You’re in for a treat with these 18 delicious ground turkey and rice recipes that are not only easy to make but also perfect for those busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting yet healthy. From savory one-pot wonders to flavorful skillet meals, this roundup is your go-to guide for turning simple ingredients into mouthwatering dishes. Let’s dive in and discover your next family favorite!
Ground Turkey and Rice Stuffed Peppers
Beneath the soft glow of the kitchen light, there’s something deeply comforting about preparing a meal that’s both nourishing and simple. Ground Turkey and Rice Stuffed Peppers is one such dish, where each step feels like a quiet meditation, leading to a meal that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- White rice – 1 cup
- Bell peppers – 4
- Tomato sauce – 1 cup
- Onion – ½ cup, diced
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds. Tip: Choose peppers that can stand upright for easier stuffing.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Tip: Draining excess fat can make the dish lighter.
- Stir in cooked white rice, tomato sauce, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stuff the bell peppers with the turkey and rice mixture, packing lightly. Tip: Leaving a little space at the top prevents overflow.
- Place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
Here, the peppers soften into a sweet contrast against the savory filling, their colors deepening like a sunset. Serve them atop a swirl of extra tomato sauce for a touch of brightness, or alongside a crisp green salad to complete the meal.
One Pot Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet
Zenith moments in the kitchen often come from the simplest dishes, where minimal effort meets maximum comfort. This one-pot wonder, with its humble ingredients, whispers of cozy evenings and satisfied sighs.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- White rice – 1 cup
- Chicken broth – 2 cups
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F) until shimmering.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and black pepper over the turkey, stirring to evenly distribute the spices.
- Add white rice to the skillet, stirring to lightly toast the grains, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Tip: Resist the urge to stir too much to prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- Reduce heat to low (200°F), cover the skillet, and simmer for 18 minutes. Tip: Check at the 15-minute mark to ensure the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Tip: This resting period allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.
Yielding a dish where the rice is perfectly tender and the turkey richly flavored, consider topping with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for a bright contrast.
Ground Turkey and Rice Casserole
On evenings when the kitchen feels like a sanctuary, this ground turkey and rice casserole becomes my quiet companion, blending simplicity with warmth in every bite.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- White rice – 1 cup
- Chicken broth – 2 cups
- Onion – ½ cup, diced
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Tip: Ensure the skillet is hot enough to sizzle a tiny piece of onion.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion turns translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until no pink remains, about 5 minutes. Tip: For even cooking, avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Stir in white rice, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Cover with foil. Tip: A tight foil cover traps steam, ensuring the rice cooks evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to lightly brown the top.
The casserole emerges with the rice perfectly tender, each grain having absorbed the savory broth. The ground turkey adds a subtle richness, making it comforting yet light. Serve it with a crisp green salad to contrast the creamy texture.
Healthy Ground Turkey and Rice Bowls
Perhaps there’s nothing quite as comforting as a meal that feels both nourishing and effortless, a dish that whispers of home yet dances with simplicity. These Healthy Ground Turkey and Rice Bowls are just that—a gentle reminder of how uncomplicated ingredients can come together to create something deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- White rice – 1 cup
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Black pepper – ¼ tsp
- Water – 2 cups
Instructions
- Rinse the white rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain. This removes excess starch for fluffier rice.
- In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Add the rinsed rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Tip: Resist the urge to peek; keeping the lid on ensures even cooking.
- While the rice cooks, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Season the turkey with 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains. Tip: For extra flavor, let the turkey sit undisturbed for a minute to develop a slight crust before stirring.
- Once the rice is done, remove it from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork. Tip: This resting period allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture evenly.
- Divide the rice between bowls, top with the cooked ground turkey, and serve immediately.
Just like that, you have a meal where the tender grains of rice play off the savory, lightly spiced turkey, creating a harmony of textures and flavors. Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for a bright finish.
Ground Turkey and Rice Soup
Remembering the quiet evenings of my childhood, this Ground Turkey and Rice Soup brings a comforting warmth that’s both simple and deeply satisfying. It’s a dish that whispers of home, with each spoonful offering a gentle embrace.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- White rice – 1 cup
- Chicken broth – 4 cups
- Carrots – 2, diced
- Onion – 1, chopped
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat (350°F) until shimmering.
- Add chopped onion and diced carrots, sautéing for 5 minutes until onions are translucent. Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Tip: Garlic burns easily, so keep the heat moderate.
- Increase heat to medium-high, add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 5 minutes. Tip: For richer flavor, let the turkey brown slightly before stirring.
- Pour in chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in white rice, salt, and black pepper, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
Perfectly tender rice and savory turkey meld in a broth that’s both light and nourishing. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for a bright finish.
Ground Turkey and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Gently, the aroma of simmering spices fills the kitchen, a comforting reminder of the simple joys found in preparing a meal that feels like home. Ground Turkey and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a testament to the beauty of combining humble ingredients into something truly nourishing.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- Cooked rice – 1 cup
- Cabbage – 1 head
- Tomato sauce – 2 cups
- Onion – ½ cup, diced
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Carefully submerge the whole cabbage head for 3 minutes to soften the leaves. Remove and let cool.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks, about 8 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rice, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
- Gently separate cabbage leaves. Trim the thick stem from each leaf without tearing.
- Place a small amount of the turkey and rice mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Fold the sides in and roll tightly.
- Arrange rolls seam-side down in a baking dish. Pour tomato sauce over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Velvety cabbage leaves cradle the savory filling, creating a dish that’s both hearty and delicate. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or alongside a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Spicy Ground Turkey and Rice Stir Fry
How quietly the evening settles in, the perfect time to stir together something simple yet deeply satisfying. This dish, with its gentle heat and comforting grains, feels like a quiet conversation with the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- White rice – 1 cup
- Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
- Sriracha – 1 tbsp
- Vegetable oil – 1 tbsp
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Ginger – 1 tsp, grated
- Green onions – 2, sliced
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
- Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 5 minutes. Tip: Don’t stir too often; letting the turkey sit for a bit allows it to brown.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in white rice, soy sauce, and sriracha. Mix well to combine. Tip: If the rice is leftover, add a splash of water to help it loosen up.
- Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through. Tip: Taste and adjust the heat level with more sriracha if desired.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions.
Unassuming yet vibrant, this stir fry offers a delightful contrast between the tender turkey and the slight chew of the rice. Serve it nestled in a bowl with extra green onions on top for a pop of color, or alongside a crisp cucumber salad to balance the spice.
Ground Turkey and Rice Mexican Skillet
Now, as the evening light fades, there’s something deeply comforting about preparing a meal that’s both nourishing and uncomplicated. This dish, with its humble ingredients, comes together in a single skillet, offering warmth and simplicity in every bite.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- White rice – 1 cup
- Chicken broth – 2 cups
- Taco seasoning – 2 tbsp
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle taco seasoning over the turkey, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Add white rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the turkey and spices.
- Pour in chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Tip: Resist the urge to stir too much to prevent the rice from becoming sticky.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes. Tip: Check at the 15-minute mark to ensure the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Tip: This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.
Comforting in its simplicity, the skillet melds the savory depth of spiced turkey with the tender, fluffy rice. Serve it straight from the pan, garnished with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a bright finish.
Ground Turkey and Rice with Black Beans
Many evenings call for something simple yet satisfying, a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Ground turkey and rice with black beans is just that—a comforting blend of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- White rice – 1 cup
- Black beans – 1 can (15 oz)
- Chicken broth – 2 cups
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp
- Cumin – 1 tsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F).
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic powder, cumin, and salt, mixing well to coat the turkey evenly.
- Add white rice to the skillet, stirring to combine with the turkey and spices.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Tip: Ensure the broth covers the rice for even cooking.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook for 18 minutes. Tip: Resist the urge to stir to prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
- Drain and rinse black beans, then gently fold them into the skillet. Tip: Adding beans at the end preserves their texture.
- Cover and let sit for 5 minutes off the heat to allow flavors to meld.
Serve this dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a bright finish. The rice absorbs the savory broth beautifully, while the black beans add a pleasant bite. Consider topping with avocado slices for a creamy contrast.
Ground Turkey and Rice Meatballs
As the evening light fades, there’s something deeply comforting about preparing a meal that feels both nourishing and familiar. Ground Turkey and Rice Meatballs are a humble yet satisfying dish, perfect for those nights when you crave simplicity without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- Cooked white rice – 1 cup
- Egg – 1
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, cooked white rice, egg, garlic powder, and salt. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls, placing each on the prepared baking sheet. Tip: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking.
- Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil, ensuring each is lightly coated for a golden finish.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then flip each meatball carefully. Tip: Use a thin spatula to avoid breaking them.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Tip: Let them rest for 5 minutes before serving to lock in juices.
Evenly browned and subtly seasoned, these meatballs offer a tender bite with a slight crispness from the rice. Serve them over a bed of steamed greens or alongside a vibrant tomato sauce for a comforting meal that feels like home.
Ground Turkey and Rice Lettuce Wraps
Gently, the aroma of sautéed ground turkey mingles with the earthy scent of rice, inviting a moment of quiet comfort in the kitchen. These lettuce wraps are a tender embrace of flavors, perfect for a reflective evening meal.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- White rice – 1 cup
- Lettuce leaves – 8 large
- Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
Instructions
- Rinse 1 cup of white rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Cook the rice according to package instructions, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 lb of ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in 2 tbsp of soy sauce, mixing well to coat the turkey evenly.
- Combine the cooked turkey with the rice, stirring gently to mix.
- Wash and dry 8 large lettuce leaves, ensuring they are free of water to prevent sogginess.
- Spoon the turkey and rice mixture into the center of each lettuce leaf.
- Fold the sides of the lettuce over the filling, then roll from the bottom to enclose.
Yieldingly tender, the wraps offer a crisp contrast to the savory filling, with the lettuce adding a refreshing crunch. Serve them on a platter for a hands-on meal that encourages sharing and conversation.
Ground Turkey and Rice Pilaf
Moments like these call for simplicity in the kitchen, a return to the comforting embrace of a dish that feels like home. Ground Turkey and Rice Pilaf is that quiet melody of flavors, blending seamlessly into the backdrop of a busy life, offering nourishment without fuss.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- Long grain white rice – 1 cup
- Chicken broth – 2 cups
- Onion – ½ cup, diced
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Increase heat to medium-high, add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until no pink remains, about 5 minutes. Tip: For richer flavor, let the turkey brown slightly before stirring.
- Stir in the rice, coating it well with the mixture in the skillet, about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, add salt and black pepper, then bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 18 minutes. Tip: Resist the urge to stir the rice as it cooks to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Tip: This resting period allows the rice to steam and become fluffier.
- Fluff the pilaf with a fork before serving.
Kindly savor the pilaf’s tender grains, each bite a harmony of savory turkey and aromatic rice. Consider topping with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for a bright finish, transforming it into a dish that delights both the palate and the eye.
Ground Turkey and Rice Stuffed Zucchini
Lately, I’ve found myself drawn to dishes that marry simplicity with nourishment, a quiet celebration of flavors that feel like home. This one, with its humble ingredients, speaks to those moments when comfort is found in the simplest of meals.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- Rice – 1 cup
- Zucchini – 4 medium
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Black pepper – ¼ tsp
- Garlic powder – ½ tsp
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cut the zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create boats.
- Brush the zucchini boats with 1 tbsp of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
- In a pan over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
- Add the rice, remaining olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt to the turkey, stirring to combine.
- Fill each zucchini boat with the turkey and rice mixture, packing it gently.
- Place the stuffed zucchini on a baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes, or until the zucchini is tender.
- For a golden top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
The zucchini becomes wonderfully tender, its slight sweetness a perfect counter to the savory filling. Serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of yogurt for a touch of brightness.
Ground Turkey and Rice with Mushrooms
Yesterday, as the evening light faded, I found myself craving something simple yet deeply satisfying. Ground Turkey and Rice with Mushrooms came to mind, a dish that feels like a warm embrace after a long day.
Ingredients
– Ground turkey – 1 lb
– White rice – 1 cup
– Mushrooms – 8 oz, sliced
– Olive oil – 2 tbsp
– Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
– Chicken broth – 2 cups
– Salt – ½ tsp
– Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Add ground turkey, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until no pink remains, about 5 minutes. Tip: Avoid stirring too much to let the turkey brown slightly.
3. Add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, sautéing until the mushrooms soften, about 3 minutes. Tip: Garlic burns easily, so keep the heat moderate.
4. Stir in white rice, coating it with the oil and turkey mixture, for about 1 minute.
5. Pour in chicken broth, add salt and black pepper, and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 18 minutes. Tip: Resist the urge to peek; keeping the lid on ensures even cooking.
7. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
Might this dish surprise you with its creamy texture and earthy flavors? Try serving it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for a bright contrast.
Ground Turkey and Rice with Spinach
Remembering the quiet evenings when the kitchen feels like a sanctuary, this dish comes together with simplicity and warmth. It’s a humble meal that speaks to the heart, blending lean protein, wholesome grains, and leafy greens into one comforting bowl.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- White rice – 1 cup
- Fresh spinach – 2 cups
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Chicken broth – 2 cups
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add white rice, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Tip: Resist the urge to stir the rice as it cooks to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Remove from heat and gently fold in fresh spinach until wilted, about 2 minutes. Tip: For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes over the dish before serving.
- Let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes off the heat to allow flavors to meld. Tip: This resting time also helps the rice achieve the perfect texture.
Offering a delightful contrast between the tender rice and the slight bite of spinach, this dish is a canvas for your creativity. Try topping it with a fried egg for a richer meal or serve it alongside a crisp salad for a lighter touch.
Ground Turkey and Rice with Peas and Carrots
As the evening light fades, there’s something deeply comforting about preparing a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. This dish, with its humble ingredients, comes together to create a symphony of flavors that speak to the soul.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- White rice – 1 cup
- Peas – 1 cup
- Carrots – 1 cup, diced
- Chicken broth – 2 cups
- Olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Black pepper – ¼ tsp
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in diced carrots, cooking until slightly softened, about 3 minutes. Tip: Uniform dicing ensures even cooking.
- Add white rice, peas, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Tip: Resist the urge to stir to prevent mushy rice.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Tip: This allows the rice to steam and become fluffy.
Fluffy rice cradles the savory turkey and sweet peas, while the carrots add a subtle crunch. Serve it in a deep bowl, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, to turn this simple meal into a moment of quiet joy.
Ground Turkey and Rice with Broccoli
Falling into the rhythm of a quiet evening, there’s something deeply comforting about preparing a meal that’s both nourishing and simple. This dish, with its humble ingredients, comes together in a harmony of flavors that feel like a warm embrace.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- White rice – 1 cup
- Broccoli florets – 2 cups
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Water – 2 cups
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F) until shimmering.
- Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 5 minutes. Tip: For even cooking, let the turkey sit undisturbed for a minute before stirring.
- Stir in garlic powder and salt, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add white rice and water to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low (200°F). Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Tip: Resist the urge to peek; keeping the lid on ensures the rice cooks evenly.
- After 15 minutes, layer broccoli florets on top of the rice. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until broccoli is tender. Tip: The steam from the rice will cook the broccoli perfectly, preserving its vibrant color.
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
Perfectly tender broccoli crowns the fluffy rice, while the ground turkey adds a savory depth that’s both satisfying and light. Consider serving this dish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a gentle heat, or alongside a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Ground Turkey and Rice with Sweet Potatoes
Now, as the evening light fades, there’s something deeply comforting about preparing a meal that feels both nourishing and uncomplicated. This dish, with its humble ingredients, comes together in a harmony of flavors that speak to the soul.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey – 1 lb
- White rice – 1 cup
- Sweet potatoes – 2, medium
- Olive oil – 2 tbsp
- Salt – 1 tsp
- Black pepper – ½ tsp
- Water – 2 cups
Instructions
- Preheat a large skillet over medium heat (350°F) and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Add the ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 5 minutes.
- While the turkey cooks, peel and dice the sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes.
- Remove the cooked turkey from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Add the diced sweet potatoes to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, about 10 minutes.
- Return the cooked turkey to the skillet with the sweet potatoes. Add the white rice, salt, black pepper, and water. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes before serving.
Might this dish surprise you with its simplicity and depth of flavor. The sweet potatoes add a gentle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory turkey, while the rice brings it all together in a comforting embrace. Serve it in a bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a touch of color and freshness.
Conclusion
Fantastic! This roundup of 18 delicious ground turkey and rice recipes offers something for everyone, from busy weeknights to cozy weekends. Each dish is easy to make and packed with flavor. We hope you’ll try them out, leave a comment with your favorite, and share the love by pinning this article on Pinterest. Happy cooking!

Michael Johnson is the founder of Pan Mastery, Inspired by his blacksmith grandfather’s legacy has a deep appreciation for hand-crafted pots and pans, he provides invaluable guides, reviews, and recipes to enhance your culinary journey.