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Turkey Taco Rice Skillet Recipe

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4 from 13 reviews

This Turkey Taco Rice Skillet is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal combining ground turkey, spices, rice, beans, and corn, all cooked together for an easy and satisfying dinner that bursts with Mexican-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 cup prepared chunky tomato salsa
  • 1-½ teaspoons coarse kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1-½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed well
  • 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 3 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese

For Serving

  • Cilantro, for serving
  • Fresh lime, for serving
  • Additional salsa, for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Turkey: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground turkey and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  2. Add Spices and Salsa: Stir in the salsa, kosher salt, garlic powder, chili powder, dried oregano, and ground cumin. Cook for 1 minute until the spices are fragrant, coating the turkey evenly.
  3. Add Rice, Beans, Corn, and Broth: Incorporate the rinsed rice, drained pinto beans, frozen corn kernels, and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir until combined. Make sure to push any stray rice grains on the side into the liquid.
  4. Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet tightly and reduce the heat to low. Simmer gently for 20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
  5. Let it Rest with Cheese: Turn off the heat, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top, then cover again and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld.
  6. Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve garnished with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and extra salsa on the side as desired.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
  • Use chicken broth for more flavor or water for a lighter option.
  • Adjust spices to taste based on your heat preference.
  • Fresh cilantro and lime juice brighten and balance the rich flavors.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.