Description
This Cheesy Turkey Rice Taco Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal combining seasoned ground turkey, colorful bell peppers, rice, beans, and corn, all topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick, family-friendly dinner that brings together classic taco flavors with the comfort of a cheesy skillet bake.
Ingredients
Proteins & 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 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
Seasonings & Other Ingredients
- 1½ tsp garlic powder, divided
- 1 packet taco seasoning (1 - 1.3 oz.)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp pepper
- 1½ cup pre-cooked rice
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- Juice of 1 lime
- 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 heat until it begins to glisten.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and bell peppers to the pan. Stir regularly until onions become translucent. Push the veggies to one side of the pan.
- Cook Turkey: Add ground turkey to the empty side of the pan. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder over the turkey and leave undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. Then break the meat into smaller pieces.
- Combine and Cook: Cook turkey and vegetables together until the turkey is fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Add Ingredients and Simmer: Lower heat to medium. Add diced tomatoes with juices, green chilies, black beans, corn, pre-cooked rice, taco seasoning, remaining garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let simmer for 4-6 minutes to thoroughly heat the ingredients.
- Mix in Cheese and Flavorings: Confirm rice is hot and cooked. Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, tomato sauce, lime juice, and chopped cilantro until the cheese melts.
- Broil Cheese Topping: Remove skillet from stovetop. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top. Place skillet in oven and broil on high for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and starts to brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve with extra cilantro and preferred taco toppings.
Notes
- For quicker prep, use already cooked rice or leftover rice from a prior meal.
- You can adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning.
- Additional toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, or sliced jalapeños work great.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.