Savory Turkey & Rice Skillet

This skillet dinner browns ground turkey with garlic and Italian seasoning, then stirs in cooked brown rice, spinach and cherry tomatoes. It’s on the table in 20 minutes.

It’s made for leftover rice and the last of a bag of spinach, and it’s part of our week of dinners from 10 ingredients. A pound of turkey and three cups of rice feed four.

Everything cooks in one pan.

Ingredients and Swaps

• Ground turkey: Or ground chicken or lean beef.
• Brown rice: Cooked. White rice or quinoa work the same way.
• Spinach and cherry tomatoes: Added at the end so they stay bright.
• Seasoning: Garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika and optional chili flakes.

Tips for a Flavorful Skillet

• Brown the turkey. Ground turkey is mild. Let it sit until it picks up color.
• Season generously. Rice dilutes the seasoning, so taste at the end and add salt.
• Add a splash of water. Leftover rice can be dry. A few tablespoons of water or broth loosens it.
• Don’t overcook the spinach. A minute or two is enough to wilt it.

Prices are from Walmart’s and ALDI’s websites for stores in Columbus, Ohio, checked in October 2026. Ohio’s grocery prices are within about 1% of the national average, so you may pay more or less depending on where you live, and prices change often. Here’s how we price our recipes.

Cost: Ingredients – $4.81 from Walmart, $4.88 from ALDI · Per Serving – $1.20 to $1.22

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Savory Turkey & Rice Skillet

Garlicky ground turkey tossed with brown rice, spinach, and cherry tomatoes in one skillet. A quick, comforting, healthy dinner in 20 minutes.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 3 cups cooked brown rice
• 3 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes optional
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Method

 

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the turkey and cook 6–7 minutes, breaking it up, until browned.
2. Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika and cook 1 minute.
3. Add the brown rice and stir 2–3 minutes until heated through.
4. Add the spinach and cherry tomatoes and cook 2 minutes more, until the spinach wilts.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes and serve.

Notes

• Crack a couple of eggs into the skillet at the end for extra protein.
• Add a splash of water if the rice seems dry.
• Use chicken breast, diced small, in place of turkey.
• Great for meal-prep containers.

Ways to Change It Up

• Crack a couple of eggs into the skillet at the end for extra protein.
• Stir in a spoonful of salsa or soy sauce for a different flavor.
• Top with shredded cheese or a drizzle of Lemon Herb Yogurt Sauce.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the microwave or a skillet with a splash of water until hot.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Turkey and Rice Skillet Questions

Can I use uncooked rice?

Not as written. For a version that cooks the rice in the pan, see One-Pot Cheesy Taco Rice.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes. Thaw it, squeeze it dry and stir in about ½ cup.