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Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 35 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southwestern, Tex-Mex
  • Diet: Halal

Description

A flavorful and hearty Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet combining seasoned ground turkey, vibrant vegetables, beans, corn, and rice, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh garnishes. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal packed with Tex-Mex flavors.


Ingredients

Protein and Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 14 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • ½ cup finely diced onion
  • 1 cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 4 ounce can mild diced green chiles
  • 1 10 ounce can Original Rotel (can substitute mild Rotel)

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 Teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder (or additional chili powder as substitute)
  • 1 teaspoon dried cilantro

Dairy and Garnishes

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • Chopped scallions (for garnish)
  • Lime juice (to taste for garnish)
  • Tortilla chips (for garnish)


Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: In a large skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Sauté vegetables: Add the finely diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they soften and become fragrant.
  3. Add garlic and turkey: Stir in the minced garlic and immediately add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until turkey is browned and cooked through.
  4. Season the mixture: Sprinkle in kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, chipotle powder, and dried cilantro. Stir well to evenly coat the turkey and vegetables with the spices.
  5. Add beans, chiles, corn, and Rotel: Mix in the rinsed black beans, mild diced green chiles, frozen corn, and the entire can of Original Rotel with juices. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  6. Incorporate cooked rice: Fold in the cooked rice to the skillet mixture, stirring gently until everything is evenly distributed and heated through.
  7. Add cheese and melt: Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese over the skillet contents. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the cheese melt for a few minutes.
  8. Serve and garnish: Spoon the skillet mixture onto plates, sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and chopped scallions. Drizzle with fresh lime juice and serve with tortilla chips on the side for added crunch.

Notes

  • If you prefer less heat, substitute mild Rotel for original and omit chipotle powder.
  • Use any cooked rice variety, such as white, brown, or jasmine, based on preference.
  • Ground turkey can be swapped with ground chicken or lean ground beef if desired.
  • For extra creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices as garnish.
  • Ensure black beans are thoroughly rinsed and drained to reduce sodium content.