a close-up shot of a fiesta chicken casserole with rice and beans. the casserole is topped with melted cheese, black beans, and pieces of chicken, showcasing a hearty and flavorful meal.

Ground turkey and rice are versatile ingredients that provide a healthy base for a variety of meals. They can be seasoned and paired with different flavors to create satisfying dishes. I believe that these 9 best ground turkey and rice recipes will inspire you to explore new ways to enjoy this combination in your kitchen.

Whether you are looking for quick weeknight dinners or comforting meals for family gatherings, these recipes can fit any occasion. Using ground turkey means I can enjoy a leaner protein option without sacrificing flavor. Each recipe showcases how easy it is to prepare delicious meals that everyone will love.

Table of Contents

1. Turkey and Rice Skillet

a close-up overhead shot of dirty rice in a light-colored pot. the rice is mixed with ground meat, diced red and yellow bell peppers, and onions, with a wooden spoon resting inside. the hearty and savory dish is presented on a dark wooden surface

A Turkey and Rice Skillet is a simple, one-pan dish. It combines ground turkey and rice with various vegetables and seasonings. This meal is not only tasty but also quick to prepare.

Making this dish is easy and straightforward. I appreciate how it requires minimal ingredients and cleanup.

Here’s how I make it:

Cook the Turkey: In a skillet, I heat some olive oil and add 1 pound of ground turkey. I cook it until it’s browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Vegetables: Once the turkey is cooked, I toss in 1 diced onion, 1 bell pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves. I sauté these until they’re soft, usually around 3-4 minutes.
Incorporate Rice and Broth: Next, I stir in 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of chicken broth. I bring this to a boil.
Simmer: After boiling, I cover the skillet and reduce the heat. I let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Serve: Finally, I fluff the rice with a fork and season with salt and pepper. This dish is now ready to enjoy!

2. Mediterranean Turkey and Rice

a close-up shot of a bowl filled with rice, ground turkey, chopped tomatoes, and spinach. the ingredients are mixed together, creating a colorful and hearty dish. a fork is partially visible in the upper right corner

Mediterranean turkey and rice is a flavorful dish that showcases the bright tastes of the region. It combines ground turkey with spices, herbs, and rice for a satisfying meal.

This dish is quite easy to make. I appreciate that it can be prepared in under an hour. The recipe typically includes ingredients like olive oil, garlic, onions, tomatoes, and spinach.

To make Mediterranean turkey and rice, follow these steps:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves; sauté for about 3 minutes.

Stir in 1 pound of ground turkey, cooking until browned.
Add 1 cup of rice, 2 cups of broth, and 1 can of diced tomatoes.
Toss in 1 teaspoon of oregano and some chopped spinach.

Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender.

This dish is not only easy to prepare, but it also delivers a nutritious meal packed with flavors. I love serving it with a side salad or some warm pita bread.

3. Cajun Turkey and Rice

a close-up shot of a bowl filled with rice, chunks of chicken, diced red bell peppers, and green onions. the savory cajun dish is presented in a gray bowl. a spoon is visible, suggesting the dish is ready to be enjoyed

Cajun Turkey and Rice is a flavorful dish that combines ground turkey with rice in a spicy Cajun seasoning. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting meal.

To make this dish, I follow these simple steps:

In a large skillet, I heat oil over medium heat. Then, I add chopped onions, bell peppers, and celery. This mixture is known as the “holy trinity” in Cajun cooking.
After a few minutes, I add ground turkey to the skillet. I cook it until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Next, I stir in garlic, Cajun seasoning, and diced tomatoes. This adds richness and depth to the dish.
I add chicken broth and uncooked rice. I bring everything to a simmer and cover the skillet.
After about 20-25 minutes, I check to make sure the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Finally, I fluff the rice and serve it hot, garnished with green onions if I like.

This dish offers a perfect blend of spices and is a satisfying meal any night of the week.

4. Asian Turkey and Rice Bowl

a close-up shot of teriyaki chicken stir fry in a white bowl. pieces of glazed chicken are mixed with broccoli, red and yellow bell peppers, and green onions, served alongside brown rice. chopsticks rest on the edge of the bowl, which sits on a white surface with scattered green onions and cilantro

The Asian Turkey and Rice Bowl is a simple yet delicious meal. It combines ground turkey with rice and flavorful ingredients, making it a satisfying dish. I enjoy its balance of taste and nutrition.

Making this bowl is quite easy. I start by cooking the rice according to package instructions. For me, I often use jasmine rice for added flavor, but any rice will work.

Next, I cook the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat. I season it with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. These ingredients give the turkey a rich taste.

Once the turkey is browned, I mix in some vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli. I cook them until tender. This step usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Finally, I serve the turkey and veggies over the cooked rice. I like to top it with green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor. This dish is ready in around 30 minutes, making it a quick weeknight meal.

5. Turkey and Brown Rice Stuffed Peppers

a close-up overhead shot of four colorful stuffed bell peppers in a white baking dish. the peppers are red, orange, and green, halved and filled with a mixture of rice and ground meat. the dish is simple and highlights the vibrant colors of the vegetables

Turkey and brown rice stuffed peppers are a healthy and satisfying dish. They combine lean ground turkey with nutritious brown rice and colorful bell peppers. This recipe is easy to make, even for beginners.

To prepare, start by cooking 1 cup of brown rice according to package instructions. While the rice cooks, I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Next, I take 4 bell peppers, cut off the tops, and remove the seeds. In a skillet, I cook 1 pound of ground turkey over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Once the turkey is cooked, I mix in the cooked brown rice, 1 cup of diced tomatoes, and my favorite spices like salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I then fill each bell pepper with this mixture.

I place the stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover it with foil. They bake for about 30 minutes. For a touch of flavor, I remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to let the tops brown slightly.

These stuffed peppers are a complete meal and quite filling. They are perfect for meal prep and taste great as leftovers.

6. Lemon Herb Turkey and Rice

a close-up shot of lemon chicken and rice on a white plate. fluffy rice is mixed with pieces of cooked chicken, fresh parsley, and thyme, and garnished with bright yellow lemon wedges. the simple and flavorful dish is presented on a light gray surface

Lemon Herb Turkey and Rice is a flavorful dish that combines ground turkey with fresh herbs and bright lemon juice. This meal is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

To make this recipe, I gather the following ingredients:

1 pound of ground turkey
1 cup of rice
2 cups of chicken broth

1 lemon (juiced)
Fresh herbs like parsley and thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

I start by cooking the rice in chicken broth according to the package instructions. While the rice cooks, I brown the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat.

Next, I add the lemon juice and chopped herbs to the turkey, mixing well. Once the turkey is cooked through, I combine it with the rice. I season with salt and pepper to taste.

This dish is simple, light, and full of flavor, making it a favorite in my kitchen. Using lemon and herbs enhances the taste of the turkey and rice, creating a delightful meal.

7. Mexican Turkey and Rice Casserole

a close-up shot of a spoonful of taco casserole being lifted from a white baking dish. layers of rice, seasoned ground meat, black beans, and melted cheese are visible, topped with diced tomatoes and cilantro. the hearty and flavorful dish sits on a woven placemat

Mexican Turkey and Rice Casserole is a flavorful dish that blends ground turkey with rice, spices, and vegetables. It’s easy to prepare and makes for a hearty meal.

To make this casserole, I start by cooking the ground turkey in a skillet. I add diced onions and bell peppers for more flavor. Once the turkey is browned, I mix in cooked rice and black beans.

Next, I season the mixture with taco seasoning and stir in diced tomatoes. This adds great color and taste. I then transfer everything to a baking dish and top it with cheese.

I bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and the flavors to blend together.

This dish is perfect for meal prep, as it can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. It’s a comforting option that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

8. Healthy Turkey Fried Rice

a close-up shot of chicken fried rice on a white plate. fluffy white rice is stir-fried with diced chicken, bright green peas, and orange carrot pieces, garnished with sliced green onions. wooden chopsticks rest on the side of the plate, suggesting a ready-to-eat and flavorful asian dish

Healthy Turkey Fried Rice is a nutritious and tasty dish I enjoy making. It combines ground turkey and rice with vegetables, creating a balanced meal.

This recipe is easy to prepare and takes about 30 minutes. I typically use leftover rice, which saves time and makes the dish quicker to cook.

Here’s how I make it:

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.

Add 1 pound of ground turkey and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in 3 cups of cooked rice, breaking up any clumps.
Add 1 cup of mixed vegetables, like peas and carrots, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Season with 3 tablespoons of soy sauce and mix well.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.

This Healthy Turkey Fried Rice is quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s filling, flavorful, and I feel good about serving it.

9. One-Pot Turkey and Rice

a close-up overhead shot of a blue pot filled with one-pot turkey and rice. the dish features ground turkey, rice, and vegetables, garnished with fresh parsley. the pot sits on a dark surface, highlighting the hearty and savory meal

One-Pot Turkey and Rice is a simple yet satisfying dish. It combines ground turkey, rice, and vegetables in one pot, making clean-up easy. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

To make this dish, I start by sautéing the turkey until it is browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. I then add chopped onions and garlic, cooking them until they are soft.

Next, I stir in rice and any desired vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots. After that, I add broth and seasonings. It’s important to bring the mixture to a boil.

Once it boils, I reduce the heat and cover the pot. I let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender. I check to ensure the liquid is absorbed and the flavors meld together.

Finally, I fluff the rice with a fork before serving. This dish is not just easy to prepare; it also allows for creativity with ingredients. Each bite is delicious and comforting, making it a favorite in my home.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Ground Turkey and Rice?

Ground turkey and rice together offer a balanced meal option packed with essential nutrients. Each ingredient brings its own health benefits, making this combination popular among health-conscious eaters. I’ll break down the advantages of ground turkey and the health benefits of rice.

Why Should You Choose Ground Turkey as a Protein Source?

Ground turkey is a lean source of protein. It contains less fat than many types of ground beef, making it a healthier option for those watching their fat intake. A typical serving of ground turkey offers around 22 grams of protein, which helps in muscle building and repair.

Additionally, ground turkey provides important vitamins and minerals, including:

B vitamins: These are crucial for energy production.

Selenium: This mineral supports immune function.
Zinc: It is important for wound healing and immune response.

Choosing ground turkey can make meals lower in calories while still being filling and nutritious.

What Are the Health Advantages of Including Rice in Meals?

Rice is not only versatile but also a great source of carbohydrates. It provides energy that is essential for daily activities. Brown rice, in particular, is rich in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.

Rice is also gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Its nutritional profile includes:

Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function.

Iron: Vital for transporting oxygen in the blood.
B vitamins: Helps in energy metabolism.

Including rice in meals can help maintain a balanced diet while providing lasting energy.

What Are the Best Cooking Tips for Ground Turkey and Rice Dishes?

I have found that cooking with ground turkey and rice can be both delicious and healthy. Knowing how to season the turkey and which types of rice to use can elevate the dish. Here are some essential tips I use for success in these recipes.

How Can You Best Season Ground Turkey for Flavor?

Seasoning ground turkey well is key to enhancing its flavor. Since turkey is lean and mild, I often use a combination of herbs and spices for a palate-pleasing taste.

Basic Seasoning: Start with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavor.

Herbs: Add garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs like oregano and thyme for depth.
Spices: For heat, I sometimes include cayenne or chili powder. Paprika can add a nice color and flavor too.

Marinating the turkey for 30 minutes can also help the spices penetrate better. I usually prefer to sauté the turkey over medium heat to help lock in moisture. This ensures the turkey remains juicy and flavorful.

What Are the Ideal Rice Varieties for Achieving Different Textures?

Choosing the right rice can affect the texture and overall taste of the dish. I typically consider two main types of rice that work best for ground turkey dishes.

Long-Grain Rice: Varieties like Basmati or Jasmine remain fluffy when cooked. I use this type when I want a lighter texture.
Short-Grain Rice: Arborio or sushi rice tends to be stickier. It’s perfect for creamy dishes or when I want a more cohesive bite.

I also consider cooking times and water-to-rice ratios. For long-grain, I use a ratio of 1:2 and typically cook it for about 15-20 minutes. Short-grain rice usually requires a bit more water and takes about 20-25 minutes. The right rice makes a significant difference in the meal’s richness and flavor.

9 Best Ground Turkey and Rice Recipes for Healthy Meals