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Keto Ground Turkey Taco Skillet - A Fast, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner

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

Ingredients
  

  • Ground turkey (93% lean) – 1 to 1.25 pounds
  • Avocado oil or olive oil – 1 to 2 tablespoons
  • Yellow onion – 1 small, diced
  • Bell peppers – 2 (any color), diced
  • Zucchini – 1 medium, diced
  • Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
  • Tomato paste (no sugar added) – 1 tablespoon
  • Diced green chiles – 1 small can (optional for extra kick)
  • Chicken or bone broth – 1/2 cup
  • Fresh lime – 1, for juice and zest
  • Cilantro – small bunch, chopped
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or Mexican blend) – 1 to 1.5 cups
  • Avocado – 1 to 2, sliced or diced
  • Sour cream – for topping (optional)
  • Romaine or iceberg lettuce – for serving as a bowl (optional)
  • Spices: Chili powder – 1 tablespoon
  • Cumin – 2 teaspoons
  • Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
  • Oregano – 1 teaspoon
  • Garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Onion powder – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne – pinch to 1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper – to taste

Method
 

  1. Prep the produce. Dice the onion, bell peppers, and zucchini. Mince the garlic. Chop the cilantro. Slice the avocado and set aside for serving.
  2. Warm the skillet. Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the avocado oil.
  3. Brown the turkey. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until no pink remains and edges start to brown, about 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s excess liquid, spoon it off for better browning.
  4. Sweat the aromatics. Add onion and bell peppers. Cook 3 to 4 minutes until they soften. Stir in zucchini and cook another 2 minutes.
  5. Add garlic and spices. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne if using. Cook 30 to 60 seconds, until fragrant.
  6. Build the sauce. Stir in tomato paste and diced green chiles. Add broth and simmer 3 to 4 minutes, stirring, until the liquid reduces into a saucy coating. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and heat.
  7. Finish with lime and cilantro. Turn off the heat. Add lime zest and juice plus half the cilantro. The acidity brightens the skillet and balances the spices.
  8. Cheese it. Sprinkle cheese evenly on top. Cover for 1 to 2 minutes to melt. If your skillet is oven-safe, you can broil for 1 to 2 minutes for a bubbly top.
  9. Serve. Spoon into bowls over shredded lettuce for crunch. Top with avocado, a dollop of sour cream, and the remaining cilantro. Add extra lime wedges if you like.