Description
This Cheesy Turkey Rice Taco Skillet is a flavorful, hearty one-pan meal that combines lean ground turkey, vibrant vegetables, and a medley of classic taco spices. Cooked on the stovetop and finished under the broiler for a bubbly, golden cheesy topping, it delivers Mexican-inspired flavors in an easy, family-friendly dish ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Vegetables
- 1-2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 bell peppers (1 red and 1 green), diced
- ½ medium red onion, diced
Seasoning & Spices
- 1½ tsp garlic powder, divided
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1 – 1.3 oz.) (we use Siete)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Grains & Canned Goods
- 1½ cup rice, pre-cooked
- 1 can diced green chilies (4 oz.)
- 1 can corn kernels, drained (15.25 oz., approx. 1½ cups corn)
- 1 can black beans (15 oz.)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juices (14.5 oz.)
- ½ cup tomato sauce
Fresh & Dairy
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 – 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat the Pan: Place a large sauté pan, skillet, or shallow Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and allow it to heat until it glistens, signaling it’s ready for cooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the hot oil. Stir regularly and cook until the onions become translucent. Push the vegetables to the side of the pan to make space for the meat.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the cleared spot. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of garlic powder over the turkey and let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes to form a good sear. Then break the meat into smaller pieces and continue cooking until the turkey is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Lower the heat to medium. Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), green chilies, black beans, corn, pre-cooked rice, taco seasoning, remaining garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let everything simmer for 4-6 minutes to combine flavors and heat through.
- Melt Cheese and Add Fresh Ingredients: Confirm that the rice is heated through. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, tomato sauce, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Continue stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the mixture.
- Broil for Cheesy Topping: Remove the skillet from the stovetop. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil on high for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and begins to brown and bubble.
- Serve: Take the skillet out of the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve topped with additional fresh cilantro and any preferred taco toppings for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked rice to significantly reduce cook time and ensure even heating.
- Adjust salt according to dietary preference or use low-sodium canned beans and tomatoes.
- For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Ground turkey can be substituted with ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
- Ensure the skillet or pan is oven-safe before broiling to avoid damage.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
