Ground Turkey and Rice
A flavorful and easy ground turkey and rice dish, seasoned with cumin and paprika, cooked together for a hearty meal. Customize with vegetables, cheese, or herbs for added variety!
Ingredients
- 1 lb of ground turkey
- Ground turkey is lean and perfect for a hearty yet light meal.
- 1 cup of uncooked rice white or brown
- Rice serves as the base for the dish. You can opt for brown rice for more fiber or stick to white rice for a fluffier texture.
- 1 onion finely chopped
- Onions add that familiar savory depth to the dish.
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- Garlic enhances the flavor and adds a bit of aromatic zest.
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- You’ll need this for sautéing the onions and garlic to perfection.
- 1 can 15 oz of diced tomatoes (optional)
- Tomatoes provide a nice burst of acidity that can balance out the richness.
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- Cumin adds a warm earthy flavor that complements the turkey beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- This gives the dish a subtle smokiness that really elevates it.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
- 1 ½ cups of chicken broth or water
- This is what you’ll use to cook the rice. It adds an extra layer of flavor over using plain water.
- Fresh parsley or cilantro optional
- Garnishing with fresh herbs adds color and brightness to the dish.
Instructions
Sauté the Onions and Garlic
- Start by heating olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onions and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Next, throw in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Be Make sure the garlic doesn't overcook, as it tends to develop a bitter taste if browned too much.
Brown the Ground Turkey
- Add the ground turkey to the pan with the onions and garlic. Break the turkey apart using a wooden spoon or spatula, ensuring that it cooks evenly. Continue cooking for 6-8 minutes until the turkey is browned, and there’s no pink left.
Season the Meat
- Once the turkey is browned, sprinkle in your ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If you're using diced tomatoes, now is the time to stir them in. Let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to meld with the turkey and onion mixture.
Cook the Rice
- Next, add the uncooked rice to the pan, mixing it in with the turkey and spices. Pour in the chicken broth or water and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer. It will take about 15-18 minutes for the rice to cook through. Make sure to check periodically and stir if necessary to prevent sticking.
Finish and Garnish
- Once the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the liquid, give the dish a final stir. Taste to adjust seasoning if needed. If you want, you can sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the top for a vibrant finish. Serve hot and enjoy!