Name: Ground Turkey Quinoa Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: Olive Oil; Diced Yellow Onion; Lean Ground Turkey; Taco Seasoning; Canned Black Beans; Diced Fire-Roasted Tomatoes; Diced Green Chilies; Frozen Corn; Uncooked Quinoa; Salsa Verde; Water

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There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of dinner simmering away on the stove, especially during a busy weeknight. Picture it: the gentle sizzle of ground turkey mingling with fragrant onions and spices, the pop of fire-roasted tomatoes, and that vibrant green touch from salsa verde. This Ground Turkey Quinoa Skillet is not only visually appealing—with its colorful ingredients—but it also gives off a tempting aroma that draws you and your family into the kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Ground Turkey Quinoa Skillet
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Ground Turkey Quinoa Skillet

As a child, I remember watching my mom whip up one-pot meals like this, which always brought us together at the dinner table. Those evenings spent sharing stories and laughter over a warm meal are memories I cherish. Now, with this Ground Turkey Quinoa Skillet, you can create that same cozy atmosphere in your own home. It’s quick, easy, and truly delicious—perfect for bringing a little warmth and joy to your weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for hectic weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of taco seasoning and salsa verde creates a zesty, savory dish that keeps you coming back for more.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful mix of ingredients makes it as fun to look at as it is to eat!
Flexible Serving: Ideal for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep for the week—so many options to enjoy.
Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free, and you can easily swap in different proteins or veggies to suit your dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive Oil: Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for cooking. It adds a lovely flavor while helping cook the ingredients without sticking. If you’re in a pinch, any neutral oil will work, but olive oil really enhances the taste.
Diced Yellow Onion: We use this for a sweet and aromatic base. If you’re short on time, shallots or even pre-chopped onion can substitute in nicely.
Lean Ground Turkey: This is a lean protein that keeps the dish light yet filling. Ground chicken or beef could also be used, depending on your flavor preference.
Taco Seasoning: A delightful mix of spices that adds warmth and depth. You can use a store-bought packet or make your own for a fresher flavor.
Canned Black Beans: Packed with fiber and protein, rinsed black beans add great texture. Feel free to swap with kidney or pinto beans, if you prefer.
Diced Fire-Roasted Tomatoes: They bring a smokiness that enriches the skillet. Fresh diced tomatoes can work in a pinch, but the smoking process makes a real difference.
Diced Green Chilies: These add a pleasant heat without being overwhelming. You can adjust or omit them based on your family’s heat tolerance.
Frozen Corn: Sweet pop to the dish; use frozen for convenience, but canned corn or fresh corn also works beautifully.
Uncooked Quinoa: Rinsing it first helps remove the bitter coating called saponin, ensuring a nutty flavor. You could also substitute with rice, but the quinoa gives more protein.
Salsa Verde: This green salsa adds a tangy brightness that elevates the whole dish. If you don’t have it, any salsa would work here, but adjust the spices accordingly.
Water: Needed to cook the quinoa perfectly! You can replace with chicken or vegetable broth for added depth.

How to Make Ground Turkey Quinoa Skillet

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, toss in the diced yellow onion and lean ground turkey. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and the onions are translucent. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden hue; the kitchen will be fragrant by now!

Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in 1½ tablespoons of taco seasoning, stirring well to coat the turkey and onion mixture. Cook for another minute until the spices become fragrant and the flavors meld together. This simple step is essential—it makes everything more flavorful!

Combine the Goodies: Stir in the diced green chilies, drained black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes with their juices, frozen corn, rinsed quinoa, salsa verde, and water. Mix until fully combined, ensuring the quinoa is evenly distributed for even cooking. It should look colorful and inviting at this point!

Simmer Away: Bring this colorful mix to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Don’t peek too often—keeping that lid on helps retain steam!

Melt the Cheese: Once cooked, sprinkle a cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese on top of the skillet. Cover again and let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese has melted beautifully. At this point, the dish transforms into a cheesy, comforting masterpiece that’s simply irresistible.

Serve & Enjoy!: Serve hot, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime, if desired. The freshness will brighten each bite, making every mouthful delightful. Enjoy this hearty dish straight from the skillet for a cozy family meal!

Storing & Reheating

Once your Ground Turkey Quinoa Skillet has cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, transfer to freezer-safe containers—you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When it’s time to reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to refresh the texture. Be mindful that quinoa may absorb excess moisture, so adding water can help restore that creamy consistency.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the turkey; it can dry out. Cook until it’s just browned, and remember that it will continue cooking while simmering with other ingredients.
Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the saponins, which can impart a bitter flavor to your dish.
Want to amp up the heat? Add extra diced jalapeños when cooking or a splash of hot sauce before serving!
Feel free to switch up the greens—use spinach or kale, added in during the last five minutes of simmering for a nutritious boost.
Leftovers can be turned into burrito fillings or tacos, making it an easy next-day meal!
Experiment with various cheese types, like pepper jack for a spicy kick or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.

If you’ve been searching for a warm and delicious dish that brings both nostalgia and convenience, this Ground Turkey Quinoa Skillet is your perfect match. Not only does it deliver on comfort with each spoonful, but it also encourages exploration through its flexible ingredients. Feel free to adjust seasonings or swap in your favorite veggies to make it your own. Enjoy this tasty creation that shines on the dinner table and brings everyone together!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of meat in this skillet?

Absolutely! If you prefer beef, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives, feel free to substitute them for the ground turkey. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly based on the type of protein used—ground chicken may cook quicker, while beef or pork may take a bit longer.

How spicy is this Ground Turkey Quinoa Skillet?

The recipe itself is fairly mild, thanks to the diced green chilies and taco seasoning. If you’re looking for extra heat, you can add jalapeños or some crushed red pepper flakes during cooking. Alternatively, you could use a spicier taco seasoning mix to kick things up a notch!

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the turkey and onion mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to enjoy, simply follow the remaining steps to add the quinoa and other ingredients. This will make for an even faster, fuss-free dinner on a busy night!

What can I serve with this skillet dish?

This skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, but you can complement it with a simple side salad or some homemade guacamole and tortilla chips for added crunch. Slices of fresh avocado or dollops of sour cream can also enhance the overall experience!