Description
This Cheesy Turkey Rice recipe is a hearty, comforting one-pan dish combining lean ground turkey, fluffy long-grain white rice, and melted cheddar cheese. Enhanced with aromatic onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, it simmers together in low-sodium chicken broth for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Grains
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Liquids
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Oils and Seasonings
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian herbs
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves to prepare them for sautéing.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become translucent, which should take about 3 minutes.
- Cook ground turkey: Add 1 pound of lean ground turkey to the skillet along with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Cook the mixture until the turkey is browned and fully cooked, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add rice and chicken broth: Stir in 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice, mixing well to coat it with the spices and turkey. Pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs over the mixture.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the skillet contents to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and allow it to simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Melt cheese: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and cover again. Let it sit for another 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt thoroughly.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey to keep the dish low in fat.
- Low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt level in the recipe.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
- Ensure the rice is well covered with broth before simmering to cook evenly.
- If cheddar cheese is unavailable, try using mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
