Cheesy Ground Turkey Rice Skillet with Marinara Sauce

User Reviews

5

12 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    30 mins

  • Servings

    6

  • Calories

    257 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    American

Cheesy Ground Turkey Rice Skillet with Marinara Sauce

This skillet dish combines ground turkey, shredded zucchini, and cooked rice in a savory marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The cooked turkey and vegetables blend with tomato sauce and Italian seasoning, resulting in a hearty, cheesy casserole with a browned cheese crust from broiling. Fresh basil adds a light herbal finish to the warm, comforting main course.

Description

Cheesy Ground Turkey Rice Skillet with Marinara Sauce is a one-pan meal featuring browned ground turkey cooked with onion, garlic, and shredded zucchini, seasoned with Italian herbs and pepper flakes. Combined with marinara sauce and cooked rice, the mixture is topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, then broiled briefly to create a golden, bubbly cheese layer. This preparation delivers a balanced texture of tender meat and vegetables with creamy, melted cheese on top.

The dish brings together the acidity and sweetness of the marinara with the mild flavor of turkey and earthiness from the zucchini. The Italian seasoning and optional crushed red pepper flakes introduce subtle warmth and aroma. The melted mozzarella binds the ingredients while Parmesan adds a sharp finishing note.

Serve this skillet hot and garnish with fresh basil for a touch of freshness that contrasts the rich sauce and cheese. It can work as a wholesome weeknight dinner alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for longer storage, making it a convenient make-ahead option. When reheating, warming slowly helps retain the texture of the cheese and turkey.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 onion diced, large, yellow
  • 4 garlic minced, cloves
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 zucchini shredded (1/2 cup, small
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • salt to taste, Kosher salt
  • black pepper to taste, Kosher salt
  • crushed red pepper flakes to taste, optional
  • 25 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 cup brown rice cooked, or white rice cooked
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese divided, shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese finely grated
  • basil for garnish, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring and breaking apart the turkey with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the shredded zucchini, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes.
  4. Add the marinara sauce, cooked rice, and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella. Stir until combined and cheese is melted. Top with remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Preheat the broiler. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is melted and slightly browned. Watch closely. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil. Serve.

Notes

  • Store leftovers refrigerated up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months for meal prep convenience.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 257kcal (13%) Carbohydrates 18g (6%) Protein 26g (52%) Fat 10g (15%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 4g (20%) Trans Fat 0.01g (1%) Cholesterol 60mg (20%) Sodium 792mg (33%) Potassium 732mg (16%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 6g (12%) Vitamin A 764IU (15%) Vitamin C 15mg (17%) Calcium 169mg (17%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 257 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 257kcal 13%
Carbohydrates 18g 6%
Protein 26g 52%
Fat 10g 15%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 4g 20%
Trans Fat 0.01g 1%
Cholesterol 60mg 20%
Sodium 792mg 33%
Potassium 732mg 16%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 6g 12%
Vitamin A 764IU 15%
Vitamin C 15mg 17%
Calcium 169mg 17%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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User Reviews

Overall Rating

5

12 reviews
Excellent

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