Speedy Skillet Meals for Busy Families
When time is tight but you still want a tasty, home-cooked meal, skillet dishes come to the rescue. They’re quick, require minimal cleanup, and can be adapted to suit your family’s favorite flavors. Here’s a simple recipe that works well on the stove or in an air fryer for even faster cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken or turkey
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Steps
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground chicken or turkey, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes.
- Mix in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in corn and black beans, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Tips or Variations
If you prefer using an air fryer, combine all ingredients except the cheese in a bowl, then transfer to an air fryer-safe dish. Cook at 360°F (180°C) for about 10-12 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add cheese on top during the last 2 minutes to melt.
Swap out ground chicken for ground beef or plant-based meat alternatives to suit your family’s preferences. You can also add diced tomatoes or a splash of salsa for extra flavor. For a milder dish, reduce the chili powder or omit it entirely.
