Description
This Cheesy Turkey Rice Taco Skillet is a flavorful, hearty one-pan meal combining ground turkey, vibrant bell peppers, and a medley of Mexican-inspired ingredients. Loaded with taco seasoning, black beans, corn, rice, and two kinds of cheese, it offers a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner. Finished under the broiler for a bubbly cheese topping, it’s an easy skillet dinner that’s both family-friendly and full of bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & 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 & Seasonings
- 1½ tsp garlic powder, divided
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1 – 1.3 oz.)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Grains & Others
- 1½ cup cooked rice
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 – 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat the pan and oil: Heat a large sauté pan, skillet, or shallow Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons olive oil and let it heat until glistening.
- Sauté vegetables and brown turkey: Add the diced onion and bell peppers to the pan. Sauté, stirring regularly, until onions become translucent. Push veggies to the side and add ground turkey. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder over the turkey and let it sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes before breaking it into smaller pieces.
- Cook turkey and vegetables: Stir and cook until turkey is cooked through with no pink remaining and the vegetables are tender.
- Add remaining ingredients and simmer: Reduce heat to medium and add diced tomatoes, green chilies, black beans, corn, rice, taco seasoning, remaining garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and simmer for 4-6 minutes to heat through and blend flavors.
- Add cheese and fresh elements: Confirm rice is heated through. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, tomato sauce, lime juice, and chopped cilantro until cheese melts completely.
- Broil the cheese topping: Remove skillet from heat, sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top, then transfer to the oven under the broiler. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve topped with extra cilantro and your favorite taco toppings.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked rice to speed up the cooking process.
- Adjust salt amount according to your taste or dietary needs; taco seasoning may already contain salt.
- For extra heat, add chopped jalapeño or hot sauce.
- Can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if desired.
- To keep this recipe gluten-free, ensure your taco seasoning and canned products are certified gluten-free.
- Broiling times may vary depending on the oven; watch carefully to avoid burning the cheese.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat nicely.
