This Golden Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet is a wholesome one-pan dinner packed with lean ground turkey, fluffy turmeric-spiced rice, and warm Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Topped with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce and a refreshing cucumber tomato salad, this easy recipe delivers the perfect balance of comfort and freshness. Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners, it’s a nutritious meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

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Golden Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet

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• Author: Chef Sara
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

This Golden Ground Turkey and Rice Skillet is a wholesome one-pan dinner packed with lean ground turkey, fluffy turmeric-spiced rice, and warm Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Topped with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce and a refreshing cucumber tomato salad, this easy recipe delivers the perfect balance of comfort and freshness. Ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners, it’s a nutritious meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb lean ground turkey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp sumac
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 2 Persian cucumbers, diced
• 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup plain whole-milk Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, grated

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 3–5 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic, tomato paste, turmeric, coriander, and paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes.
4. Stir in rice and coat well with the spices. Toast for 1 minute.
5. Season with salt and pour in broth. Bring to a boil.
6. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 23–27 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
7. Meanwhile, place sliced red onion in a bowl with red wine vinegar, sumac, and salt. Let sit for 15 minutes.
8. In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and grated garlic. Set aside.
9. Add cucumber, tomatoes, parsley, mint, and olive oil to the pickled onions. Toss to combine.
10. Fluff the rice mixture with a fork.
11. Divide into serving bowls and top with yogurt sauce and cucumber salad.
12. Serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Rinse the rice before cooking for fluffier results.
Ground chicken or lean beef can be substituted for ground turkey.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 35 mins

Nutrition

• Calories: 485 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Protein: 38 g