Sometimes the end of a long day calls for something that feels both nourishing and uncomplicated. This ground turkey and rice dinner fits that bill perfectly—simple, flavorful, and just the kind of meal you want simmering on the stove while you sneak in a few moments to breathe.
I remember one evening when I tossed this together after an unexpectedly hectic afternoon. I was halfway through chopping the onion when my mind wandered to the grocery list I forgot at home, and yes, the garlic almost slipped off the counter. But as the spices toasted and the turkey browned, all those little distractions melted away. The aroma filled the kitchen with a warm, inviting scent—smoky cumin, a hint of paprika, and fresh parsley stirred in at the end. It wasn’t fancy, but it was exactly what I needed—comfort without fuss.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s straightforward to make and doesn’t demand a lot of hands-on time, freeing you up for other things.
- The combination of spices adds depth without overwhelming the natural flavors of the turkey and rice.
- It’s pretty healthy, but don’t expect it to be a diet miracle—it’s simple, and that’s kind of the point.
- Leftovers reheat well, making it a practical choice for busy nights or lunches the next day.
Just so you know, this isn’t a recipe that requires exact precision—sometimes I skip the parsley or swap in frozen veggies I have on hand. It’s forgiving, which is a relief when life gets messy.
PrintGround Turkey and Rice Dinner
A simple and flavorful ground turkey and rice dinner that’s perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground turkey
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 cup frozen peas
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 add the diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, stir in the frozen peas, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Kitchen Notes: You won’t need any fancy equipment here—a good skillet and a lid are all it takes. I usually serve this with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to round out the meal. If you feel like switching it up, try adding a splash of lemon juice at the end for brightness or stirring in a handful of shredded cheese while it’s still warm. Sometimes, I’ve tossed in a few chopped nuts for texture, but I haven’t tested all these tweaks fully, so feel free to experiment.
FAQ:
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, but it will take longer to cook and may need extra liquid.
Is ground turkey the only meat that works? You could swap in ground chicken or even lean ground beef, though the flavor profile will shift a bit.
Can I make this in advance? Absolutely. It stores well in the fridge for a few days and reheats nicely.
Give this ground turkey and rice dinner a try next time you want something that feels like home without all the fuss. It’s simple, satisfying, and might just become your go-to for those busy evenings.