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Turkey Combo Rice: Juicy Turkey, Fluffy Rice & Bold Flavors
Nothing beats a one-pot meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and quick to prepare. This Turkey Combo Rice delivers all of that — tender, juicy turkey paired with fluffy, fragrant rice and bold, savory spices that awaken your taste buds.
Whether you’re making dinner for the family or prepping meals for the week, this easy turkey dinner recipe combines convenience and comfort in one delicious dish. Perfectly seasoned turkey pieces cook alongside rice, vegetables, and aromatic spices, creating a harmony of textures and flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot meal, minimal cleanup
- Juicy, tender turkey every time
- Fluffy rice that absorbs bold spices
- Versatile and customizable
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep
This recipe proves that cooking turkey doesn’t have to be dry or bland. Paired with rice, it becomes a complete, flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground or cubed turkey breast
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice (white or jasmine)
- 3 cups chicken or turkey broth
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: 1 teaspoon chili flakes for a mild heat kick
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients
Dice onion, bell pepper, and carrot. Mince garlic. Measure rice and broth. - Cook Turkey
In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add turkey and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika while cooking. Remove turkey from the pot and set aside. - Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, add onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened and fragrant. - Toast the Rice
Add rice to the vegetables, stirring for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the grains. This adds depth and prevents mushiness. - Add Broth & Spices
Pour in the chicken or turkey broth. Stir in turmeric, cumin, remaining paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil. - Simmer
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. - Combine Turkey & Rice
Gently fold cooked turkey back into the rice. Cover for 2–3 minutes to allow flavors to meld. - Serve
Fluff rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley and optional chili flakes. Serve hot and enjoy!
Turkey Combo Rice: Juicy Turkey, Fluffy Rice & Bold Flavors
A flavorful one-pot meal combining juicy turkey, fluffy rice, and aromatic spices for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Cook turkey until browned and set aside.
- Sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot until softened.
- Add rice and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes.
- Pour in broth and stir in paprika, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 15–20 minutes until rice is tender.
- Fold turkey back into rice and cook 2–3 minutes more.
- Garnish with parsley and optional chili flakes before serving.
Notes
Adjust spices to taste. Ensure rice is fully cooked before serving.
Tips for Perfect Turkey Combo Rice
- Use Broth, Not Water: This enhances the flavor of both the rice and turkey.
- Don’t Overcook Rice: Keep an eye during simmering; rice should be tender but not mushy.
- Brown the Turkey: Proper browning adds depth and juicy texture.
- Customize Veggies: Add peas, corn, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
- Spice Variations: Try smoked paprika or curry powder for a different flavor profile.
Variations
- Ground Turkey: For a quicker, uniform texture, use ground turkey instead of cubes.
- One-Pot Rice Cooker Version: Combine all ingredients in a rice cooker and cook on the “white rice” setting.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeño or more chili flakes for heat.
- Herb Infusion: Use thyme or rosemary instead of parsley for an earthy twist.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad for a light, balanced meal.
- Pair with roasted vegetables for an extra hearty dinner.
- Top with a fried or poached egg for added protein and richness.
Fun Facts & Cultural Context
Turkey is a lean, high-protein meat commonly used in holiday meals, but it works beautifully in everyday dishes. Combining turkey with rice allows the grains to absorb the meat’s juices, creating a moist and flavorful dish.
This one-pot approach mirrors many traditional rice-and-protein dishes found worldwide, from pilafs to stir-fried rice variations, making it both comforting and globally inspired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but increase cooking time to about 40–45 minutes and adjust broth accordingly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
Can I substitute chicken?
Absolutely, chicken works just as well in this recipe.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, naturally. Ensure your broth is gluten-free if needed.
Why This Recipe Works
By cooking turkey first, you lock in moisture and flavor. Sautéing vegetables adds sweetness and aroma, while lightly toasting rice enhances texture. Simmering everything together allows the rice to soak up all the bold flavors, ensuring every bite is juicy, tender, and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Turkey Combo Rice: Juicy Turkey, Fluffy Rice & Bold Flavors is the ultimate one-pot comfort meal. Quick, versatile, and full of bold flavor, it’s perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or casual fam