If you’re a fan of lean proteins but want to step away from the monotony of chicken breasts, you’re in the right place! Ground turkey is a versatile and lean protein that can stand toe-to-toe with any cut of beef. From the hearty Southwest Turkey and Rice Skillet to the exotic flavors of the Korean-Style Ground Turkey, these recipes offer a smorgasbord of global flavors. Ground turkey’s mild flavor means it’s perfect for taking on a wide range of flavors, whether you’re simmering it in a Mongolian sauce for a rice bowl or spicing it up for a twist on classic Dirty Rice.
Making these dishes is as easy as sautéing ground turkey and combining it with perfectly cooked rice and an array of seasonings. And each bite? It’ll melt in your mouth, delivering a hearty, satisfying, and, most importantly, healthful dining experience! Among the tantalizing recipes to follow, the Greek Turkey and Rice Skillet, the Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls, and the Dirty Rice are some of my favorites.
If you’re not in the mood for those, you might want to try the Korean-Style Ground Turkey. Whichever recipe you pick from this delightful list, you’re in for a culinary treat. They’re affordable, quick and easy to prepare, and brimming with flavor. So, let’s get ready to turn up the heat and get cooking!
1. Southwest Turkey and Rice Skillet
Elevate your dinner with the Southwest Turkey and Rice Skillet. This dish blends ground turkey, rice, and a vibrant mix of Southwest flavors, creating a hearty, satisfying meal that’s packed with zest. Grab a skillet, your favorite spices, and get ready for a flavor-packed dinner!
2. Ground Turkey and Rice Casserole
Indulge in the comforting goodness of Ground Turkey and Rice Casserole. This dish pairs lean ground turkey with tender rice, all baked to perfection in a casserole. This is an ideal meal for those cozy nights in where you’re craving a hearty, home-cooked meal.
3. Mongolian Turkey and Rice Bowl
Bring the flavors of the East to your kitchen with the Mongolian Turkey and Rice Bowl. Savory ground turkey is tossed in a sweet and tangy Mongolian sauce and served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s an easy, delicious way to shake up your weeknight meal routine!
4. Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls
The Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls dish is a quick, flavorful spin on your usual turkey dinner. Ground turkey is simmered in a sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce and served atop steamed rice. This bowl is sure to satisfy your cravings for Asian flavors.
5. Taco Turkey Rice
Taco Tuesday meets the convenience of one-pot cooking with Taco Turkey Rice. Ground turkey is seasoned with zesty taco spices and mixed with rice for a fun, delicious twist on the classic taco. Gather your favorite taco toppings and dig in!
6. Dirty Rice
Add a touch of Southern charm to your dining table with Dirty Rice. This recipe takes ground turkey and combines it with rice and a variety of seasonings to create a flavorful, comforting dish that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Get ready to spice things up!
7. Ground Turkey Fried Rice
The Ground Turkey Fried Rice is a leaner take on the classic dish. It packs all the flavors of traditional fried rice but uses ground turkey for a healthier twist. Grab your wok, because this easy, flavorful dinner is just a stir-fry away!
8. Greek Turkey and Rice Skillet
Embark on a Mediterranean culinary adventure with the Greek Turkey and Rice Skillet. It combines ground turkey, rice, and a blend of Greek spices to create a hearty, one-skillet meal that’s packed with flavor. Your dinner will feel like a trip to the sunny coasts of Greece!
9. Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers are a fantastic, colorful, and healthy dinner option. These vibrant peppers are filled with savory ground turkey and rice, creating a beautiful and satisfying meal. Get ready for a delightful blend of flavors and textures!
10. Ground Turkey and Rice Soup
The Ground Turkey and Rice Soup is a bowlful of comfort. Lean ground turkey, wholesome rice, and a soothing broth make this a warm, comforting, and nutritious meal. It’s the perfect dish for those chilly evenings or when you need a bit of soul-soothing.
11. Korean-Style Ground Turkey
Spice up your weeknight dinners with Korean-Style Ground Turkey. This dish packs a punch of flavor, with ground turkey cooked in a sweet and spicy Korean-style sauce. Serve it over a bed of rice for an irresistible Asian-inspired meal!
12. Cheesy Turkey and Spinach Casserole
Dive into the Cheesy Turkey and Spinach Casserole for a satisfying, nutrient-packed meal. Ground turkey, spinach, rice, and a generous helping of cheese come together in this hearty, baked dish. This casserole is a delicious way to get your greens!
13. Broccoli and Rice with Ground Turkey
Looking for a simple, healthy, and tasty meal? The Broccoli and Rice with Ground Turkey has got you covered! This dish combines lean ground turkey, rice, and fresh broccoli for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Get ready for a wholesome dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
14. Ground Turkey, Rice and Beans
Enjoy a hearty, protein-packed meal with the Ground Turkey, Rice and Beans. This dish marries ground turkey with flavorful rice and hearty beans for a satisfying meal. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for those busy weeknight dinners.
15. Chinese Green Beans with Ground Turkey Over Rice
Take a culinary journey to the East with Chinese Green Beans with Ground Turkey Over Rice. The dish brings together vibrant green beans, savory ground turkey, and perfectly cooked rice, all smothered in a robust Chinese-style sauce. One bite and you’ll feel like you’re dining in the heart of Beijing!
16. Turkey Taco Burrito Bowls
Say hello to a fiesta in a bowl with Turkey Taco Burrito Bowls! This dish is an explosion of flavors and textures, featuring seasoned ground turkey, rice, and a host of your favorite Mexican toppings. It’s a party of flavors, without the mess of a traditional taco!
17. Turkey Enchilada Skillet
Spice up your dinner routine with the Turkey Enchilada Skillet. This dish combines ground turkey, rice, and an enchanting enchilada sauce for a one-skillet meal that’s bursting with bold, Mexican flavors. It’s a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
18. Cauliflower Rice Turkey Taco Skillet
Lighten up your taco night with the Cauliflower Rice Turkey Taco Skillet. This dish replaces traditional rice with cauliflower rice and features ground turkey for a lighter, yet equally satisfying, take on the classic taco skillet. A mix of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, this dish is sure to be a hit!
19. Curry Ground Turkey Dish
Add a bit of spice to your life with the Curry Ground Turkey Dish. Ground turkey and rice are simmered in a tantalizing curry sauce for a dish that’s rich, aromatic, and sure to satisfy your curry cravings. It’s like having your favorite curry house right in your kitchen!
20. Turkey, Zucchini and Rice Casserole
Dive into a healthy, wholesome meal with the Turkey, Zucchini, and Rice Casserole. This dish combines ground turkey, rice, and zucchini under a blanket of melted cheese for a hearty casserole that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. It’s a great way to get your fill of veggies in a fun, tasty way!
21. Turkey Picadillo
Take a trip down memory lane with the comforting and savory Turkey Picadillo. This dish pairs ground turkey with a flavorful tomato sauce and a variety of spices for a dinner that’s homey and full of flavor. Served over rice, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal that tastes just like abuela’s recipe!
22. Asian-Inspired Ground Turkey
For those craving something a bit different, try the Asian-Inspired Ground Turkey. This dish brings the sweet and savory flavors of Asia to your table, combining ground turkey with a delightful soy-based sauce. Paired with rice, this meal is sure to add a spark of exotic flavors to your weeknight dinners!
23. Gluten-Free Turkey Fried Rice
Everyone can enjoy the tasty wonders of fried rice with Gluten-Free Turkey Fried Rice. This dish is a healthful take on the classic, using gluten-free rice and lean ground turkey. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s bursting with flavor and is perfect for anyone following a gluten-free diet.
24. Mexican Turkey Rice Bowl
Spice up your meal plan with the Mexican Turkey Rice Bowl. This dish puts a healthier spin on Mexican cuisine, featuring ground turkey, a medley of vegetables, and rice all sprinkled with your favorite Mexican seasonings. It’s a fiesta of flavors that will make every bite feel like a celebration!
25. Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Over Rice
Sweet, savory, and absolutely delicious, the Honey Garlic Turkey Meatballs Over Rice is a meal that can’t be missed. The dish pairs juicy ground turkey meatballs with a sweet and garlicky sauce that’s impossible to resist. Served over a bed of fluffy rice, this is one dish that will have everyone licking their plates clean!
25 Savory Ground Turkey and Rice Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 1 lb extra lean ground turkey
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp each salt & pepper
- 28oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Boil pasta in a pan on the stove according to the package, drain and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350F
- In a medium-sized saucepan, add olive oil and cook the garlic over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add in the ground turkey and cook until browned.
- Mix in all of the seasonings then stir in the canned tomatoes.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer for 5 minutes.
- Using a 9×13 casserole dish place a very thin layer of the turkey mixture on the bottom of the dish, add in half of the cooked pasta, then 1/2 of the turkey mixture, 1/2 cup of mozzarella and repeat the steps with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Makes 6 servings, each serving is 1 heaping cup.
- *Optional to top with a little fresh herbs.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
