Description
This Turkey Combo Rice is a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal featuring ground turkey, long grain rice, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a savory tomato and herb broth. Perfect for a balanced weeknight dinner, it combines the satisfying texture of tender rice with aromatic spices and fresh parsley for a comforting, nutritious dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain rice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots and peas)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Rinse Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, then drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat, add the chopped onion, and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook Turkey: Add the ground turkey to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Season Meat: Season the cooked turkey with salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano, stirring well to evenly coat the meat with the spices.
- Add Tomato Base: Stir in the tomato paste and diced tomatoes and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to deepen the flavors and combine the ingredients.
- Add Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir thoroughly to coat each grain with the flavorful turkey mixture.
- Add Broth and Boil: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer Rice: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in Vegetables: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the mixed vegetables (carrots and peas) to cook them through without losing texture.
- Rest Dish: Remove the pot from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming.
- Serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm for a delicious, balanced meal.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice removes excess starch and prevents the dish from becoming gummy.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
- Add more mixed vegetables such as bell peppers or corn for extra color and nutrition.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños when seasoning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
