Name: Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Southwest
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb (450g) ground turkey; 1 small onion, diced; 1 bell pepper, diced (any color); 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup uncooked long grain rice (white or brown); 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup frozen corn; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional); Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving

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If you’re looking for a family-friendly one-pan dinner that packs a punch of flavor, the Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Picture tender ground turkey, vibrant veggies, hearty black beans, and fluffy rice all simmered together in a spiced tomato broth, then finished with melty cheese and fresh cilantro. This meal captures the best of Southwest flavors in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze and second helpings almost inevitable. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, you’ll fall in love with just how satisfying and customizable this dish can be!

Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This dish keeps things simple while loading up on color and nutrition—each ingredient has a role in creating that perfect burst of flavor and ideal texture. Gather these pantry staples and fresh picks, and let’s break down why you’ll love having them in your skillet:

Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, offering heart-healthy richness and helping blend all the flavors from the start.
Ground turkey: Lean, protein-packed, and great at absorbing all the southwest spices you’ll throw its way.
Onion (diced): Adds essential sweetness and depth that balances out the tomatoes and peppers perfectly.
Bell pepper (any color, diced): Pops of color and crunch that bring vibrancy to every bite.
Garlic (minced): Delivers that unmistakable aromatic kick—don’t skip it for maximum flavor payoff!
Uncooked long grain rice (white or brown): Soaks up all those spicy, savory juices and gets perfectly fluffy right in the pan.
Canned black beans (drained and rinsed): Creamy, earthy, and full of plant-powered protein to round out the meal.
Canned diced tomatoes with green chilies (with juice): Offer both moisture and a subtle heat, tying together those Southwest vibes.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth and keeps the skillet juicy—use low sodium if you prefer to control the salt.
Chili powder: Brings warming heat and smoky notes that define the Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe.
Ground cumin: Another must for that deep, earthy flavor you taste in classic Tex-Mex cuisine.
Smoked paprika: Adds a touch of sweetness and that enticing smoky aroma.
Salt: Essential for drawing out each ingredient’s best qualities—taste at the end to adjust as needed.
Black pepper: For a gentle heat and to amplify the natural flavors.
Frozen corn: Sweet pops of texture that complement the bean and rice base.
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts on top to create an irresistibly gooey finish.
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges: The final burst of freshness, brightening every bite and elevating the whole meal.

How to Make Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and let it sizzle, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. You want the turkey beautifully browned and crumbly—it’ll soak up the seasonings and become the hearty backbone of your Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe.

Step 2: Soften the Veggies

Once the turkey is browned, toss in your diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Let them mingle in the skillet for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re soft and colorful. This step builds layers of flavor and brings a sweet balance to the savory turkey. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!

Step 3: Add the Rice and Southwest Flavors

Stir in the uncooked rice so it becomes lightly toasted in the pan—this is the perfect moment to let it soak up a bit of flavor. Follow with black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the juice!), chicken broth, and all the seasonings: chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This is where your Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe truly takes on that Tex-Mex magic.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately lower the heat, cover your skillet, and let it simmer. For white rice, plan on about 18–20 minutes; for brown rice, give it 35–40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the rice is tender and the skillet has absorbed most of the liquid, leaving you with a flavorful, cohesive dish.

Step 5: Finish with Corn and Cheese

Stir in the frozen corn and let it cook for a few minutes until just heated through. If you love a cheesy finish, sprinkle shredded cheddar over the top and cover the skillet again, letting the residual heat melt that golden layer into perfection. Now, sprinkle with fresh cilantro and squeeze lime wedges over each serving for an ultra-bright, fresh finish!

How to Serve Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing elevates the Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe quite like fresh garnishes. Chopped cilantro brings a herbal zing and vivid color, while lime wedges deliver a tangy brightness that ties everything together. For a little extra, try sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for even more creamy, spicy goodness.

Side Dishes

Although this skillet is a complete meal, you can always add easy sides. Crisp tortilla chips are fantastic for scooping, while a tossed green salad provides a crunchy, refreshing counterpoint. Mexican street corn or a bowl of pico de gallo adds even more southwest flair to your table, too!

Creative Ways to Present

This dish is gorgeous straight from the skillet, served family-style. For a fun twist, try piling the Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe into crisp lettuce cups, or stuffing it inside warm tortillas for speedy burritos. Individual ramekins topped with extra cheese make perfect personal servings for gatherings or meal prep lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe keeps really well! Once it’s cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy, the flavors will have had even more time to meld, making each bite even tastier.

Freezing

This skillet meal freezes beautifully. Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags, pressing out as much air as possible. Label and date them, and freeze for up to three months. When you need a quick meal, you’ll be so glad you stocked up!

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the microwave by spreading a portion on a plate and covering it loosely; heat in 60-second intervals, stirring between, until hot. For larger quantities, pop the skillet back on low heat with a splash of broth or water, cover, and stir occasionally until warmed through. If you froze your leftovers, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground turkey for a plant-based ground meat substitute or increase the beans and veggies—just be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it meat-free and delicious.

Is the dish spicy?

It has a subtle warmth from the green chilies and chili powder, but it’s very family-friendly. To dial up the heat, you can add chopped jalapeños, extra hot sauce, or a pinch more chili powder.

Can I use leftover cooked rice instead of uncooked?

You can! Add the cooked rice after the veggies have softened, reduce the broth to about 1/2 cup, and simmer until everything is heated through and the flavors meld—it’ll speed things up nicely!

Does this work well for meal prepping?

Definitely! The Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe holds up wonderfully for lunch throughout the week. Portion it into individual containers, add any toppings just before eating, and savor that homemade comfort even on your busiest days.

Can I swap in different beans?

Yes! Kidney beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas all taste great in this recipe, so feel free to use what you have on hand or what your family enjoys most.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that doesn’t require a pile of dishes, you can’t go wrong with the Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe. Every bite is hearty, colorful, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your table. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it again and again!

Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful and easy one-pan Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet recipe that’s perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. Packed with protein, veggies, and spices, this gluten-free dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb (450g) ground turkey
1 small onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup uncooked long grain rice (white or brown)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup frozen corn
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until softened.
Stir in rice, black beans, tomatoes, broth, spices. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until rice is tender.
Add frozen corn and cook until heated through. Sprinkle with cheese, cover, and let sit off heat to melt. Garnish with cilantro and lime before serving.