Are you tired of expensive, complicated meals that drain your wallet and energy? Get ready to discover the ultimate solution for busy families craving nutritious, wallet-friendly dinners! This ground turkey and brown rice skillet is not just a meal—it's a game-changing recipe that delivers maximum flavor, incredible nutrition, and minimal effort in under 45 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and satisfying even the pickiest eaters, this recipe proves that eating healthy doesn't have to be complicated or costly.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Various
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups brown rice
- 1 can black beans
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by measuring and gathering all components: ground turkey, brown rice, black beans, frozen mixed vegetables, cumin, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and break into small pieces using a wooden spoon, cooking until fully browned and no pink remains (approximately 7-8 minutes).
- While turkey cooks, rinse black beans thoroughly under cold water and drain. Measure out frozen mixed vegetables.
- Sprinkle cumin, salt, and pepper over browned turkey, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Add drained black beans and frozen mixed vegetables to the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables are heated through.
- In a separate pot, cook brown rice according to package instructions, typically requiring about 40-45 minutes of total cooking and resting time.
- Once rice is fully cooked, fluff with a fork and portion into serving bowls.
- Top rice with turkey, bean, and vegetable mixture. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve hot, ensuring each portion has a balanced mix of protein, grains, and vegetables.
Tips
- Prep Like a Pro: Measure and gather all ingredients before starting to cook, ensuring a smooth and stress-free cooking experience.
- Brown Turkey Perfectly: Break ground turkey into small pieces while cooking to ensure even browning and maximum flavor development.
- Drain and Rinse Beans: Always thoroughly rinse canned black beans to reduce sodium and remove excess starch.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with cumin, salt, and pepper—they're key to transforming simple ingredients into a flavor-packed meal.
- Rice Tip: If possible, use a rice cooker or instant pot for foolproof brown rice preparation.
- Customize Your Meal: Feel free to swap frozen vegetables based on what you have on hand or your family's preferences.
- Meal Prep Hack: This recipe doubles beautifully and stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for advanced meal planning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
