15 Ground Turkey and Rice Recipes for Easy Weeknights

Hey, friend—picture this: It’s 6 PM, the kids are hangry, your boss just dumped a last-minute deadline on you, and the fridge is staring back like it’s judging your life choices. Sound familiar? Enter ground turkey and rice, the ultimate weeknight power couple. Lean protein? Check. Pantry staple? Check. Endless flavor combos that don’t require a culinary degree? Triple check. I’ve rounded up 15 ground turkey and rice recipes that come together faster than you can scroll TikTok. Let’s rescue dinner, shall we?

1. Teriyaki Turkey Rice Bowls That Beat Takeout Every Time

Who needs delivery when you can whip up glossy, sweet-salty teriyaki in 20 minutes?

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup jasmine rice (uncooked)
• ⅓ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook rice according to package (pro tip: use chicken broth instead of water for extra flavor).
2. Brown turkey in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
3. Whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
4. Pour sauce over turkey, let it bubble and thicken for 3–4 minutes.
5. Spoon turkey over rice, top with green onions and sesame seeds.

Why You’ll Love It

This is my “I’m too tired to function but still want flavor” go-to. The sauce clings to every rice grain like it’s in love. IMO, skip the pineapple chunks—save those for piña coladas.

2. One-Pan Mexican Turkey Rice Skillet (Because Dishes Suck)

One pan, zero brain cells required. Your future self thanks you.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• Avocado and cilantro for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown turkey in a deep skillet. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Stir in rice, salsa, broth, beans, and taco seasoning.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer 18–20 minutes until rice is tender.
4. Sprinkle cheese on top, cover until melted (2 minutes).
5. Serve with avocado slices and a squeeze of lime.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s basically taco night without the shell drama. My kid once ate three helpings and asked if we could have it for breakfast. (We did.)

3. Greek Turkey Rice Stuffed Peppers (Fancy but Make It Easy)

Colorful, Instagram-worthy, and secretly a 30-minute meal.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers, halved
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup feta, crumbled
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp oregano
• ½ cup spinach, chopped
• Lemon zest from 1 lemon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Place pepper halves in a baking dish.
2. Cook turkey until browned, then mix in rice, tomatoes, oregano, spinach, and half the feta.
3. Stuff peppers with turkey mixture. Top with remaining feta.
4. Bake 25 minutes until peppers soften.
5. Finish with lemon zest and a drizzle of olive oil.

Why You’ll Love It

These look like you tried, but the filling is just a stir-and-stuff situation. Pro move: Roast extra peppers for snacks.

4. Creamy Mushroom Turkey Rice Casserole (Cozy Vibes Only)

Think comfort food, but lighter and with zero canned soup.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup rice (uncooked)
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Fresh thyme

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté mushrooms and onion in butter until golden.
2. Add turkey, cook until no pink remains.
3. Stir in rice, broth, and thyme. Simmer covered 15 minutes.
4. Mix in Greek yogurt, transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese.
5. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until bubbly.

Why You’ll Love It

It’s like a hug from your grandma, but with 50% less guilt. The yogurt keeps it creamy without heavy cream—chef’s kiss.

5. Korean-Inspired Gochujang Turkey Rice (Spicy & Addictive)

Warning: You’ll crave this weekly.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup rice (cooked)
• 2 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• Kimchi for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Whisk gochujang, soy, honey, and garlic.
2. Brown turkey, then stir in sauce. Cook 2 minutes.
3. Serve over warm rice with cucumber ribbons and kimchi.
4. Drizzle with sesame oil if you’re extra.

Why You’ll Love It

The heat builds slowly, then BAM—flavor explosion. Keep a glass of milk nearby if spice isn’t your jam.

6. Italian Turkey Rice Meatballs (Kid-Approved Sneaky Veggies)

Meatballs that aren’t just glorified hamburgers.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• ½ cup cooked rice
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 egg
• 1 zucchini, grated (squeezed dry)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Marinara sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix turkey, rice, Parmesan, egg, zucchini, and seasoning.
2. Roll into golf-ball-sized meatballs.
3. Brown in a skillet, then simmer in marinara 10 minutes.
4. Serve over rice or zucchini noodles.

Why You’ll Love It

The rice keeps them juicy, and the zucchini disappears (perfect for picky eaters). I once served these to a veggie-hating nephew—he asked for seconds. Victory.

7. Thai Basil Turkey Fried Rice (Better Than Restaurant)

Your wok (or skillet) is about to earn its keep.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 cups cooked rice (day-old is best)
• 1 cup Thai basil
• 3 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 2 eggs
• Chili flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Scramble eggs, set aside.
2. Stir-fry turkey until cooked, push to side.
3. Add rice, sauces, and sugar. Toss until coated.
4. Stir in basil and eggs. Finish with chili flakes.

Why You’ll Love It

Day-old rice = crispy bits. The basil wilts just enough to perfume everything. Street food vibes at home, baby.

8. BBQ Turkey Rice Sloppy Joes (Messy in the Best Way)

Sloppy Joes, but make them weeknight-friendly.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup rice (cooked)
• ¾ cup BBQ sauce
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• Buns or lettuce wraps

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté onion and pepper until soft.
2. Add turkey, cook through.
3. Stir in BBQ sauce and rice. Simmer 5 minutes.
4. Pile onto buns or lettuce cups.

Why You’ll Love It

Sweet, tangy, and zero precision required. Use the extra saucy bits to top baked potatoes tomorrow.

9. Lemon Garlic Turkey Rice Soup (When You’re Under the Weather)

Cozy in a bowl, heals the soul.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• ¾ cup rice (uncooked)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks
• Juice + zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh dill

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown turkey, then add veggies and broth.
2. Stir in rice, simmer 15 minutes.
3. Finish with lemon and dill.

Why You’ll Love It

Bright, brothy, and gentle on the stomach. I make a double batch and freeze half—future me is always grateful.

10. Cajun Turkey Jambalaya Rice (One-Pot Party)

Spice up your life without the cleanup.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup rice (uncooked)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 cups broth

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook turkey with veggies until softened.
2. Add rice, tomatoes, seasoning, and broth.
3. Simmer covered 20 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before fluffing.

Why You’ll Love It

Bold flavors, minimal effort. Adjust the Cajun heat to your crowd—my mild version still packs a punch.

11. Pesto Turkey Rice Bake (Green and Glorious)

Pesto makes everything better. Fight me.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup rice (cooked)
• ½ cup pesto
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
• Balsamic glaze

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix cooked turkey, rice, pesto, and tomatoes.
2. Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese.
3. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Why You’ll Love It

Herby, cheesy, and stupidly simple. Store-bought pesto works—your secret’s safe with me.

12. Sweet & Sour Turkey Rice (Takeout Fakeout)

Pineapple haters, look away.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup rice (cooked)
• 1 bell pepper, chunks
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• ⅓ cup sweet & sour sauce
• Green onions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Stir-fry turkey and peppers.
2. Add pineapple and sauce, cook 3 minutes.
3. Serve over rice, garnish with onions.

Why You’ll Love It

That glossy sauce? Addictive. Use fresh pineapple if you’re feeling fancy—canned works in a pinch.

13. Buffalo Turkey Rice Casserole (Game Day Goals)

Spicy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup rice (uncooked)
• ½ cup buffalo sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• Ranch for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown turkey, stir in rice, buffalo sauce, and broth.
2. Simmer covered 18 minutes.
3. Top with cheese, broil 2 minutes.
4. Drizzle with ranch.

Why You’ll Love It

All the wing flavor, none of the mess. Perfect for potlucks—bring napkins.

14. Mediterranean Turkey Rice Bowls (Meal Prep MVP)

Make once, eat thrice.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup rice (cooked)
• 1 tsp cumin + paprika
• Cucumber, tomatoes, red onion
• Tzatziki sauce
• Pita chips

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season and cook turkey with spices.
2. Layer bowls: rice, turkey, veggies, tzatziki.
3. Crumble pita chips on top.

Why You’ll Love It

Fresh, filling, and lasts 3 days in the fridge. Lunch envy is real.

15. Cheesy Broccoli Turkey Rice (Sneaky Green Goodness)

Veggies disguised as comfort food.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground turkey
• 1 cup rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar
• Garlic powder

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook turkey with garlic powder.
2. Add rice, broth, and broccoli. Simmer 15 minutes.
3. Stir in half the cheese, top with rest.
4. Broil until golden.

Why You’ll Love It

The broccoli practically melts in. My “I hate greens” friend polished off two bowls—proof it works.