Spanish Skillet Dinner

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Spanish

A flavorful Spanish-inspired skillet dinner featuring ground turkey, tomatoes, green peppers, and aromatic spices, perfect for a hearty, quick weeknight meal.

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Ingredients

  • 3 oz. uncooked instant rice
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp. oil
  • 1 1/4 lb. ground turkey
  • 4 c. canned chopped tomatoes
  • 3/4 c. water
  • 1/2 c. chili powder
  • 1/2 c. tomato paste or sauce
  • 1/2 c. green pepper, chopped
  • salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown rice, chopped onion, and chopped garlic in oil in a skillet.
  2. Add ground turkey; cook until browned, stirring frequently.
  3. Add chopped tomatoes, water, chili powder, tomato paste, chopped green pepper, and salt; cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
  4. Mix well before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider using smoked paprika or cumin in addition to the chili powder. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the ground turkey with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also use brown rice instead of instant rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Pair this dish with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Spanish Skillet Dinner hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a refreshing green salad. For additional texture, consider serving it with tortilla chips or over a bed of greens for a lighter option. This dish also complements well with a dollop of sour cream or avocado slices.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. You can also microwave the dish in a microwave-safe container for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Spanish Skillet Dinner contains roughly 820 calories, with 19g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1427mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).

820 kcal 41% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 18.8g 38% DV
Total Fat 45g 58% DV
Carbs 90.1g 33% DV
Fiber 6.5g 23% DV
Sugar 9.8g 20% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1427.4mg 62% DV
Potassium 653.4mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 20.7mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 88mcg 10% DV
Vitamin C 47.5mg 53% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 179.2mg 14% DV
Iron 4.6mg 25% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking times as needed based on the meat used to ensure it's fully cooked.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more heat, consider increasing the amount of chili powder or adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer to spice up their individual servings.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm on the stove or in the microwave.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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