Looking for an easy and delicious way to use ground turkey? This Instant South-West Style Turkey with Quinoa is a flavourful one-pot meal that makes a satisfying weeknight dinner. 

Tender ground turkey, hearty quinoa, vegetables, and Southwest-inspired seasonings come together in the Instant Pot for a simple meal the whole family can enjoy.

This Instant Pot turkey recipe is packed with comforting flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it a great choice when you want a quick dinner without a lot of preparation.

Quinoa adds plenty of texture and makes this Southwest turkey dish filling enough to serve as a complete meal.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!

To begin I turned the Instant Pot to the sauté function, added the olive oil and then the ground turkey.

While the turkey was cooking I made sure to scrape the bottom of the pot well to prevent a burn message later.  The turkey still had some pink remaining when I shut the saute function off.

Next I added two cups of water to the Pot and scraped underneath all the ground turkey very well, removing any brown bits.  This deglazing of the Pot is a very important step.

I drained and rinsed a can of Bean Medley and dumped it into the Pot with the ground turkey.

Still scraping the bottom of the Pot I stirred in the beans.

After adding the beans I sprinkled in the quinoa and pressed it down into the liquid.

Next I poured in the three jars of South-West Style salsa but I did not stir.

I placed the lid on the Instant Pot, turned the steam release handle to the sealing position and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook High for 4 minutes.

When finished I turned the steam release handle to the venting position with a quick release.

The combination of seasoned turkey, quinoa, and vegetables creates a hearty one-pot meal that is both comforting and flavourful.

Give this South-West Style Turkey with Quinoa recipe a try the next time you need an easy dinner that doesn't require a lot of fuss!

Add toppings to suit your taste.  Options include grated cheese, sour cream, guacamole or whatever suits your fancy!

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

 

More Soup, Chili and Stew Recipes You Will Enjoy...

PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

Ingredients You'll Need to Make this Instant Pot South-West Style Turkey with Quinoa:

• 2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup Quinoa
• 1 can bean medley (540 ml or 18 oz)
• 3 jars South-West Style salsa (650 ml or 22 oz)

How to Make Instant Pot South-West Style Turkey with Quinoa:

1. Turn the Instant Pot to saute and add the vegetable oil.
2. Add the ground turkey. Scrape the bottom of the pot as you stir to prevent a burn message later. Saute for about 3 minutes. The turkey will still have some pink remaining.
3. Turn the Instant Pot off.
4. Add 2 cups of water and deglaze the pot.
5. Drain and rinse the can of beans. Add them to the pot and stir.
6. Sprinkle the quinoa into the Instant Pot and gently press it down into the liquid. Do not stir.
7. Dump the 3 jars of salsa on top of the turkey and beans and do not stir.
8. Place the lid on the Instant Pot, turn the steam release handle to the sealing position and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook High for 4 minutes.
9. When finished turn the steam release handle to the venting position with a quick release.
10. Turn the Instant Pot off and allow the South-West Style Turkey with Quinoa to cool a bit before serving.
11. Serve with fresh buns, toast or Tortilla Scoops!
12. Optional: Sprinkle each serving with grated cheese, add a dollop of sour cream and guacamole.

FAQs:

Can I make this Southwest turkey recipe with ground chicken?

Yes. Ground chicken can be substituted for the ground turkey in this recipe. The flavour will be slightly different, but it will still make a delicious Instant Pot meal.

Can I use a different type of quinoa?

Yes. White, red, or tri-color quinoa can be used. Keep in mind that different varieties may have slightly different textures after cooking.

Can I use leftover cooked turkey?

This recipe is designed for ground turkey, but cooked leftover turkey can be used with some adjustments. Since cooked turkey does not need to cook as long, add it after the quinoa and other ingredients have cooked and heat everything through.

Can I add vegetables to Southwest turkey and quinoa?

Absolutely! Corn, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or black beans are delicious additions to this Southwest-inspired turkey recipe. They can add extra flavor, color, and texture.

What can I serve with Southwest turkey and quinoa?

This hearty turkey and quinoa dish can be served on its own as a complete meal. You can also top it with avocado, fresh cilantro, green onions, salsa, or a squeeze of lime for even more Southwest flavor.

How do I store leftover turkey and quinoa?

Allow the leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator and enjoy within a few days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Can I freeze Instant Pot turkey and quinoa?

Yes, turkey and quinoa can be frozen for convenient make-ahead meals. Allow the dish to cool completely, place it in freezer-safe containers, and thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Is quinoa a good substitute for rice in turkey recipes?

Yes. Quinoa is a great alternative to rice and gives this Southwest turkey recipe a slightly nutty flavor and hearty texture. It also makes the dish a little different from traditional turkey and rice recipes.

Is this a good easy weeknight dinner?

Definitely! This Instant Pot turkey and quinoa recipe is a convenient choice for busy weeknights because the Instant Pot does most of the work. It's a flavourful one-pot meal with minimal cleanup.