Ingredients:

  • 1 lb lean ground turkey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 cup chunky salsa
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions:

  1. Sear the turkey. Heat the olive oil in your 12 inch skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers. Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with your spatula. Cook without stirring too often for 3–5 minutes until deeply browned. According to [Serious Eats](https://www.seriouseats.com), leaving the meat undisturbed allows the proteins to brown properly.
  2. Sauté the onion. Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until translucent and soft.
  3. Bloom the spices. Add the minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for 60 seconds until the aroma fills the kitchen.
  4. Add the bulk. Stir in the chunky salsa, black beans, and corn.
  5. Reduce the sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the liquid reduces and thickens into a glossy sauce. You want it to look like a glaze, not a soup.
  6. Melt the cheese. Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar evenly across the top.
  7. Steam the top. Cover the pan with a lid for 2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Final touch. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.