Cheesy Ground Turkey Rice Skillet with Marinara Sauce
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
257 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cheesy Ground Turkey Rice Skillet with Marinara Sauce
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.
Ingredients
- 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
- 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.
- Add the ground turkey and cook, stirring and breaking apart the turkey with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded zucchini, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed pepper flakes. Cook for 2 minutes.
- 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.
- 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 DetailsNutrition 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.