Description
Cheesy Turkey Rice is a delicious and comforting one-pan meal featuring lean ground turkey, tender long-grain white rice, and melted shredded cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make dish is flavored with sautéed onions, garlic, Italian herbs, and a blend of spices, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that comes together in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Dairy
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Grains
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Oils
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp olive oil
Spices & Herbs
- 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 for sautéing. This ensures even cooking and enhances the flavor release.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic; cook them until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- Cook the 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 turkey until it is fully browned and no longer pink, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add rice and broth: Stir in 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice, mixing well to coat it with the spices and juices. Pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the contents of the skillet to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add cheese and melt: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt thoroughly into the dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions and garlic.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- This recipe is best served immediately for creamy, melty cheese texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the turkey.
