Description
This Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet is a flavorful and hearty one-pan meal that combines lean ground turkey, vibrant vegetables, beans, and cheese with zesty southwestern spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy skillet dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Additional Ingredients
- 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
For Garnish
- Chopped scallions
- Lime juice
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add finely diced onion and red bell pepper and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its fragrance.
- Brown turkey and season: Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is thoroughly browned. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish lean. Stir in kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, chipotle powder, and dried cilantro, cooking for 2 more minutes to blend the flavors.
- Combine remaining ingredients: Stir in the can of Rotel tomatoes, diced green chilies, rinsed black beans, frozen corn, cooked rice, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes to heat through and meld the ingredients.
- Melt cheese and serve: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover the skillet with a lid, and turn off the heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt perfectly. Garnish with chopped scallions, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and tortilla chips before serving.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more chipotle powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Leftover cooked rice should be cooled and stored in the fridge before use for the best texture.
- Use low-fat cheddar cheese to reduce fat content if desired.
- To make this dish vegetarian, omit the turkey and increase the black beans or add textured vegetable protein.
- Serve with a side of guacamole or sour cream for added creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
