A one-skillet Southwest sensation—savory turkey, vibrant veggies, and melty cheese come together for an easy, flavor-packed meal the whole family will love!
Zesty Southwest Turkey & Rice Skillet – Easy, Cheesy, & Loaded with Flavor!
If you're looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this Zesty Southwest Turkey & Rice Skillet is about to become your new favorite go-to meal! I first came across a similar version of this dish on another food blog, and the vibrant mix of ingredients immediately caught my attention. The combination of lean ground turkey, colorful veggies, bold spices, and melty cheese seemed like the perfect way to bring a Southwest-inspired dish to my table. After trying it, I was completely hooked! The flavors are absolutely mouthwatering, and best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes with only one pan—making cleanup a breeze.
This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Everything cooks in a single skillet, layering flavors as you go, so you get a rich, well-seasoned meal without any extra hassle. The zucchini, corn, tomatoes, and green chiles add just the right amount of freshness and spice, while the Greek yogurt and Monterey Jack cheese create an irresistibly creamy finish. It’s a wonderful balance of savory, cheesy, and zesty goodness that the whole family will love.
Whether you're meal prepping for the week, feeding a hungry crowd, or just craving a cozy, flavor-packed dinner, this Southwest Turkey & Rice Skillet is the answer. It’s proof that wholesome, homemade meals don’t have to be complicated—sometimes, all you need is one pan, a handful of ingredients, and 30 minutes to create something truly spectacular!
What Ingredients do I need?
Proteins
- Lean ground turkey
Dairy
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Plain Greek yogurt
Produce
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Zucchini
- Tomatoes
- Cilantro (for garnish)
Canned Goods
- Diced green chiles
- Corn (canned or frozen)
Pantry Staples
- Long grain rice
- Olive oil
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Salt & pepper
Substitutions and Variations
Substitutions- Ground Turkey → Ground Chicken, Ground Beef, or Black Beans (for a vegetarian option)
- Monterey Jack Cheese → Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Mexican Blend Cheese
- Plain Greek Yogurt → Sour Cream, Regular Yogurt, or Dairy-Free Yogurt
- Diced Green Chiles → Chopped Jalapeños, Bell Peppers, or a Dash of Hot Sauce
- Long Grain Rice → Brown Rice, Quinoa, Cauliflower Rice (for a low-carb option), or Couscous
Variations
- Tex-Mex Black Bean & Corn Skillet (Vegetarian): Swap the ground turkey for black beans or pinto beans. Add diced bell peppers for extra crunch. Use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Southwest Quinoa & Chicken Skillet (Protein-Packed): Use diced or shredded chicken instead of ground turkey. Swap the rice for quinoa for a higher-protein option. Stir in baby spinach at the end for extra greens.
- Spicy Chorizo & Rice Skillet (Bold & Flavorful): Replace the ground turkey with chorizo for a smoky, spicy twist. Add smoked paprika for even deeper flavor. Use cotija cheese instead of Monterey Jack for a more authentic touch.
Kitchen Tips and Notes
- Use Pre-Cooked Rice for Speed – To keep this a true 30-minute meal, use leftover rice or pre-cooked rice packs.
- Brown the Turkey for More Flavor – Let the ground turkey develop some golden brown bits before stirring. This adds a richer, more savory depth to the dish.
- Customize the Spice Level – Want more heat? Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños. Prefer it mild? Stick to just the chili powder and cumin.
- Make It a Meal Prep Favorite – This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats easily, making it great for meal prep. Add a splash of broth or salsa when reheating to keep it moist.
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Zesty Southwest Turkey & Rice Skillet
1 pound lean ground turkey
1/2 cup diced yellow onion
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 large zucchini, diced
4 oz. can diced green chiles
1/2 cup corn
1 cup diced tomato
2 cups cooked long grain rice
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
cilantro, chopped (garnish)
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot swirl the oil to coat the bottom and add in the ground turkey, onion, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Cook, crumbling the meat until meat is no longer pink.
Add in the garlic, green chiles, zucchini, corn and tomato. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the zucchini is tender.
Add in the cooked rice and 1/2 cup of the cheese. Stir everything together until heated through and the cheese is melted.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt and then top with the remaining cheese. Cover with a lid for a few minutes to melt the cheese. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve.
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