This Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe is an absolute weeknight game-changer—think zesty flavors, vibrant colors, and hearty comfort all wrapped up in just one pan! It’s loaded with tender ground turkey, Tex-Mex veggies, beans, and cheesy goodness, delivering a boldly satisfying meal everyone at your table will devour. Trust me, you’ll crave this cozy, crave-worthy skillet again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in a single skillet, so cleanup is blissfully easy!
- Big, Bold Flavors: Each bite bursts with zesty spices, sweet corn, smoky chipotle, and plenty of gooey melted cheddar.
- Customizable & Family-Friendly: Spice it up or down, swap beans or veggies, and let everyone top their bowl their way.
- Leftovers Are Even Better: This skillet is just as crave-worthy the next day—perfect for meal prep or lunches on the go.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe is how it transforms pantry basics and a handful of fridge staples into a vibrant meal full of layers and texture. Each ingredient plays an essential role—whether it’s building heat, adding body, or bringing that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics, adding richness to every bite.
- Onion & Red Bell Pepper: These veggies create the flavor base and a pop of color.
- Garlic: Classic depth and that telltale aromatic sizzle—absolutely necessary!
- Ground turkey: Lean, protein-packed, and the ideal blank canvas for all those bold flavors.
- Kosher salt & black pepper: To round out and balance all the seasonings.
- Chili powder, cumin, chipotle powder, dried cilantro: The Tex-Mex spice blend brings warmth, a hint of smoke, and zesty green freshness. (Chipotle adds kick—sub more chili powder for mild!)
- Original Rotel: Diced tomatoes with green chilies that lend tang and a little heat. Go mild for a family-friendly version.
- Mild diced green chiles: Mellow heat, loads of flavor, and that signature Southwestern kick.
- Black beans: A hearty, protein-packed addition that gives fabulous texture and fiber.
- Frozen corn: Little pops of sweetness and color—toss straight into the skillet from the freezer.
- Cooked rice: Grab leftovers or make a fresh batch; it soaks up every drop of saucy flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and utterly crave-worthy—it’s the ultimate finishing touch.
- Chopped scallions, lime, tortilla chips: Not just for garnish—they add crunch, zest, and a finishing flourish that makes each serving special.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe your own! One of my favorite things about it is how flexible it is—easy to tailor to what you have on hand, your preferred spice level, or any dietary needs.
- Swap the Protein: Ground chicken or beef work beautifully here if that’s what you have or prefer.
- Go Vegetarian: Skip the turkey and double up on black beans—or try pinto or kidney beans for a twist!
- Vary the Veggies: Toss in zucchini, spinach, or leftover roasted veggies for even more color and nutrition.
- Cheese Choices: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend cheese can easily stand in for cheddar.
- Heat Level Control: Use mild Rotel and omit chipotle powder for little ones, or add sliced jalapeños if everyone loves heat.
How to Make Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating the olive oil in your largest skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper. Stir frequently as they soften and get glossy—about 2 to 3 minutes. This quick sauté lays the sweet, savory foundation for the whole dish!
Step 2: Add the Garlic
Lower the heat just a touch, add in your minced garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds until everything smells fragrant and utterly irresistible. Careful not to let it burn—just a few seconds is perfect.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Turkey
Crumble the ground turkey straight into the pan and cook, using a spatula to break up large pieces. You want even browning and no raw bits—about 5 minutes should do it. If there’s excess moisture, quickly drain before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Add the Spices
Sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, chipotle powder, dried cilantro, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well as the spices bloom in the pan with the turkey. Let those flavors sizzle together for 2 minutes so they can really infuse the meat.
Step 5: Add the Veggies, Beans, Rice, and Cheese
Now comes the magic! Into the skillet go the Rotel, diced green chiles, black beans (already rinsed and drained), frozen corn, cooked rice, and half a cup of shredded cheddar. Stir it all together and cook for another 2 minutes until everything’s hot, bubbling, and deliciously combined.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese & Serve
Scatter the remaining cheddar cheese generously over the top of your skillet. Cover with a lid, turn off the heat, and let it sit for about 5 minutes—the cheese will melt into oozy perfection. Garnish with fresh scallions, a squeeze of lime, and crunchy tortilla chips before serving. Dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe
- Rice Matters: Use day-old rice for extra fluff and separation—freshly cooked rice can go starchy, but leftovers soak up flavors like a dream.
- Let Cheese Rest: After adding the cheese, turn off the heat and cover so it melts evenly without overcooking the base.
- Don’t Skip the Garnishes: Scallions, lime, and tortilla chips make the meal—seriously! They add crunch, zing, and freshness you don’t want to miss.
- Customize Spice Effortlessly: Always taste before serving and adjust heat with more chipotle or mild out with extra cheese to suit everyone’s palate.
How to Serve Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches really make this Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe sing! I love sprinkling over a shower of bright scallions, a generous squeeze of fresh lime, and a handful of crushed tortilla chips for awesome texture and flavor contrast. If you’re feeling extra, add a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of ripe avocado—it’s pure comfort in a bowl.
Side Dishes
This skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also plays well with others! A crisp green salad, creamy guacamole with veggie sticks, or a side of sautéed greens make refreshing pairings. Warm flour tortillas or cornbread are always welcome for scooping up every last bit, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon the skillet filling into halved bell peppers, pile it into lettuce cups for a lighter take, or create a make-your-own burrito bowl bar! This recipe is perfect for casual gatherings—just set out all the toppings and let everyone build their own delicious bowl of Southwest goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers from your Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen overnight—making lunch prep for the week a total breeze!
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat from frozen—it’s fantastic to have a homemade meal ready to go on busy nights.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave (add a splash of water or broth if needed), or rewarm larger batches on the stovetop over low heat. Stir in a little extra cheese or a squeeze of lime to freshen up the flavors before serving again!
FAQs
-
Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Both brown rice and cooked quinoa work beautifully in the Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe. Just be sure they’re fully cooked before adding, and taste for seasonings since whole grains may need an extra pinch of salt or spice.
-
How can I make this recipe spicier or milder?
To turn up the heat, use hot Rotel, add more chipotle powder, or top with sliced jalapeños. For a milder version, use mild Rotel, omit the chipotle powder, and stick with the mild green chiles—still super flavorful, just less spicy!
-
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, nearly all the ingredients in this Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just check your labels on canned goods, spices, and tortilla chips to make sure there’s no hidden gluten.
-
Can I prep any of this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can dice the veggies, cook the rice, and even brown the turkey ahead of time. Assemble and store everything separately; then, when you’re ready for dinner, just combine and heat everything through as directed.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll give this Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe a place in your weeknight rotation. It’s such a joyful, fuss-free way to serve up bold flavors and nourishing comfort—perfect for sharing with the people you love. Happy cooking, and I’d love to hear how you make it your own!
Print
Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwestern
Description
This Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines ground turkey with black beans, corn, and spices, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
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
Seasonings:
- 1 Teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon Chipotle powder (can sub same amount of chili powder if you don’t want spicy)
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 10 ounce can Original Rotel (can sub mild Rotel if you don’t want spicy)
- 1 4 ounce can mild diced green chiles
- 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
- Chopped scallions (for garnish)
- Lime juice
- Tortilla chips (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute onion and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes to soften, stirring frequently.
- Add garlic and saute for 30 more seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground turkey and sauté to brown, breaking it up. About 5 minutes.
- Once browned, drain if needed and add chili powder, cumin, chipotle powder, salt, black pepper, and dried cilantro. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Add Rotel, diced chiles, black beans, corn, cooked rice, and ½ cup shredded cheddar. Stir and cook for 2 minutes to combine and heat through.
- Top with remaining shredded cheddar, cover, and turn off heat. Let it melt for 5 minutes and then serve. Garnish with crushed tortilla chips, chopped scallions, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
