If you’re searching for a hearty dinner that’s both flavorful and simple enough for busy weeknights, look no further than the Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe. This vibrant, one-pan wonder delivers savory turkey, tender rice, sweet corn, zesty tomatoes, and bold southwest spices, all crowned with melty cheddar and bright cilantro. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for the week, this dish promises easy cleanup and crowd-pleasing taste in every golden, cheesy forkful.

Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this skillet meal is its reliance on just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce, each playing an invaluable role. These ingredients work together to create layers of flavor, texture, and a colorful presentation that’s as inviting as it is delicious.

Olive Oil: Gives the turkey and veggies a perfect golden sear while lending subtle richness.
Ground Turkey: Lean and hearty, it soaks up all the southwest seasonings beautifully.
Yellow Onion: Diced for sweetness and aromatic depth in every bite.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds crispness and a pop of color that brightens the dish.
Garlic: Freshly minced brings warm, punchy undertones typical of Southwestern cooking.
Ground Cumin: Infuses a signature earthy, smoky flavor central to this cuisine.
Chili Powder: Delivers gentle heat and that iconic Tex-Mex aroma.
Smoked Paprika: For a whisper of smokiness that deepens the skillet’s flavor.
Salt & Black Pepper: The classic duo to enhance all the other spices and ingredients.
Uncooked Long Grain White Rice: Absorbs all the seasoned broth, becoming wonderfully tender and fluffy.
Black Beans: Hearty, protein-packed, and great for creamy contrast.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: Brings subtle heat and tang—use the liquid for extra flavor!
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid for cooking rice and melding everything together.
Frozen Corn: Adds bursts of sweetness and extra color that’s so satisfying.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a gooey blanket on top for irresistible appeal.
Chopped Cilantro (optional): The finishing herbal note that brightens the final dish.
Lime Juice: A squeeze at the end ties everything together with fresh acidity.

How to Make Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Turkey

Set a large, sturdy skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, crumble in the ground turkey. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step sets up the savory foundation and ensures delicious flavor in every bite of the Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic right into the skillet with the turkey. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and the pepper starts to soften. These veggies build depth and a slight sweetness that’s essential for the overall taste.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together well so those beautiful spices can bloom in the warm oil and coat the meat and veggies. Your kitchen will quickly fill with the unmistakable aroma of the Southwest!

Step 4: Add Rice, Beans, and Liquids

Pour the uncooked rice, drained black beans, and the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles (with their juices) into your skillet. Add the chicken broth as well. Mix thoroughly, making sure everything is evenly distributed and well coated. The rice will soak up all the flavors as it cooks to perfection.

Step 5: Simmer Until Tender

Bring the mixture to a lively boil, then dial the heat down to low. Cover and let it gently simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. This is where the magic happens, creating savory fusion between all your ingredients.

Step 6: Add Corn and Melt Cheese

Uncover the skillet and stir in the frozen corn. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes until the corn is hot and plump. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, cover again, and let it melt for a few minutes, transforming every bite of this skillet dinner into cheesy bliss.

Step 7: Finish with Freshness

Take the skillet off the heat. Top everything with chopped cilantro and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice. This final touch brightens the flavors, adding a pop of herby freshness and zesty acidity to the Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe.

How to Serve Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnish can transform the look and flavor of your dish. A shower of freshly chopped cilantro makes each bite more aromatic and colorful, while a few lime wedges on the side let everyone customize their own zesty burst. For a creamier finish, try dolloping some Greek yogurt or sour cream on top, or scatter a few sliced jalapeños if you love extra heat.

Side Dishes

This Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with simple sides can make it feel extra special. A crisp green salad, warm corn tortillas, or a scoop of guacamole are perfect accompaniments. If you’re feeling indulgent, tortilla chips are fantastic for scooping up any cheesy, saucy leftovers right from the pan.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on traditional serving, spoon the skillet mixture into halved bell peppers and bake until hot and bubbly. Or serve it family-style in the center of the table with a toppings bar—think extra cheese, avocado slices, diced tomatoes, and fresh herbs, so everyone can build their dream plate. The vibrant colors and layers make this an eye-catching addition to any dinner party spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the skillet cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. Stored this way in the fridge, your Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe will stay fresh and tasty for up to four days, making it ideal for meal prepping or easy packed lunches.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Portion the cooled skillet into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out excess air. It keeps for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the rice’s best texture and prevent sogginess.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through, until hot. Or warm larger amounts in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. A fresh sprinkle of cheese or squeeze of lime just before serving revives the dish’s original spirit.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, brown rice is a great substitution for added fiber and nutrition! Just increase both the broth and the cooking time, since brown rice takes longer to become tender than white rice.

What if I want it spicier?

For more heat, toss in chopped jalapeño with your onions and bell pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce during seasoning. You can also serve with extra hot sauce at the table so everyone can spice up their own plate.

Can I make this Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Just leave off the cheddar cheese, or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative to keep that gooey, delicious topping without the dairy.

What can I substitute for ground turkey?

This recipe is flexible: ground chicken, lean ground beef, or even plant-based ground crumbles all work beautifully. Just be sure to brown your protein well to develop those crave-worthy flavors.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, the Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your chicken broth and any toppings you add are certified gluten-free. Always double-check ingredient labels if you have dietary concerns.

Final Thoughts

Give this Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe a place on your dinner rotation, and watch it disappear fast! It’s one of those magical meals that feels special, yet fits into even the busiest weeknights. I hope you love it as much as my family does—don’t forget to pile on your favorite toppings and share it with someone you care about.

Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet is a delicious one-pan meal that is easy to make and packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines ground turkey, black beans, rice, and a variety of spices to create a satisfying and hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Southwest Rice and Ground Turkey Skillet:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 small yellow onion (diced)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
1 (15-ounce) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup frozen corn
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
juice of ½ lime

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5–7 minutes.
Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Add the rice, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Stir in the frozen corn and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, cover, and let sit for a few minutes to melt.
Finish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice before serving.