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    Home » Recipes » Dinner

    Healthy Cheesy Taco Skillet (Quick and Easy!)

    Published: Oct 25, 2022 · Modified: Jan 30, 2025 by Natalie Perry · This post may contain affiliate links · 5 Comments

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    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Slide on into Taco Tuesday with our quick and delicious healthy taco skillet. Using a single skillet, dinner tonight will be ready in 30 minutes. Our cheesy taco skillet is an easy recipe with simple ingredients. It is sure to be a family favorite, especially on busy weeknights. Even the picky eaters will be first in line with their plates ready! 

    A prepared bowl of Healthy Cheesy Taco Skillet up close garnished with black pepper, tomato, avocado, cheese and a cilantro leaf this …
    Jump to:
    • Setting Intentions
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Variations and Substitutions
    • Equipment
    • Storage
    • FAQ
    • Recipe
    • Food safety
    • Comments

    Our family loves several different variations of taco night. We love Mexican food-inspired meals like chicken taco soup, chicken tortilla soup, keto enchiladas, shredded chicken tacos, turkey taco bake, cajun shrimp tacos, and Mahi tacos are a few of our favorites.

    Recently, we were in need of healthy meal solutions for hotel living. Especially since we were without a kitchen and stove top or any of our staple supplies from home.

    Eating out daily during an extended stay can get costly- financially and health-wise. 

    After just a few meals on the road, we began to feel the effects of convenience foods and knew we needed to come up with a healthier plan. So, we picked up an electric skillet and a few basic kitchen items for our room to create some healthy and delicious one pot meals while away from home. Let the fun begin! 

    If you want more tips and tricks for cooking while camping or traveling, check out this helpful outdoor kitchen ideas guide!

    Setting Intentions

    The power of affirmations, intentions, and prayers while making and consuming food is monumental.

     Our intentions were simple for this healthy taco skillet meal. We wanted to create the comforts of home while out on the road with healthy and delicious food. 

    If you choose to set intentions for your meal, here are a few helpful suggestions:

    My intention is to create a tasty and nutritious meal for myself/ my family.

     I feel fantastic eating clean and nutritious foods. 

     Every bite of this meal will be satisfying, comforting, and nourishing. 

    My intention is for everyone who eats this meal to receive exactly what their body needs to feel its best. 

    Let’s get ready to head on over to the grocery store to grab the ingredients for dinner tonight

    Ingredients

    For a taco-inspired dish like our healthy taco skillet, we included several typical ingredients used in a traditional taco night. The meat mixture, seasoning, and toppings. Add some rice and stir in some cheese and you have a delicious bowl of taco skillet bake. Plus; it’s healthy too!

    ingredients for cheesy taco skillet with cheese, avocado, oil, corn, beans, tomato, lime, cilantro, ground turkey, rice, and taco seasoning

    If you are getting ready to make your shopping list, be sure to include:

    Ground Turkey

    For a lean, yet filling protein. Feel free to sub proteins out for a slightly different flavor profile. Ground beef or ground chicken works well with the taco flavors in this dish

    Wild Rice

    Bone Broth, Chicken Broth, or Beef Stock

    Bone broth is amazing, especially homemade bone broth. The marrow minerals collagen and nutrients add a boost of immune and gut support and healing. It is also amazingly worth the effort to make it yourself. If you don’t have bone broth opt for vegetable or chicken stock. 

    Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles

    Definitely go for the organic brand to avoid unnecessary ingredients and processing

    Avocado Oil

    Organic Corn

    Canned or Frozen

    Organic Black Beans

    Organic Ground Turkey

    Taco Seasoning 

    We used Siete taco seasoning. Remember to check the ingredients to make sure it’s just the spice seasoning ingredients that you’re getting.

    Onion

    Garlic

     For this one, you will want to go organic as conventional garlic is bleached and grown in very poor conditions

    Shredded Mexican-Style Cheese

    Again, organic is best! 

    Optional Toppings for Healthy Taco Skillet

    Additional cheese, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, diced avocado, diced tomatoes, salsa or hot sauce, chopped cilantro

    See the recipe card for quantities

    Instructions

    wild rice cooking in water in a skillet

    Cook rice in 2 cups of water or broth. Boil the liquid and add rice. Stir to combine and simmer on medium-low with the lid on for 15 min or until the liquid has evaporated. Turn the heat off and let steam, covered for 2 minutes. Fluff rice and set aside. 

    ground turkey cooking in a skillet with onions

    Heat skillet to medium-high heat; add oil, then garlic and onions. Season with salt and pepper. Stir, cooking until onions are softened. About 2 minutes.

    Add ground turkey and cook while tossing and breaking it apart until it is brown and no more pink is seen. Internal temp should be 165. Approx 10 min 

    ground turkey in skillet with onion and taco seasoning mixed in

    Add taco seasoning and 1 tablespoon water to cooked meat. Stir to combine. 

    a skillet with rice beans corn tomato and ground turkey

    Add corn, beans, a squeeze of lime, fire-roasted tomatoes, and cooked rice. Cook while stirring on medium heat for 3-4 minutes more to meld flavors together.

    Add cheese and allow to melt. 

    Remove from heat. Serve hot and top with chopped avocado, tomatoes, cheese, hot sauce, Greek yogurt, and/or cilantro if desired. Enjoy!

    Variations and Substitutions


    Spicy:

    If you like extra spice, add some chipotle chili powder, red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper for an extra kick to an already delicious recipe!

    Vegan/Vegetarian Version:

    Simply remove the meat, cheese, and Greek yogurt. Feel free to add plain cashew, coconut, or other plant-based yogurts for a creamy topping!

    Low carb/Grain-free/Paleo/Keto:

    Consider substituting the rice with cauliflower rice

    Bonus Tip:

    This Mexican Skillet in any variation pairs well with crispy tortilla chips, bean chips, and salsa or guacamole! Also, consider a simple side salad for a starter or side dish. You can put it all together and make it a taco salad if you want! Wrap it up in flour tortillas for a burrito the next day.

    The possibilities are endless. 

    Equipment

    Just one large skillet! Cutting board, knife, and cooking spoon. 

    Hot tip: If you are at home, the rice can cook at the same time in a separate pot for a faster-finished product! My preferred rice cooker is my Instant Pot on the rice setting. For best results use less liquid when using the instant pot

    Storage

    Pack any leftovers in a (preferably glass) airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months!

    FAQ

    Do you put oil in the pan for tacos?

    It is not necessary to grease the pan for ground taco meat. Even lean meats produce their own fat. Once heated, the fats will begin to melt and separate, naturally producing grease for the meal. However, if you would like crispier meat you can add a little oil to the pan.

    Can you cook ground turkey on a griddle?

    yes, you can. Be sure to have your grease traps in place as the meat cooks, water and grease from the meat is likely to drain off the sides. Be sure to add water slowly and in very small amounts when mixing the taco seasoning.

    How many calories are in turkey taco meat?

    4oz of cooked ground turkey has 200-266 calories in it depending on lean percentages.

    How many carbs are in cooked ground turkey?

    there are no carbs in meat, however, there is 16g of fat and 34g of protein in a cup of cooked ground turkey

    Recipe

    taco skillet covered in melted cheese

    Healthy Cheesy Taco Skillet

    Natalie Perry
    Healthy Cheesy Taco Skillet is a quick and delicious one-pan meal ready in 30 minutes or less. It tastes just like a decadent and cheesy deconstructed taco over rice. Even the pickiest eaters approve!
    5 from 30 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 25 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 4
    Calories 456 kcal

    Equipment

    • large skillet
    • cutting board
    • chef knife
    • large cooking spoon

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup wild rice
    • 2 cup purified water or broth
    • 1 teaspoon avocado oil
    • 1 14.5oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes with green chilies
    • 1 cup organic corn from can or frozen, rinsed, and drained
    • 1 cup canned organic black beans, rinsed and drained
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 lb organic ground turkey
    • 1 wedge lime
    • 1 packet organic taco seasoning
    • ½ medium onion, finely chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese

    optional toppings: diced avocado, greek yogurt or sour cream, diced tomatoes, salsa or hot sauce, cilantro

    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Cook rice in 2 cups of water or broth. Boil the liquid and add rice. Stir to combine and simmer with the lid on for 15 min or until the liquid has evaporated. Turn the heat off and let steam, covered for 2 minutes. Fluff rice and set aside. 
      1 cup wild rice, 2 cup purified water or broth
    • While rice is cooking, dice and mince onion and garlic and set aside.  Drain and Rinse corn and beans and set aside. Chop cilantro, tomatoes, and avocados and set aside for toppings. 
      1 cup organic corn from can or frozen, rinsed, and drained, ½ medium onion, finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 cup canned organic black beans, rinsed and drained
    • Heat skillet to medium-high heat; add oil, then garlic and onions. Season with salt and pepper. Stir, cooking until onions are softened. About 2 minutes.
      ½ medium onion, finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon avocado oil
    • add ground turkey and cook while tossing and breaking it apart until it is brown and no more pink is seen. Internal temp should be 165. Approx 10 min 
      1 lb organic ground turkey
    • Add taco seasoning and 1tbs water to cooked meat. Stir to combine. 
      1 packet organic taco seasoning
    • Add corn, beans, a squeeze of lime, fire-roasted tomatoes, and cooked rice. Cook while stirring on medium heat for 3-4 minutes more to meld flavors together. Add cheese and let melt for one minute
      1 cup wild rice, 1 14.5oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes with green chilies, 1 cup organic corn from can or frozen, rinsed, and drained, 1 cup canned organic black beans, rinsed and drained, 1 wedge lime, ½ cup shredded Mexican cheese
    • Remove from heat. Serve hot and top with more cheese, chopped avocado, tomatoes, cheese, hot sauce, Greek yogurt, and/or cilantro if desired. Enjoy!
      1 teaspoon salt

    Notes

    cook time can be reduced in half if a separate pan is used to cook the rice while cooking the meat mixture!
    *Nutrition Facts are approximations.  Stats can vary based on additional toppings added 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 456kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 34gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 1733mgPotassium: 646mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1017IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 222mgIron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Food safety

    • Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
    • Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
    • Wash hands after touching raw meat
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended
    • Use oils with high smoking point (avocado oil!) to avoid harmful compounds
    • Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

    See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

    Did you make this recipe? How did you like it? We'd love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and rate the recipe! Thank you!

    -Natalie

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      Bacon Ranch Keto Chicken and Rice Casserole
    • A complete meal in a bowl, featuring sliced Chicken Shawarma on a bed of Saffron Rice, garnished with Tzatziki sauce and lemon wedge.
      Trader Joe's Chicken Shawarma w/ Saffron Rice
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      Keto Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole

    Comments

      5 from 30 votes (28 ratings without comment)

      Let us know what you think! Cancel reply

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Tisha says

      May 01, 2023 at 8:21 pm

      5 stars
      This looks like an amazing meal for taco night!!!

      Reply
      • Natalie Perry says

        May 01, 2023 at 9:32 pm

        It is, thank you 🙂

        Reply
    2. Lindsey says

      January 07, 2023 at 11:57 pm

      Looks like a must try for our family. Thank you for sharing and look forward to checking out more of your recipes.

      Reply
      • Natalie Perry says

        January 30, 2023 at 11:43 pm

        Thank you, Lindsey, I look forward to hearing how everyone enjoys it!

        Reply
    3. NCP says

      December 20, 2022 at 7:33 am

      5 stars
      This is delicious. I wrapped some leftovers up in a tortilla and had a burrito for lunch, yum

      Reply
    A woman smiling with long brown hair and flowered v-neck dress shirt on.

    Hello there! My name is Natalie. My passion is creating and sharing healthy recipes, tips, and affirmations for a healthy mind and body. I am a wife, mom, certified holistic nutrition specialist, hypnotherapist, reiki master, and healthy food blogger! I enjoy learning, creating, and sharing healthy recipes that the whole family will love.

    Thanks for stopping in! We look forward to hearing how you like our recipes! Welcome to the tribe :)

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    A prepared bowl of Healthy Cheesy Taco Skillet up close garnished with black pepper, tomato, avocado, cheese and a cilantro leaf

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