Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet Recipe

Sometimes, you just need a meal that feels like a warm, uncomplicated hug at the end of a long day. This ground turkey and rice skillet is exactly that, a complete dinner that comes together in one pan with a rhythm that’s almost therapeutic.

It’s the kind of dish that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation, because it’s reliably delicious and wonderfully forgiving.

You get hearty protein, tender rice, and fresh vegetables all mingling in a savory, tomato-infused broth. The best part, honestly, is the single skillet waiting to be washed afterward. Let’s get into what you’ll need to make this weeknight champion.

Why This Skillet Is a Weeknight Hero

Beyond the obvious appeal of just one pan, this recipe has a clever, self-saucing magic. The rice doesn't just cook; it soaks up every drop of flavor from the broth, the tomatoes, and the seasoned turkey. You’re building layers of taste directly in the pot, and the result is far greater than the sum of its simple parts.

It’s also a fantastic canvas for your own preferences. Don’t be shy about making it your own, whether that’s with a different vegetable or a spicy kick. The structure is sturdy, but the details are up for negotiation, which is the mark of a truly great home cook’s recipe.

Ingredients Needed for the Recipe

Gathering these ingredients is half the battle won. Here’s your list, with a little note on why each one matters.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon to start everything off, adding a subtle fruitiness as it heats.
• Lean Ground Turkey: A lighter, mild protein that beautifully absorbs the surrounding flavors.
• Sweet Onion & Garlic: The essential aromatic base that builds a foundation of savory depth.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Use them undrained—their juices are key to the cooking liquid and overall moisture.
• Fresh Green Beans: They add a necessary pop of color and a pleasant, crisp-tender bite.
• White Rice: Short or long grain works; it’s the starched heart of the dish, swelling with flavor.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: This forms the main cooking liquid, so using a broth you enjoy is crucial.
• Coarse Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Dried Italian Herbs, Red Pepper Flakes: This simple spice blend creates a rounded, aromatic profile with just a hint of warmth.
• Grainy Mustard & Worcestershire Sauce: The secret weapons. They add a complex, tangy umami that makes the flavors sing.

How to make Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet?

The process is straightforward, but a few mindful steps ensure the best results. Follow along, and you'll have dinner ready in about half an hour.

Step 1 - Brown the Aromatics

Heat the oil in your largest, lidded skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and diced onion all at once.

Start breaking the turkey into small crumbles with your spoon; cook until the onion softens and no pink remains in the meat. Stir in the garlic just until its fragrance fills your kitchen—about 20 seconds is perfect.

Step 2 - The Big Combine

This is the satisfying part. To the skillet, add absolutely everything else: the tomatoes, green beans, uncooked rice, broth, and all the seasonings, mustard, and Worcestershire.

Give it a very thorough stir, making sure the rice is submerged and all the ingredients are evenly distributed. You’re building the entire dish right here.

Step 3 - Simmer to Perfection

Bring the liquid to a lively boil. The second you see those bubbles, cover the skillet tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to a steady, gentle simmer.

Let it cook, undisturbed, for 20 to 22 minutes. This is when the rice drinks up the broth and becomes perfectly tender.

Step 4 - Rest and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit, still covered, for about 3 minutes—this allows the last bit of steam to finish the rice.

Take off the lid, give it a final fluff and stir. Taste it, add a pinch more salt if it needs it, and then dish it out straight from the pan.

Ingredient Substitutions That Work

No green beans? Try fresh or frozen broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, or even peas added in the last few minutes. The goal is a bit of vegetable freshness and texture.

For a smoky or spicy twist, use a can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles instead of plain tomatoes. It’s an easy, brilliant switch that changes the entire character of the dish.

Tips

• Use fresh green beans for the best texture. If you must use canned, drain them well and stir in during the last 5 minutes to prevent mushiness.
• Resist the urge to peek under the lid while the rice is simmering. Keeping that steam trapped inside is critical for even cooking.
• Lean turkey doesn't render much fat, but if there's excess liquid after browning, do drain it for a cleaner final dish.
• That final rest off the heat is non-negotiable. It lets the grains settle and absorb the last bit of moisture perfectly.

Serving and Storing Your Creation

This skillet is a full meal by itself, but I love it with a simple, crisp green salad on the side for contrast. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese on top just before serving adds a lovely finish.

Leftovers store beautifully, somehow tasting even more flavorful the next day. Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.