Description
A comforting and savory one-pan meal featuring lean ground turkey, fluffy long-grain white rice, and melted cheddar cheese, enhanced with aromatic herbs and spices for a deliciously hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Turkey and Rice
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp olive oil
Seasonings and Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Finely chop the onion and garlic cloves to prepare for sautéing, ensuring they cook evenly and release their flavors fully.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic and cook until they become translucent, approximately 3 minutes, to build a flavorful base for the dish.
- Cook the turkey: Add the lean ground turkey to the skillet along with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and fully cooked through.
- Add rice and broth: Stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice thoroughly to coat it with the cooking juices. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and sprinkle Italian herbs over the mixture, combining everything well.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the skillet contents to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth flavors.
- Melt the cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and evenly sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover again and leave it to sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt perfectly over the turkey and rice.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content of the dish.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream when melting the cheese.
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for added color and freshness.
- Ensure the skillet is tightly covered during simmering to prevent moisture loss and ensure even rice cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
