Hearty Sage Butter Turkey & Wild Rice Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Hearty Sage Butter Turkey & Wild Rice Skillet is a comforting, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. It combines lean ground turkey, nutty wild rice, and aromatic herbs for a satisfying dish that’s both wholesome and delicious.

Ingredients

• 1.0 lb ground turkey
• 1.0 cup wild rice blend (uncooked)
• 2.0 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2.0 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.0 medium onion, diced
• 3.0 cloves garlic, minced
• 2.0 cups chicken broth
• 1.0 cup spinach, chopped
• 1.0 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1.0 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the wild rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Drain any excess liquid and set the rice aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Increase heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, fresh sage, and thyme. Cook, breaking the turkey apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the cooked wild rice and chopped spinach. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Stir gently until melted and the mixture is coated evenly. If desired, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly dish.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat boost.
• Fresh sage is best here, but dried sage can be used if fresh is unavailable (use about one-third the amount).
• Try mixing in other greens like kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for variety.

Storage

Store leftover turkey and wild rice skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating if the mixture seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of wild rice?

Yes, white rice can be used, but cooking times will be shorter. Adjust the simmering time accordingly, usually about 15-20 minutes.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. Freezing may alter the texture, especially of the spinach. If freezing, use airtight containers and consume within 1-2 months.

Hearty Sage Butter Turkey & Wild Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 389 reviews

A comforting and flavorful Hearty Sage Butter Turkey & Wild Rice Skillet combining lean ground turkey, nutty wild rice, fresh herbs, and a touch of butter for richness in a single pan meal, perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein & Grains

• 1.0 lb ground turkey
• 1.0 cup wild rice blend (uncooked)

Vegetables & Herbs

• 1.0 medium onion, diced
• 3.0 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.0 cup spinach, chopped
• 1.0 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1.0 teaspoon thyme
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Liquids & Fats

• 2.0 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2.0 tablespoons olive oil
• 2.0 cups chicken broth

Extras

• Salt and pepper to taste
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Wild Rice: Rinse the wild rice under cold water thoroughly. In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed rice and 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes until the rice is tender. Drain any excess liquid and set the cooked rice aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
3. Brown the Turkey: Increase the skillet heat to medium-high. Add the ground turkey to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, fresh sage, and thyme. Break the turkey apart with a spatula and cook for 7-10 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink inside.
4. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked wild rice and chopped spinach into the turkey mixture. Mix thoroughly and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are well incorporated and heated through.
5. Finish with Sage Butter: Lower the heat to low and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Gently stir the mixture to melt the butter and evenly coat the ingredients. For added richness and flavor, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese if using, and stir well to combine.
6. Serve: Taste the skillet and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve the hearty dish warm for a satisfying meal.

Notes

• Rinsing the wild rice helps remove excess starch and improves texture.
• Wild rice can take longer to cook than white rice, so be patient with simmering time.
• Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a savory depth to the dish.
• You can substitute spinach with kale or swiss chard if preferred.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: turkey skillet, wild rice recipe, one pan meal, sage butter turkey, healthy dinner, ground turkey skillet