Description
This Cheesy Turkey Rice Taco Skillet is a flavorful and hearty one-pan meal combining ground turkey, vibrant bell peppers, seasoned rice, and a blend of Mexican-inspired ingredients. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and broiled to perfection, it delivers a satisfying taco-inspired dinner ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
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.)
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
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
Grains and Dairy
- 1½ cup rice, precooked
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 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 heat until glistening.
- Sauté Vegetables and Brown Turkey: Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the pan and sauté, stirring regularly until onions become translucent. Push veggies to one side and add ground turkey. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder on the turkey and let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes before breaking into smaller pieces.
- Cook Together: Continue cooking until the ground turkey is fully cooked through and no longer pink, mixing it with the vegetables.
- Add Remaining Ingredients and Simmer: Lower heat to medium and add diced tomatoes, green chilies, black beans, corn, rice, taco seasoning, remaining garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything and let it simmer for 4-6 minutes to heat through and marry flavors.
- Add Cheese and Fresh Elements: Check that the rice is heated through; then stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, tomato sauce, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Stir until the cheese melts completely into the mixture.
- Broil to Finish: Remove the skillet from the stovetop, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top, and transfer to the oven. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and starts to brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra cilantro and your favorite taco toppings if desired.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked rice to reduce cooking time.
- Adjust salt according to preference or dietary needs.
- For a spicier flavor, add jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Can be served with a side of sour cream or guacamole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated.
