Description
A vibrant, one-pan dinner featuring lean ground turkey and crisp vegetables tossed in classic taco seasonings, finished with melted cheddar and a squeeze of lime. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a colorful, low-carb crowd-pleaser perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 tsp Extra-virgin olive oil (For sautéing)
- 1 lb Lean ground turkey (Or substitute lean ground beef or chicken)
- 1 small Yellow onion (Diced)
- 1 large Red bell pepper (Diced)
- 2 small Zucchini (Cut into 1/2-inch chunks)
- 1/2 small Jalapeño (Seeded & finely minced optional for heat)
- 1 tsp Minced garlic (Or garlic paste)
- 1 cup Salsa (Your favorite brand & heat level)
- 2 Tbsp Taco seasoning (Store-bought or homemade)
- 1 Large lime (Juiced for brightness)
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese (Or Mexican blend)
- To taste Salt & black pepper
- Cilantro (Chopped for garnish (optional))
Instructions
Brown the Turkey & Onion:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground turkey and diced onion. Cook, breaking up the meat, until turkey is no longer pink and onion is softened, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat or liquid if needed.
Add Vegetables & Aromatics:
- Stir in bell pepper, zucchini, jalapeño (if using), and garlic.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5–7 minutes.
Season & Simmer:
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the mixture, then pour in salsa and lime juice.
- Stir until everything is well coated. Bring to a simmer and cook 3–5 minutes to meld flavors.
Melt the Cheese & Serve:
- Reduce heat to low. Evenly sprinkle cheddar over the skillet. Cover and let stand 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and gooey.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with cilantro, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
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Make-It-Yours: Swap in ground beef or chicken, or add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms.
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Heat Level: Increase jalapeño or stir in a dash of hot sauce for more spice.
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Meal Prep: Cooks up in one pan—easy cleanup and perfect for leftovers.
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Serving Suggestions: Enjoy with cauliflower rice for extra low-carb bulk or top with avocado slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American, Low-Carb, Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
