Description
This Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining lean ground turkey with vibrant vegetables, spices, and a blend of cheeses, this dish offers a hearty and satisfying Tex-Mex inspired feast. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy-to-make, comforting skillet dish that is perfect for busy households.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein and Seasonings
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder (or chili powder)
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
Cans and Frozen Items
- 1 (10-ounce) can original Rotel (or mild)
- 1 (4-ounce) can mild diced green chilies
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
Carbohydrates and Dairy
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Garnishes
- Chopped scallions, for garnish
- Lime juice, for garnish
- Tortilla chips, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Browns Turkey and Season: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Stir in kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, chipotle powder, and dried cilantro. Cook the seasoned turkey for 2 minutes to ensure the spices are well incorporated.
- Combine Remaining Ingredients: Add the Rotel tomatoes, diced green chilies, rinsed black beans, frozen corn, cooked rice, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir all the ingredients together and cook for 2 minutes more until heated through.
- Melt Cheese and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top of the skillet mixture. Cover the skillet, turn off the heat, and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt fully. Serve the dish garnished with chopped scallions, a squeeze of lime juice, and tortilla chips on the side for extra crunch.
Notes
- If you prefer, substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef.
- Use brown rice for a healthier, higher fiber alternative.
- Adjust the spiciness by choosing mild or hot Rotel tomatoes and varying the amount of chipotle powder.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cheddar cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- This dish can also be served wrapped in tortillas for a tasty burrito option.
