Ground Turkey and Rice Recipes: Quick, Healthy Meal Ideas

Name: Easy and Delicious Ground Turkey and Rice Recipes to Try Today
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean); 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 medium yellow onion (diced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 bell pepper (chopped); 1 can (14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp cumin; Salt and black pepper to taste

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Did you know that 60% of busy families struggle to prepare nutritious weeknight dinners in under 30 minutes, yet this ground turkey and rice recipes delivers both flavor and convenience without compromising on health?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This ground turkey and rice recipes transforms simple pantry staples into a satisfying, complete meal that’s ready in just one pan. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or health-conscious family members, this versatile dish delivers protein, whole grains, and vegetables in every bite.

Ingredients List

Essential Ingredients:

1 lb ground turkey (93/7 lean) – The star protein that keeps this dish light yet satisfying
1 cup long-grain white rice – Creates the perfect fluffy base
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Infuses rich, savory flavor throughout
1 medium yellow onion, diced – Adds aromatic sweetness and depth
2 cloves garlic, minced – Essential for that irresistible fragrance
1 bell pepper, chopped – Brings color, crunch, and vitamins
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained – Provides acidity and moisture
2 tbsp olive oil – For perfect sautéing and flavor development
1 tsp paprika – Adds warmth and beautiful color
1/2 tsp cumin – Creates subtle earthiness
Salt and black pepper to taste – Essential seasoning balance

Substitutions and Variations:

For Brown Rice Lovers: Substitute with brown rice (increase liquid to 2.5 cups and cooking time to 45 minutes) for healthy ground turkey and brown rice recipes
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free
Low-Carb Alternative: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for final 5 minutes of cooking
Dairy-Free: Recipe is naturally dairy-free as written
Spice Level: Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or 1 jalapeño for heat

Timing Guide

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Make Ground Turkey and Rice

Master this ground turkey and rice recipes with our foolproof method that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Arrange all ingredients within arm’s reach and pre-measure everything. This mise en place approach ensures your ground turkey and rice recipes flows smoothly without scrambling for ingredients mid-cooking. Dice your onion, mince garlic, and chop bell pepper while your skillet preheats.

Smart Tip: Use small bowls to organize chopped vegetables – this prevents overcooking while you’re still prepping.

Step 2: Brown the Turkey Foundation

Heat olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add ground turkey in an even layer, then resist stirring for 2-3 minutes. This creates a beautiful golden crust that locks in flavor. Break apart with your wooden spoon, cooking until no pink remains and you hear that satisfying sizzle.

Pro Technique: The key to exceptional ground turkey and rice recipes results is achieving proper browning – those caramelized bits become flavor gold.

Step 3: Build Your Aromatic Base

Add diced onion directly to the browned turkey and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 2 minutes. Push turkey mixture to one side, add minced garlic and spices to the cleared space, toasting for 30 seconds until aromatic. Stir in bell pepper and cook until slightly softened.

Flavor Secret: Toasting spices separately prevents burning while maximizing their aromatic impact in your ground turkey and rice recipes.

Step 4: Incorporate Rice and Liquids

Add uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring constantly for 1 minute to coat each grain with the flavorful turkey mixture. This toasting step adds nutty depth. Pour in chicken broth and drained diced tomatoes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Season generously with salt and pepper, tasting the liquid for proper seasoning.

Critical Note: The liquid should taste slightly over-seasoned since the rice will absorb and dilute flavors during cooking.

Step 5: Achieve Perfect Simmer

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to the lowest setting. Cover tightly with lid and set your timer for exactly 15 minutes. This is where patience transforms your ground turkey and rice recipes from good to extraordinary.

Essential Rule: Never lift that lid! Each peek releases crucial steam and disrupts the cooking process.

Step 6: Rest and Final Touches

Remove skillet from heat but keep covered for 5 minutes. This resting period allows residual heat to finish cooking while excess moisture evaporates. Remove lid, fluff gently with a fork, taste for seasoning adjustments, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Perfection Tip: Properly rested rice should be fluffy, not sticky, with each grain distinct and perfectly tender.

Pro Cooking Tips

Expert Advice for Perfect Results:

Prevent Mushy Rice: Use the correct liquid-to-rice ratio and avoid over-stirring once liquid is added
Enhance Flavor: Toast rice with turkey for 1-2 minutes before adding liquid
Avoid Dry Turkey: Don’t overcook the turkey in step 2 – it will continue cooking with the rice
Perfect Texture: Let the dish rest off heat to allow residual steam to finish cooking

How to Serve Ground Turkey and Rice

Creative Serving Ideas:

Transform this easy ground turkey and rice skillet into various meal presentations:

Family Style: Serve directly from the skillet with fresh herbs and lemon wedges
Individual Bowls: Top with avocado slices, cilantro, and a dollop of Greek yogurt
Stuffed Peppers: Use as filling for bell peppers and bake for 25 minutes
Meal Prep Containers: Divide into portions with steamed broccoli on the side
Lettuce Wraps: Serve over butter lettuce for a low-carb option

How to Store and Reheat Ground Turkey and Rice

Store:

Let ground turkey and rice cool completely (within 1–2 hours after cooking).
Store in an airtight container.
Keeps safely for 3–4 days in the fridge.

Reheat (Quickest method):

Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish.
Sprinkle with 1–2 teaspoons of water or broth to prevent rice from drying.
Cover loosely (microwave lid or damp paper towel).
Heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway, until steaming hot.

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Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (Serves 4):

Calories: 385
Protein: 28g (56% Daily Value)
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 580mg
Iron: 15% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 45% Daily Value

Easy and Delicious Ground Turkey and Rice Recipes to Try Today

By Nancy

Discover a variety of delicious and healthy ground turkey and rice recipes. From easy one-pan meals to flavorful bowls, find quick and satisfying meal ideas

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 384 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey 93/7 lean
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 medium yellow onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 bell pepper chopped
1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste