Some evenings call for a meal that feels like a warm hug but doesn’t keep you in the kitchen forever. This ground turkey and rice dinner is exactly that kind of dish. It’s the kind of meal you can start after work, and by the time you’ve taken a minute to breathe, it’s ready to fill your plate with cozy, satisfying flavors.
I remember the first time I made something like this; I was juggling a half-finished email and a distracted toddler trying to grab the skillet handle. Somehow, between the small chaos, the smells of cumin and garlic pulled me back into the moment. The steam rising from the pan carried a promise of comfort—simple, honest food that makes you feel you’ve done something right, even on a hectic day. I didn’t even time it perfectly, but that didn’t matter. The rice was fluffy, the turkey tender with a little kick from the spices, and the peas added just the right pop of color and texture. It wasn’t fancy, but it was exactly what I needed.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s straightforward — no complicated prep, just real ingredients and real flavor.
- Ready in about 35 minutes, which fits well into busy weeknights when you want something homemade.
- The spices bring warmth and depth without overpowering, making it approachable for all kinds of eaters.
- Includes a fresh burst from peas and parsley, so it doesn’t feel heavy or one-note.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No frills, just a solid dinner you can count on.
If you’re new to cooking with ground turkey or rice, don’t worry. This recipe is forgiving and easy to adapt to what you have on hand or your taste preferences. Plus, it stores well, so you can make a little extra and enjoy it later.
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Ground Turkey and Rice Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A simple and flavorful ground turkey and rice dinner that’s perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the turkey and spices.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Remove the skillet from heat and gently stir in the thawed peas and chopped parsley.
Cover again and let sit for 5 minutes to warm the peas.
Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Kitchen Notes
This recipe works fine with just a skillet and a lid, so no fancy equipment needed. If you want to mix things up, try adding a handful of chopped bell peppers or swapping the peas for corn — I haven’t tested every combo, but it usually turns out just fine. Leftovers reheat well, though sometimes I add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice from drying out. Serving it with a simple side salad or steamed veggies rounds things out nicely when you want a bit more variety on your plate.
FAQ
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but the cooking time will be longer and you might need to add more broth. I usually stick to white rice for this one because it cooks quickly and keeps the texture light.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It’s better fresh or refrigerated for a few days. Freezing may change the texture of the rice, but if you’re okay with that, go for it.
Can I swap ground turkey for another protein?
You can try ground chicken or even lean beef, but the flavor profile and cooking times might differ slightly. I haven’t tested all swaps, but ground turkey’s mild flavor really lets the spices shine.
When you’re ready for a quick, cozy dinner that feels like you took your time, this ground turkey and rice dish is waiting for you. Give it a try—you might find it becoming your go-to weeknight meal.