Dinner Under $10: Ground Turkey and Rice
A straightforward, satisfying meal built on pantry staples that come together in one pot.
There's real comfort in knowing what's for dinner before you even step into the kitchen. This combination of ground turkey, rice, beans, and tomatoes is the kind of meal that feels both nourishing and effortless—the sort of thing you can make on a Wednesday night without much fuss or expense. It's flexible enough to adapt to what you have on hand, yet reliable enough to make again and again.
Spanish-Style Turkey and Rice Skillet
A quick and satisfying one-pan dish combining seasoned ground turkey with rice, beans, and tomatoes for a complete meal with warm, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can beans (black or pinto), drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: cilantro, lime
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and ground turkey, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in cumin and oregano, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add uncooked rice and stir to coat in oil, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Pour in broth and canned tomatoes with their juice. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender.
- Stir in drained beans and cook uncovered for 2 minutes to heat through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired.
This is just one option. Want to create your own recipe?
Customize the ingredients or generate a recipe built entirely from what you already have.
Build My RecipeQuick Variations
Lighter Option
Use brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of white rice, and lean toward more vegetables and broth. This keeps the dish bright and lets the turkey shine without feeling heavy.
Hearty Option
Add more beans, a splash of cream or cheese at the end, and skip the tomatoes in favor of a richer stock. Double down on the comfort factor with extra seasonings like cumin or paprika.
Vegetarian or Flexible Option
Swap ground turkey for lentils, mushrooms, or crumbled tofu to keep the same structure and cost. The rice, beans, and tomatoes remain the foundation—just let your protein choice guide the seasoning.
Simple Substitutions
Protein Substitutes
- Ground chicken
- Ground beef
- Lentils
- Crumbled tofu
- Chopped mushrooms
- Canned chickpeas
Carb Substitutes
- Brown rice
- White rice
- Quinoa
- Farro
- Cauliflower rice
- Pasta
Flavor Boosters
- Cumin and chili powder
- Garlic and Italian herbs
- Lime juice and cilantro
- Worcestershire sauce
- Smoked paprika
- Hot sauce or jalapeños
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. This dish actually improves after a day or two in the refrigerator as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container for up to four days, or freeze portions for later.
What if I only have dried beans instead of canned?
Dried beans need to be soaked and cooked beforehand, which adds time to your meal. For a quick dinner, canned beans are your best bet—just drain and rinse them first.
How do I know when the rice is done?
Rice is ready when it's tender and has absorbed all the liquid. If you're cooking it in the same pot as the turkey and tomatoes, follow your rice's package instructions for liquid ratio, usually two parts liquid to one part rice.