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Keto 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
  

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean works well)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small zucchini, diced
  • 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained
  • 1/3 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, sour cream, sliced jalapeño, extra cilantro, green onions
  • Optional low-carb bases: cauliflower rice, shredded lettuce, or low-carb tortillas

Method
 

  1. Warm the skillet: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the pan hot so the turkey browns instead of steams.
  2. Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey. Break it up with a spatula and cook until no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes. If there’s excess liquid, spoon it off so flavors concentrate.
  3. Add aromatics: Stir in the onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Season well: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the meat and veggies, toasting the spices for 30–60 seconds.
  5. Build the skillet: Add the diced zucchini, drained tomatoes with green chiles, and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Simmer and reduce: Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the zucchini softens and most of the liquid reduces. You want a thick, spoonable mixture.
  7. Melt the cheese: Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle cheese evenly over the skillet. Cover for 1–2 minutes until melted and gooey.
  8. Finish with freshness: Turn off heat. Squeeze in the lime juice and fold in cilantro, if using. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  9. Serve your way: Spoon into bowls over cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce, or tuck into low-carb tortillas. Add avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños on top.