Description
A flavorful and cheesy Turkey Rice Taco Skillet combining ground turkey, colorful bell peppers, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with taco seasoning, all topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro. This quick and hearty one-pan meal comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
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 black beans (15 oz.)
- 1 can corn kernels, drained (15.25 oz., approx. 1½ cups)
- 1 can diced tomatoes with juices (14.5 oz.)
- 1 can diced green chilies (4 oz.)
Seasonings & Grains
- 1½ tsp garlic powder, divided
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1 – 1.3 oz.)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1½ cup cooked rice
Additional Ingredients
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 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 olive oil and allow it to heat until it glistens.
- Sauté vegetables and brown turkey: Add diced onion and bell peppers to the pan and sauté, stirring regularly until the onions start to become translucent. Push the veggies to the side of the pan, add ground turkey, sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder over it, and let it cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes before breaking the meat into smaller pieces.
- Cook turkey and vegetables: Continue cooking the turkey and vegetables together until the turkey is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Add remaining ingredients and simmer: Reduce heat to medium and add diced tomatoes with juices, green chilies, black beans, corn, rice, taco seasoning, remaining garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 4-6 minutes to heat through.
- Mix in cheese and flavorings: Check that the rice is heated through. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, tomato sauce, lime juice, and chopped cilantro until the cheese melts evenly.
- Broil cheese topping: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top and transfer the skillet to the oven. Broil on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional cilantro and preferred taco toppings.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked rice for faster preparation.
- Adjust salt according to your dietary preferences.
- Broiling cheese adds a delicious crispy top—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Customize with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, avocado, or jalapeños.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute turkey with plant-based protein or extra beans.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
