There’s something about the sound of onions sizzling in olive oil that immediately signals dinner is on its way. I remember the other night, half-distracted by a podcast and the soft chatter of the evening news, I started browning the ground turkey, the kitchen filling with the cozy aroma of cumin and smoked paprika. Somewhere between stirring the rice into the pan and waiting for the broth to simmer, I realized I had forgotten to set the table—again. But it didn’t matter; the warmth rising from the skillet was already enough to make the kitchen feel like the heart of the home.
This dish has that unpretentious, no-fuss vibe I often crave after a long day. The tender turkey, subtly spiced, blends seamlessly with the fluffy rice, while bursts of sweet red bell pepper and bright peas add little surprises with each bite. I usually toss in some fresh parsley just before serving, which lifts everything with its gentle herbaceousness.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It comes together in under 40 minutes, perfect for those evenings when time isn’t on your side.
- The one-pan approach means fewer dishes—always a win when you’re tired.
- The flavors are warm and familiar, but not boring; the smoked paprika adds a subtle depth without overpowering.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just honest ingredients doing their thing.
If you’re worried about leftovers, this meal holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days and reheats nicely. I haven’t tested it for freezing, but I imagine it could work if you’re looking to meal prep.
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Ground Turkey and Rice Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A simple and hearty ground turkey and rice dinner, perfect for a quick and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground turkey
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to combine.
Add the diced red bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
Add the uncooked 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 the heat to low, cover the skillet, 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 the liquid is absorbed.
Remove from heat and let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Kitchen Notes: No fancy equipment needed here—just a sturdy skillet with a lid to keep everything cooking evenly. I often serve this with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra juices. Sometimes, I throw in a handful of chopped mushrooms or swap peas for corn depending on what I have on hand. Oh, and if you like a touch of heat, a sprinkle of chili flakes never hurts, though I usually keep it mild for the kids.
FAQ:
Can I use brown rice instead of white? Brown rice will take longer to cook, so you’d need to adjust the simmer time and liquid accordingly—maybe experiment a bit.
Is ground turkey the only protein option? Not at all. Ground chicken or even a lean ground beef could work, though you might want to tweak the spices to match.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika? Regular paprika or a pinch of cumin alone can still give a nice flavor—just trust your taste buds.
Give this ground turkey and rice dinner a try the next time you need something straightforward but satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve got a cozy spot in the world, even if just for one evening.