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Ground Turkey Jalapeño Popper Skillet - Creamy, Spicy, and Weeknight Easy

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped (optional but recommended)
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean works well)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3–4 fresh jalapeños, seeded and diced (leave some seeds for extra heat)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Crisp the bacon: Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crisp. Remove to a paper towel–lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pan. If skipping bacon, warm olive oil instead.
  2. Brown the turkey: Add olive oil if needed, then add ground turkey. Cook 4–6 minutes, breaking it into crumbles, until no longer pink. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Soften the veggies: Stir in onion and jalapeños. Cook 3–4 minutes, until the onion is translucent and jalapeños soften. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Spice it up: Sprinkle in smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the turkey and veggies. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  5. Make it creamy: Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese in chunks and stir until melted and smooth. Fold in Greek yogurt (or sour cream) until combined and creamy.
  6. Add the cheese: Sprinkle in cheddar and Monterey Jack. Stir until melted and silky. If it seems too thick, add a splash of water or milk to loosen.
  7. Finish: Stir in lime juice for brightness and half the cooked bacon. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or heat with extra jalapeños or a pinch of chili powder.
  8. Serve: Top with remaining bacon, cilantro, and green onions. Serve straight from the skillet with your choice of sides—cauliflower rice, tortilla chips, warm tortillas, or a simple salad.