Description
Cheesy Turkey Rice is a hearty and comforting one-pan dish featuring lean ground turkey, long-grain white rice, and melted cheddar cheese, seasoned with aromatic spices and Italian herbs. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this easy skillet recipe combines protein and carbs in a flavorful, cheesy, and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves to prepare for sautéing.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Cook Ground Turkey: Add the lean ground turkey to the skillet along with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Rice: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice, mixing thoroughly to combine with the turkey and seasonings.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and let simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let sit for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt beautifully.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control sodium levels and keep the dish heart-healthy.
- Ensure the skillet is covered properly while simmering so that the rice cooks through evenly.
- Adding the cheese off heat prevents it from burning while allowing it to melt smoothly.
- For a spicier twist, add some crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the turkey.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for meal prep and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
