This Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights! It’s packed with ground turkey, vegetables, black beans, corn, and a blend of spices, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. This recipe is quick to make and a delicious way to enjoy a satisfying and healthy dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks together in one skillet, making for easy cleanup.
- Flavorful and Healthy: This dish is packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, thanks to the lean ground turkey, vegetables, and spices.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables and ground turkey.
- Onion and Red Bell Pepper: Provide a flavorful and aromatic base for the dish.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent kick.
- Ground Turkey: A lean and healthy protein that’s perfect for this skillet meal.
- Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Chili Powder, Cumin, and Chipotle Powder: Create a flavorful blend of spices.
- Dried Cilantro: Adds a hint of fresh cilantro flavor.
- Rotel: Adds diced tomatoes and green chilies for a Southwestern flavor.
- Mild Diced Green Chiles: Add a mild heat and flavor.
- Black Beans: A good source of protein and fiber.
- Frozen Corn: Adds sweetness and texture.
- Cooked Rice: Use your favorite type of cooked rice.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds a gooey, cheesy topping.
- Scallions: Add a fresh and colorful garnish.
- Lime Juice: Adds a bright and tangy flavor.
- Tortilla Chips: Add a crunchy and salty garnish.
How to Make Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté onion and bell pepper until softened. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Season and Simmer
Season the ground turkey with salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, chipotle powder, and dried cilantro. Cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Add Rotel, diced green chilies, black beans, corn, cooked rice, and half of the cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook until heated through.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Serve
Top the skillet with the remaining cheddar cheese, cover, and turn off the heat. Let the cheese melt for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with crushed tortilla chips, chopped scallions, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Tips for Making Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe
- Use a Non-Stick Skillet: This will make cleanup easier.
- Break Up the Ground Turkey: Break up the ground turkey as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- Season After Browning: Seasoning the ground turkey after it’s browned allows you to drain any excess grease without losing flavor.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded cheese.
How to Serve Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet
- As a Main Course: This skillet meal is hearty and satisfying enough to be a meal on its own.
- With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the flavors of the skillet.
- With Toppings: Add your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Yes, you can use ground beef, chicken, or pork.
2. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Absolutely! Use fresh tomatoes, green chilies, and corn if you prefer.
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add more chipotle powder, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the skillet meal just before serving.
There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet. I hope you enjoy it!
PrintSouthwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: main dishes
- Method: one-pan cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
This Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet is a quick and easy one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with flavor from ground turkey, vegetables, spices, and a blend of cheeses, all cooked together in a single skillet.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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
- 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
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Chopped scallions, for garnish
- Lime juice, for garnish
- Tortilla chips, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds more.
- Brown turkey and season: Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease. Stir in salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, chipotle powder, and cilantro. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Combine remaining ingredients: Add Rotel, green chilies, black beans, corn, cooked rice, and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to heat through.
- Melt cheese and serve: Top with remaining cheddar cheese, cover, and turn off heat. Let sit for 5 minutes to melt the cheese. Serve garnished with tortilla chips, scallions, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Notes
- Use a non-stick skillet for easier cleanup.
- Break up the ground turkey as it cooks to prevent large clumps.
- Shred the cheese ahead of time for easier melting.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 480kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1120mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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