One Pan Turkey and Rice Skillet is one of those meals that makes dinner feel a little special, even on a busy weekday. With its simple preparation and rich flavors, it’s a dish that you’ll find yourself returning to time and again. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about making a delicious meal in just one pan. Not only does it cut down on cleanup, but it also means that all those flavors meld together beautifully as they cook.
Jump to:
- What is One Pan Turkey and Rice Skillet
- Why You’ll Love This One Pan Turkey and Rice Skillet
- Ingredients for One Pan Turkey and Rice Skillet
- Preparing Your One Pan Turkey and Rice Skillet
- Sauté Aromatics
- Brown the Ground Turkey
- Cook Your Brown Rice
- Combine Ingredients
- Mix in Seasonings and Rice
- Garnish and Serve
- Serving Suggestions
- Tips for Success
- Variations
- Storage Tips
- Pairing Ideas
- FAQs
- More Easy Lunch & Dinner Recipes:
- 📖 Recipe Card
Imagine a cozy evening where the aroma of ground turkey, spices, and fresh cilantro fills your kitchen, making everyone eager for a taste. This recipe is equally welcoming, whether you’re winding down after work or gathering friends for a casual dinner. Gather those fresh ingredients, clear some space on your counter, and let’s transform your evening routine with this delightful, easy-to-make One Pan Turkey and Rice Skillet!
What is One Pan Turkey and Rice Skillet
The One Pan Turkey and Rice Skillet is a comprehensive dish that combines cooked brown rice with seasoned ground turkey and colorful veggies. It’s all cooked together harmoniously in a single skillet, which means less hassle in both preparation and cleanup. The blend of ingredients creates a robust and savory flavor that pleases the palate. You’ll enjoy the heartiness of the turkey, the subtle sweetness of corn, and the kick from the salsa. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that is helpful for family dining and entertaining friends.
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Turkey and Rice Skillet
What’s not to love? This dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it based on your preferences or what ingredients you have at hand. Plus, it’s packed with nutrition, making it a great choice for busy lifestyles. It offers protein from turkey, fiber from black beans, and vitamins from fresh veggies. The best part? It only requires one pan, making cleanup a breeze! Enjoy all these elements coming together to create a satisfying, flavorful meal that brings everyone to the table.
Ingredients for One Pan Turkey and Rice Skillet
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup sweet corn, drained
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice, cooked
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/3 cup beef broth
- 1 (4oz) can green chiles, drained
- 1 cup mild chunky salsa
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 1/2 tbsp taco seasoning
- Optional: Shredded Mexican cheese, extra cilantro, red pepper flakes
Preparing Your One Pan Turkey and Rice Skillet
This cooking adventure is about to unfold beautifully, starting with sautéing some aromatic ingredients.
Sauté Aromatics
Begin by adding olive oil to your large skillet. Heat it over medium heat and toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until they become fragrant and translucent. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor, and you’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts to smell amazing!
Brown the Ground Turkey
Next, increase the heat slightly and introduce the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This process helps develop a rich flavor while ensuring the turkey is cooked through.
Cook Your Brown Rice
While the turkey is browning, prepare your brown rice according to the package instructions. Once it’s ready, set it aside for a moment. It will join the party soon!
Combine Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Pour in the beef broth, rinsed black beans, drained green chiles, sweet corn, and mild chunky salsa into the skillet. Stir everything until it’s well mixed, creating a colorful, inviting mixture.
Mix in Seasonings and Rice
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over your skillet mixture and add in the cooked brown rice. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Taste it and feel free to adjust the seasoning if needed!
Garnish and Serve
As a final touch, top the dish with fresh cilantro, and if you like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes. Adding shredded cheese can also elevate the flavors; it’s entirely up to you! Serve your One Pan Turkey and Rice Skillet hot.
Serving Suggestions
This meal is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but you can enhance your dining experience. Pair your One Pan Turkey and Rice Skillet with a piece of warm cornbread or a vibrant green salad. The contrast of flavors and textures will elevate your meal even more!
Tips for Success
To ensure your dish shines:
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the turkey with spices before browning— it can add a lovely depth.
- Have all your ingredients prepped and measured beforehand. This speeds up the cooking process, making it much smoother.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with the recipe:
- Swap out turkey for ground chicken or beef if that’s what you prefer. The flavors will shift slightly, but it’s all delicious!
- Adding chopped bell peppers or zucchini can introduce more veggies into the dish, turning it into a delightful medley.
Storage Tips
You can store any leftover One Pan Turkey and Rice Skillet in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Pairing Ideas
If you’re looking to pair a drink with this dish, consider a light, citrusy white wine or a refreshing iced tea. Both choices can complement the flavor beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use minute rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, that’s definitely possible! Just remember to adjust the cooking time since minute rice cooks faster.
Is there a vegetarian alternative?
Of course! Replacing the turkey with lentils or chickpeas provides a wholesome vegetarian option.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Store in a freezer-safe container, and you can enjoy it for up to 2 months.
What toppings can I use?
Get creative! Avocado, sour cream, or jalapeños can all be excellent options to enhance the flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s on the milder side, but if you love the heat, add more seasoning or hot sauce to suit your taste.
This One Pan Turkey and Rice Skillet not only makes life easier in the kitchen but also delivers a delicious balance of flavors. It’s a comforting and hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. Enjoy the simplicity of cooking while serving something that everyone will love!
More Easy Lunch & Dinner Recipes:
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📖 Recipe Card
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One Pan Turkey and Rice Skillet
This One Pan Turkey and Rice Skillet offers a hearty and satisfying meal, combining flavorful ground turkey, nutritious brown rice, and colorful veggies—all in one pot!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup sweet corn, drained
- 1 1/2 cups brown rice, cooked
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/3 cup beef broth
- 1 (4oz) can green chiles, drained
- 1 cup mild chunky salsa
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 1/2 tbsp taco seasoning
- Optional: Shredded Mexican cheese, extra cilantro, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Increase heat and add ground turkey, cooking until browned.
- Prepare brown rice according to package instructions.
- Add beef broth, black beans, green chiles, sweet corn, and salsa to the skillet.
- Stir in taco seasoning and cooked brown rice.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and optional toppings before serving.
Notes
Marinate turkey with spices for enhanced flavor before browning.
Prep and measure ingredients in advance to streamline cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 85