Tex-Mex
Turkey Taco Rice Skillet
Ground turkey, rice, beans, salsa, and spices cook together in one skillet for a practical Tex-Mex dinner with easy toppings.
This skillet is built for nights when you want taco flavor without assembling separate components.
The rice cooks directly in the seasoned turkey mixture, absorbing salsa, broth, and the browned bits from the pan.
Ground turkey can be mild, so the recipe starts by blooming spices in the fat after the meat browns.
That quick step makes the chili powder and cumin taste rounder and gives the finished rice a deeper color.
Treat the toppings as part of the recipe.
Lime, avocado, cilantro, yogurt or sour cream, and crunchy tortilla chips all add contrast.
The leftovers reheat well, and the mixture can be tucked into tortillas or spooned over greens the next day.
For another recipe in this seed collection, try Harissa Honey Chicken Meatballs or Crispy Tofu Lettuce Cups.
Directions
- Heat the oil in a large lidded skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces.
- Add the onion and cook for 4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and 1 teaspoon salt.
- Add the rice and stir for 1 minute so the grains are coated in the seasoned mixture.
- Stir in the salsa, broth, and black beans. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low.
- Cook for 18 to 22 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Rest covered for 5 minutes off the heat.
- Fluff the rice, add lime juice, sprinkle with cheese, and cover briefly until melted.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving: 560 calories, 37 g protein, 58 g carbohydrates, 19 g fat. Toppings are not included.
Variations
Recipe Variations
- Use brown rice only if you increase the liquid and cooking time substantially.
- Swap pinto beans for black beans.
- Add frozen corn with the beans for extra sweetness.
Notes
- Use a skillet with a tight lid so the rice cooks evenly.
- If the rice is still firm, add 2 tablespoons broth and cook 3 to 5 minutes longer.
- Top with avocado, cilantro, sour cream, jalapenos, or crushed tortilla chips.
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