Description
A flavorful and hearty Cheesy Turkey Rice Taco Skillet combining ground turkey, colorful vegetables, and Mexican-inspired spices, topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan meal is perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1-2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), diced
- ½ medium red onion, diced
- 1 can diced green chilies (4 oz.)
- 1 can corn kernels, drained (15.25 oz., approx. 1½ cups)
- 1 can black beans (15 oz.)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juices (14.5 oz.)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1½ tsp garlic powder, divided
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1 – 1.3 oz., we use Siete)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1½ cup cooked rice
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 – 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat the Pan: Heat a large sauté pan, skillet, or shallow Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it get hot until it glistens.
- Sauté Vegetables and Brown Turkey: Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté, stirring regularly until onions start becoming translucent. Push the veggies to the side, add ground turkey, sprinkle 1 tsp garlic powder, and let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes before breaking into smaller pieces.
- Cook Turkey and Veggies Together: Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Reduce heat to medium. Add diced tomatoes, green chilies, black beans, corn, rice, taco seasoning, remaining garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 4-6 minutes until heated through.
- Add Cheese and Fresh Ingredients: Check that the rice is hot and well combined. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, tomato sauce, lime juice, and chopped cilantro until the cheese is melted.
- Broil the Dish: Remove skillet from stove. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Transfer skillet to the oven and broil on high for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve topped with extra cilantro and optional taco toppings as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if preferred.
- If you prefer less sodium, reduce the salt and use a low-sodium taco seasoning blend.
- Use pre-cooked rice to speed up preparation time.
- Broiling times may vary depending on your oven—watch closely to avoid burning the cheese.
- Optional toppings include sour cream, avocado slices, jalapeños, or chopped green onions.
