Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the cilantro. Make sure the pinto beans are drained and rinsed, ready to be added to the skillet. Having everything prepped ahead of time will streamline your cooking process and make it more enjoyable.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and fragrant. This step is crucial as it builds the base flavor for your dish.
Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onions. Sauté for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. The combination of onion and garlic will create a delicious aroma that fills your kitchen.
Now, it’s time to add the ground turkey to the skillet. Break the turkey apart with a spatula, stirring it into the onion and garlic mixture. Cook the turkey for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked through. Make sure to season with salt and pepper during this step to enhance the flavors of the meat.
Once the turkey is fully cooked, sprinkle in the chili powder and cumin. Stir everything together to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The spices will add a delightful heat and depth of flavor to the turkey.
After the spices have been mixed in, pour in the tomato sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich, hearty sauce that will coat the turkey and beans beautifully.
Now, add the drained and rinsed pinto beans to the skillet. Gently fold them into the turkey and tomato sauce mixture. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the beans to heat through and absorb some of the sauce’s flavor.
While the mixture is heating, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder depending on your preference for spice. This step is important as it ensures that the dish is tailored to your taste.
Once everything is heated through and flavorful, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro, reserving a small amount for garnish. The cilantro adds a fresh note that brightens the dish, making it even more appealing.
To serve, you can either scoop the spicy turkey and pinto bean mixture into bowls or serve it directly from the skillet for a family-style meal. Garnish with the remaining cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness.
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, tortillas, or a simple side salad. Enjoy your Spicy Turkey and Pinto Bean Skillet with family or friends for a satisfying and delicious dinner that’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
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