Ground Turkey And Rice Skillet

Name: Ground Turkey And Rice Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground turkey; 1 cup long-grain white rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 bell pepper, diced; 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen); 2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; Chopped parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Everyday Cozy Meals

I love making this Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet for a quick weeknight dinner. It's one of those meals that's not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. The combination of ground turkey and rice creates a satisfyingly hearty dish, while the addition of colorful vegetables adds a beautiful presentation. I often find myself reaching for this recipe when I'm short on time but still want something delicious and wholesome for my family. Plus, it's a great way to use up any leftover veggies in the fridge!

Created by

Charity Bowen

Last updated on 2026-02-27T13:21:36.567Z

When I first made this Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking, which not only saves time but also ensures everything cooks evenly. I love using a mix of bell peppers and onions for a pop of color and sweetness, making this dish not only tasty but visually appealing too.

Another tip I discovered is to let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking. It allows the flavors to meld together even more, resulting in a comforting, hearty meal that's perfect for any occasion. The leftovers, if there are any, reheat beautifully!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Hearty and filling, perfect for dinner any night of the week
Packed with nutrients from lean turkey and fresh vegetables
One-pan meal makes cleanup a breeze

Perfecting the Texture

Achieving the right texture in the Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet is essential for a satisfying meal. When cooking the ground turkey, ensure that you break it up sufficiently with your spoon, allowing it to brown evenly. Look for a nice golden color, which typically takes about 7-10 minutes over medium heat. This caramelization enhances the flavor, contributing a rich depth to the entire dish.

The rice also plays a crucial role in this skillet meal. Using long-grain white rice is recommended because it cooks evenly and maintains a fluffy texture. Be sure to use two cups of chicken broth to cook the rice, as this not only provides moisture but also infuses the rice with a savory flavor, absorbing the essence of the other ingredients. Keep an eye out for the rice: it should be tender but not mushy when done.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

One of the great aspects of this recipe is its flexibility. If you’re looking to add a bit more color or flavor, consider incorporating diced zucchini or shredded carrots along with the onion and bell pepper. These vegetables blend well and elevate the nutritional value while contributing vibrant colors to your skillet. If you happen to have leftover cooked vegetables, feel free to toss those in as well, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.

For a lighter version, you can swap ground turkey for ground chicken or even a plant-based protein like lentils to make it vegetarian-friendly. Adjust the cooking times slightly when making substitutions to ensure everything is cooked through, keeping your meal both hearty and wholesome.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for your Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet:

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, diced
1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Chopped parsley for garnish

Have everything ready? Let’s start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet:

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Cook the Turkey

Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.

Add Rice and Broth

Stir in the rice, chicken broth, corn, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.

Simmer

Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Let it Rest

Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve

Fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving hot.

Now, enjoy your delicious Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider mixing in your favorite spices or a splash of hot sauce. You can also swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet is an excellent dish to make ahead of time. You can prepare the entire recipe and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. This makes it a perfect option for meal prep or busy weeknights when you need a quick reheatable meal. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist if necessary.

If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it. Allow the skillet to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Serving Suggestions

To serve the Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet, I love to garnish each portion with chopped fresh parsley. This adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that complements the savory flavors beautifully. You could also sprinkle a little crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan on top for an extra layer of flavor.

Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up any delicious juices left on the plate. This dish is also great as a filling for lettuce wraps if you're looking to lighten it up or serve it in a whole new way, adding a fun twist to your family dinner.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, just make sure to adjust the cooking time since brown rice requires a longer cooking time.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the ground turkey with a plant-based protein, and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add any veggies you like, such as zucchini, carrots, or spinach, to enhance the dish's nutritional value.