If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors, comforting textures, and vibrant colors, then the Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need on your dinner table tonight. This skillet meal combines lean ground turkey with a medley of southwestern spices, fresh vegetables, and hearty rice, all topped with melty cheddar cheese. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but comes together quickly, making it an instant favorite for busy evenings and meal prep alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, accessible ingredients are the secret here, and each one plays a key role in layering flavors and textures throughout this Southwest-inspired skillet. From the savory ground turkey to the bright notes of lime juice, every element brings something special to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to sauté the vegetables and keep everything moist and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
- 1 cup finely diced red bell pepper: Brings a vibrant color and subtle crunch.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Injects an irresistible savory aroma and taste.
- 1 pound ground turkey: A lean protein base that absorbs all the spices beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances every other flavor in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: The cornerstone spice delivering a smoky warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Offers earthy undertones and true Southwest flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder (or chili powder): For a subtle smoky kick that wakes up the palate.
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro: Gives a light herbal freshness that ties the dish together.
- 1 (10-ounce) can original Rotel (or mild): Adds zesty tomatoes and green chilies for juiciness and mild heat.
- 1 (4-ounce) can mild diced green chilies: Boosts Southwest flavor while keeping it approachable.
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained: Incorporates heartiness and a creamy texture contrast.
- 1 cup frozen corn: Sweet bursts of flavor and a nice pop of texture.
- 2 cups cooked rice: The comforting base that brings everything together.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Melts into gooey richness, creating that irresistible finish.
- Chopped scallions, for garnish: Adds freshness and a mild onion crunch.
- Lime juice, for garnish: A splash of brightness to elevate the whole skillet.
- Tortilla chips, for garnish: Bring crunch and a fun way to scoop each bite.
How to Make Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking them for a couple of minutes until they’re tender and fragrant. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds to release its lovely aroma without burning it. This step builds the flavorful base you’ll love in every bite.
Step 2: Brown Turkey and Season
Next, crumble the ground turkey into the skillet and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with your spoon as it browns evenly. Drain any excess grease to keep the skillet light. Now it’s time to sprinkle in the kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, chipotle powder, and dried cilantro—these spices are the heart of the Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe, bringing bold, vibrant flavor to the meat.
Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the can of Rotel, diced green chilies, rinsed black beans, and frozen corn. Stir everything together along with the cooked rice and half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Let this mixture cook for two minutes so the flavors meld nicely and everything is heated through, creating a harmonious blend that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Step 4: Melt Cheese and Serve
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the skillet contents, then cover the pan and turn off the heat. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt into gooey perfection. This finishing touch is what makes the Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe so enticing, oozing with rich, melty cheese on top of the savory filling.
How to Serve Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the flavors and textures, scatter chopped scallions over the skillet for a pop of fresh, mild onion flavor. A squeeze of bright lime juice adds that perfect zing to cut through the richness, while tortilla chips on the side invite some satisfying crunch and a playful way to scoop the dish up.
Side Dishes
This skillet shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp mixed green salad or a side of guacamole. Fresh veggies or a cool, creamy dip complement the Southwest spices beautifully, making your meal feel even more balanced and inviting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this skillet recipe stuffed into warm flour tortillas for easy Southwest burritos or spoon it over crispy baked tortilla chips for a festive nacho platter. Another fun option is layering it in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese and baked until bubbly for a delicious twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got leftovers, simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it just as tasty—if not better—the next day. Consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and safety.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, especially before adding the final melted cheese layer. Portion out into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to retain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, covered, to keep the moisture locked in. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw completely first for even warming. Add a little extra cheese or a fresh squeeze of lime once hot to refresh the dish.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground beef will add a richer, beefier flavor while keeping the same hearty texture. Just be sure to drain excess fat if using fattier beef to prevent the dish from becoming greasy.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the chili powder and chipotle powder, but nothing too overwhelming. You can adjust the spice by using milder powders or skipping the chipotle powder if you prefer less heat.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients here are naturally gluten-free, especially if you double-check your canned goods and spices. Just be cautious with any tortilla chips you serve alongside, ensuring they’re labeled gluten-free.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Definitely. The Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe keeps and reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for preparing a few days’ worth of lunches or dinners ahead of time.
What can I substitute for the canned Rotel?
If Rotel isn’t available, use diced tomatoes with mild diced green chilies or fresh diced tomatoes combined with a small amount of chopped jalapeño to get a similar flavor profile with that signature hint of heat.
Final Thoughts
The Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe is a vibrant, cozy, and incredibly flavorful meal that’s always a hit no matter the occasion. Its simplicity and flexibility make it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner lineup. I promise, once you try it, this skillet will become one of your go-to favorites for deliciously easy Southwest-inspired cooking!
Print
Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Lunch & Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southwest American
Description
This Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining tender ground turkey, aromatic spices, vegetables, and rice topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a hearty dinner, it offers a delicious blend of Tex-Mex flavors with a satisfying cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup finely diced onion
- 1 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Protein & Dairy
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder (or chili powder)
- 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
Other Ingredients
- 1 (10-ounce) can original Rotel (or mild)
- 1 (4-ounce) can mild diced green chilies
- 1 (14-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 cups cooked rice
- Chopped scallions, for garnish
- Lime juice, for garnish
- Tortilla chips, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely diced onion and red bell pepper and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its aroma.
- Brown turkey and season: Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until it is fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease. Stir in the kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, chipotle powder, and dried cilantro. Cook the seasoned turkey mixture for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Combine remaining ingredients: To the skillet, add the Rotel tomatoes, diced green chilies, rinsed black beans, frozen corn, cooked rice, and half (1/2 cup) of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything well to combine and heat through for about 2 minutes over medium heat.
- Melt cheese and serve: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and turn off the heat. Let it sit covered for 5 minutes so the residual heat melts the cheese perfectly. Serve the skillet dish garnished with chopped scallions, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and tortilla chips for added crunch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- For a spicier dish, choose a hot Rotel variety or add extra chipotle powder.
- Use freshly cooked rice for best texture, but leftover rice also works well.
- To make the dish dairy-free, omit the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
