Easy Dinner Using Ground Turkey and Broccoli

A straightforward weeknight meal built on lean protein, bright greens, and simple pantry staples.

Ground turkey and broccoli are the kind of ingredients that work hard without demanding much in return. They're affordable, nutritious, and genuinely good when treated well. Combined with rice and onions, they form the foundation for a dinner that feels both nourishing and satisfying—the sort of meal you can build on instinct, adapting it as your mood and pantry allow.

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Ground Turkey and Broccoli Rice Bowl

Total Time: 25 minutes • Serves: 4

A quick, healthy one-pan meal featuring seasoned ground turkey, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
1 medium onion, diced
4 cups broccoli florets
1.5 cups rice
3 cups chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and ground turkey, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until turkey is no longer pink.
Stir in rice and cook for 1 minute, coating it with the oil and pan drippings.
Pour in chicken broth and add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes until rice is nearly tender.
Add broccoli florets on top, cover again, and cook for 3-4 minutes until broccoli is tender-crisp and rice is fully cooked.
Stir gently to combine and serve hot.

Quick Variations

Lighter Option

Skip the rice entirely or use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb approach. The broccoli becomes even more prominent, letting its natural sweetness shine without the richness of a full portion of grain.

Hearty Option

Double the rice or add a creamy sauce—coconut milk, broth, or even a light cream—to make this feel more substantial. It transforms into comfort food that's still grounded in whole ingredients.

Vegetarian or Flexible Option

Substitute the ground turkey with lentils, crumbled tofu, or chickpeas for a plant-forward version. The onions and broccoli remain equally delicious anchors for whatever protein you choose.

Simple Substitutions

Protein Substitutes

Ground chicken
Ground beef
Diced chicken breast
Lentils or crumbled tofu
White fish, flaked

Carb Substitutes

Quinoa
Cauliflower rice
Farro
Pasta or noodles
Millet or buckwheat

Flavor Boosters

Garlic and ginger
Soy sauce or tamari
Lemon zest and fresh herbs
Chili flakes or hot sauce
Sesame oil
Curry powder or cumin

Common Questions

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes. Cook the components separately, then store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently before serving, or assemble cold if you prefer.

How do I keep the broccoli from getting mushy?

Add it toward the end of cooking, or roast it separately if you prefer more texture. A quick sauté or steam preserves its bite better than simmering it with everything else.

What if I want more flavor without adding extra ingredients?

Let the onions caramelize a bit longer—their natural sweetness becomes deeper and more complex. Toasting the rice lightly before cooking also adds subtle depth.