This Southwest turkey skillet is a hearty, cheesy way to turn leftover turkey into a comforting meal. Packed with turkey, veggies, and taco seasoning, it’s perfect for busy nights or burrito stuffing.
Easy Leftover Turkey Skillet Dinner
This Southwest turkey skillet is a simple, hearty dish that turns leftover turkey into something really comforting. It’s packed with protein, veggies, and just the right amount of taco seasoning to keep it flavorful without overwhelming the other ingredients. Plus, the cheesy goodness ties it all together for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights.
I love how versatile this recipe is—serve it on its own, spoon it over more rice, or stuff it into tortilla shells to make burritos. The addition of salsa, sour cream, and extra cheese makes it even better. It’s like turning leftovers into something totally new and exciting.
Why I Love This Recipe
- It’s a simple and delicious way to use up leftover turkey.
- This dish is packed with protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Perfect for meal prep and easy to customize based on what you have in the pantry.
Ingredients and Possible Substitutions
Here’s an overview of each ingredient in your Southwest turkey skillet, highlighting their roles and potential substitutions:
- Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth. Substitute with white or red onion.
- Avocado Oil: Ideal for sautéing due to its high smoke point. Replace with olive or canola oil.
- Garlic: Enhances flavor. Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder as an alternative.
- Leftover Shredded Turkey: Primary protein source. Swap with cooked chicken or ground turkey.
- Black Beans: Provide protein and fiber. Substitute with pinto or kidney beans.
- RO-TEL (Tomatoes with Green Chiles): Offer acidity and mild heat. Use diced tomatoes plus a small can of green chiles.
- Corn: Adds sweetness and texture. Replace with diced bell peppers or zucchini.
- Cheddar Cheese: Substitute with Monterey Jack or a dairy-free alternative.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and flavor. Use beef broth or water with bouillon.
- Green Chiles: Adds heat. Replace with chopped fresh chiles or jalapeños.
- Taco Seasoning Packet: Imparts the Southwestern flavor. Use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning.
- Cooked Rice: Serves as a hearty mix-in. Opt for white, brown, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Parsley: Adds freshness. Substitute with cilantro or green onions.
How to Make Southwest Turkey Skillet
Find the complete recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Step One: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.
Sauté diced onion and bell peppers until softened, about 5 minutes. - Step Two: Add the Turkey and Seasoning
Stir in the cooked turkey and taco seasoning, mixing well to coat the turkey evenly.
Cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors combine. - Step Three: Add the Rice and Beans
Mix in cooked rice, black beans, and a can of diced tomatoes (undrained).
Stir until everything is combined and heated through. - Step Four: Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and reduce the heat to low.
Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt, about 3-5 minutes. - Step Five: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
Serve warm as-is or use it as a filling for burritos or tacos.
Recipe Tips
Here are a few tips to make your turkey skillet dinner turn out perfectly every time:
- Use leftover turkey: Shredded turkey works great, but you can also use rotisserie chicken if that’s what you have.
- Adjust the spice: Add more taco seasoning or a pinch of cayenne if you like it spicy, or tone it down for a milder flavor.
- Rice options: Any cooked rice works here—white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.
- Cheese variety: While cheddar is classic, pepper jack or a Mexican blend can add more flavor.
- Customize the toppings: Fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a drizzle of hot sauce are great finishing touches.
Storage and Freezing Tips
Here’s how to store and freeze your leftovers for later use:
- Refrigerate: Let the turkey skillet cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Freeze: Portion the skillet into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can substitute the ground turkey with plant-based meat alternatives or increase the amount of beans and vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? The primary ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you’ll need to make sure that any canned goods, spices, and additional toppings are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
- Can I add other vegetables? Feel free to incorporate veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to boost the nutritional content and flavor.
- What can I serve with this skillet? This dish pairs well with tortilla chips, a side salad, or homemade tortillas for a complete meal.
- How can I make this dish spicier? Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level to your liking.
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Southwest Turkey Skillet
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
- 1 tsp. avocado oil or other neutral oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb. leftover shredded turkey or chicken (ground turkey works too)
- 1 (15 oz.) can black beans drained
- 1 (10 oz.) can RO-TEL (tomatoes with green chiles)
- 1 cup corn frozen or canned
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 (4 oz.) can green chiles
- 1 oz. taco seasoning packet
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 tbsps. chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large skillet, sauté the onion and avocado oil over medium heat.1/2 cup chopped yellow onion, 1 tsp. avocado oil
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until the onions are translucent.
- Add the garlic and stir for about 1 minute, until fragrant.2 cloves garlic
- Stir in the turkey, beans, tomatoes, corn, cheese, stock, green chiles, and taco seasoning until well combined.1 lb. leftover shredded turkey, 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, 1 (10 oz.) can RO-TEL, 1 cup corn, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 1 (4 oz.) can green chiles, 1 oz. taco seasoning packet
- Add the rice and stir. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.2 cups cooked rice
- Sprinkle the parsley over the skillet before serving.2 tbsps. chopped fresh parsley
Notes
Nutrition
More Leftover Turkey Recipes
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Leftover Curried Turkey Salad Sandwiches – Curried turkey salad sandwiches are the perfect way to turn leftover turkey into something amazing. Packed with sweet, savory, and spiced flavors, these sandwiches make a standout meal.
Leftover Turkey and Black Bean Tacos – These tacos are a great way to use up leftover turkey from Thanksgiving.
Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below and let me know how it turned out.
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