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- 1 lb ground turkey - 1 cup long-grain rice - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots) - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste The main ingredients for Cheesy Turkey Rice Skillet are simple and easy to find. Ground turkey gives this dish a healthy protein base. Long-grain rice adds a nice texture. Chicken broth brings flavor and moisture to the skillet. Next, we have the additional ingredients. Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Chopped onion and minced garlic give a great aroma. Diced bell pepper adds crunch and color. Frozen mixed vegetables make it easy to add nutrition and color. Finally, the seasoning and oils are key. Paprika adds warmth, while cumin gives depth. Olive oil helps cook the veggies and turkey. Salt and pepper are essential to enhance all the flavors. With these ingredients, you set the stage for a warm, cheesy delight that comes together easily in one pan. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by chopping the onion and bell pepper. I like to cut them small for even cooking. 2. Mince the garlic cloves. This adds a great flavor to the dish. 3. Measure the rice carefully. Use one cup of long-grain rice. 4. Measure two cups of chicken broth. This will help cook the rice. 5. Gather all your spices. You will need paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. 1. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. 2. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft. 3. Stir in the minced garlic for one more minute. The smell will be amazing! 4. Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Season with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. 5. Cook the turkey until it is browned and fully cooked, which takes about 5-7 minutes. 6. Mix in the rice and let it combine with the turkey and veggies for 1-2 minutes. 7. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. 8. Reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for 15 minutes until the rice absorbs the liquid. 1. After 15 minutes, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. Let them heat through for another 5 minutes. 2. Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and becomes creamy. 3. Taste for seasoning. Adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. 4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for color. Enjoy your cheesy turkey rice skillet! Adjusting spices can make a big difference. Start with the basic amounts, then taste. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne. If you prefer a smoky flavor, add more paprika. Always trust your taste buds. Choosing the right cheese is key. Cheddar melts well and adds a rich flavor. You can also mix in mozzarella for stretchiness or a bit of pepper jack for heat. Try different blends to find your favorite combo. Sautéing vegetables properly sets the stage for great flavor. Heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper first. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. This helps build a strong flavor base for your dish. To ensure rice is perfectly cooked, follow the broth-to-rice ratio. Use 2 cups of chicken broth for 1 cup of rice. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb all that tasty broth. For presentation, serve the cheesy turkey rice skillet in a large dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a bright color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top for a cheesy finish. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread. A crisp salad balances the creaminess of the dish. Garlic bread provides a nice crunch and flavor. This makes your meal feel complete and satisfying. Pro Tips Use Lean Turkey: Opt for lean ground turkey to keep the dish healthier without compromising on flavor. Customize Vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, such as spinach or broccoli, to add more nutrients and flavor. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Make Ahead: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated easily, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights. {{image_2}} You can swap turkey for other proteins. Ground chicken or beef works well here. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick fix. Each protein gives a new flavor. Using different rice adds variety too. Try brown rice for more nutty taste. Quinoa can be a great gluten-free option. Just adjust cooking times to match the rice you choose. Adding herbs and spices can elevate the dish. Fresh basil or oregano brings a burst of flavor. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes for some heat. Introducing additional vegetables makes it more colorful. Spinach or kale add nutrition and taste. You can also toss in zucchini or mushrooms for texture. To make it gluten-free, ensure your broth is gluten-free. Use rice that is also certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy your meal. For vegetarian alternatives, skip the turkey. Use extra beans or lentils instead. These options keep the dish hearty and satisfying. Store your leftover Cheesy Turkey Rice Skillet in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. The dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Be sure to cool it down to room temperature before sealing it up. This helps prevent moisture build-up inside the container. You can freeze the Cheesy Turkey Rice Skillet for later meals. Divide it into single servings in freezer-safe containers. It stays good for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, move a portion to the fridge overnight to thaw. For reheating, warm it in a skillet over low heat. You may add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Watch for signs of spoilage. If the dish has an off smell or strange color, throw it away. Always check for mold before eating leftovers. To extend freshness, eat your leftovers within a few days. Proper storage is key to enjoying your meal later. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? Yes, you can use brown rice. However, it takes longer to cook. You will need to increase the broth. Cook for about 20-25 minutes instead of 15 minutes. What can I serve with Cheesy Turkey Rice Skillet? This dish goes well with a simple salad or crusty bread. You can also pair it with steamed veggies for more nutrients. How can I tell if the turkey is fully cooked? The turkey should be brown and no longer pink inside. You can also use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. What if I don't have chicken broth? If you lack chicken broth, use water instead. You can add extra spices or a bouillon cube for added flavor. Can I substitute ground turkey with ground beef? Yes, you can swap ground turkey for ground beef. This change will add a richer flavor. Just be mindful of the fat content. What cheese works best aside from cheddar? Mozzarella or pepper jack cheese can work well too. They melt nicely and add a creamy texture. In this article, we explored a delicious Cheesy Turkey Rice Skillet recipe, highlighting key ingredients like ground turkey, rice, and cheese. I shared easy step-by-step cooking instructions and valuable tips to enhance your dish. We also discussed storage and cooking variations to suit your taste. Cooking should be fun and easy. Feel free to adjust the recipe to make it your own. Enjoy creating this meal that brings comfort and flavor to your table!

Cheesy Turkey Rice Skillet

A delicious one-pan meal featuring ground turkey, rice, and cheese, perfect for a quick dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 whole bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, corn, carrots)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add ground turkey to the skillet, seasoning with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in the rice, allowing it to mix thoroughly with the turkey and vegetables for about 1-2 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
  • Once the rice is cooked, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra cheese on the side.
Keyword cheesy, easy dinner, rice, skillet, turkey