t really feel nice about. That being mentioned, I’d persist with cheeses that soften properly (so not feta, goat, ricotta, or haloumi) and that pack some punch within the taste division (ie: not the time for that contemporary buffalo mozzarella or tremendous gentle provolone). If you’ll be able to, grate your individual (it’s higher I promise) however if you happen to’re into the pre-shredded biz, don’t let that cease you from making this fabulous meal.
• Toppings – What are tacos with out toppings? Sad, that’s what. This is the time to let your freak flag fly if you happen to so select. Minimal or maximal, loopy or demure, conventional or off the wall – it’s your panorama, paint it as you want. But if you happen to’re in want of inspiration, just a few of my faves embody:
  • Avocado
  • Sour Cream
  • Pickled jalapenos
  • Pickled pink onions
  • Raw pink onions
  • Pomegranate
  • Toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • Crispy fried garlic
  • All the new sauce
  • Crushed up fritos (as a result of why not have chips together with your chips?)
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomato (in the event that they’re wanting good that’s)
  • Refried beans
  • Or anything that floats your boat!
• Chips – OK, no you don’t should eat this with chips. You might simply make this a barely more healthy and extra formal meal by serving it over rice, quinoa, or crunchy greens and consuming it with a fork, like a correct girl/gentleman. But if you happen to’d nonetheless wish to go the chip and dip route, however don’t wish to decide to all of the tortilla chips then be at liberty to sub in thick slices of cucumber, carrot or bell pepper and be amazed how a lot these issues can FEEL like chips, even once they so clearly aren’t.

How Can I Use the Leftovers?

Ha, such as you’ll have any! But if you happen to do no worries. You can reheat and repeat the subsequent day, or you’ll be able to re-purpose them into one thing new. A pair concepts to encourage you:

• Toss the leftovers into some mushy scrambled eggs and pile them right into a tortilla for a hearty breakfast taco.
• Pile right into a bowl with shredded lettuce, some zesty salsa, and the damaged chips on the backside of the bag. Toss collectively for a taco salad.
• Boil some pasta in salted water. Hold onto a number of the pasta cooking liquid earlier than you drain the noodles. Reheat leftovers in a skillet with a small chunk of cream cheese, some black beans, and a splash or two of your reserved pasta water. Stir the pasta into the sauce and season to style with scorching sauce. Taco pasta is served!

Alright, now you’re armed with (most likely) extra details about a turkey taco skillet than you’d ever want. But if you happen to’re something like me, information is a consolation to me most days, so take pleasure in a hearty doss from me.

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