Easy and Delicious Ground Turkey and Rice Recipes to Try Today

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

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):

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

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

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

Instructions

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Notes

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

Keyword healthy dinner, one-pot meal, high protein, family meal, weeknight dinner, lean meat recipe, meal prep

FAQ About ground turkey and rice

Can I make this ground turkey and rice recipes ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth to restore moisture.

What’s the best way to freeze leftovers?

Cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently on stovetop.

Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?

Yes! Ground chicken works perfectly as a 1:1 substitute with identical cooking times and methods.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom?

Use medium-low heat during simmering and ensure your skillet has a thick bottom for even heat distribution.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Perfect for meal prep! Divide into containers with vegetables for balanced, grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

Can I double the recipe for a large family?

Yes, but use a very large skillet or Dutch oven to ensure even cooking. You may need to increase cooking time by 5 minutes.

Conclusion

Ready to transform your dinner routine? Try this recipe tonight and share your results in our review section below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more quick, healthy family meal ideas that make dinnertime stress-free and delicious. For more creative turkey recipes, explore our Turkey Neck Recipe collection and discover new family favorites.