Hearty Turkey Rice Bake with Peas
This Hearty Turkey Rice Bake with Peas is a delightful one-dish meal that combines the savory flavors of ground turkey and the rich, chicken-infused Rice-A-Roni, all brought together with vibrant, sweet peas. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole is quick to prepare and easy on the budget, making it a family favorite that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. With its comforting blend of ingredients, it's no wonder there are never any leftovers! Ideal for kids and adults alike, this dish delivers a satisfying and filling experience for your loved ones.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Rice-A-Roni
1 (6 1/2 ounce box)
Chicken soup base
1 (teaspoon)
Ground turkey
1 (pound)
Frozen peas
1 (16 ounce bag)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, brown the ground turkey over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, remove from skillet and transfer to a serving bowl, setting aside.
2
In the same skillet, prepare the Chicken Rice-A-Roni according to the package instructions. As the rice cooks, add the chicken soup base to enhance the flavor.
3
During the last five minutes of cooking for the Rice-A-Roni, carefully stir in the cooked ground turkey and the frozen peas. Mix well to combine, then cover the skillet with a lid to ensure even heating.
4
After the cooking time is completed, remove the skillet from heat. Give it a good stir to incorporate all the ingredients before serving warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Turkey Rice Bake with Peas?
It is a savory one-dish casserole that combines ground turkey, Chicken Rice-A-Roni, and sweet peas for a quick and filling meal.
What ingredients are required for this recipe?
You will need a 6.5-ounce box of Chicken Rice-A-Roni, one teaspoon of chicken soup base, one pound of ground turkey, and a 16-ounce bag of frozen peas.
How do I prepare the ground turkey?
Brown the ground turkey in a large skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns.
When should I add the chicken soup base?
Add the chicken soup base to the skillet while preparing the Rice-A-Roni to enhance the savory flavor.
When do the frozen peas get added to the dish?
Stir in the frozen peas during the last five minutes of the Rice-A-Roni cooking process.
Do I need to thaw the peas before cooking?
No, you can add the frozen peas directly to the skillet during the final cooking stage.
Can I substitute ground beef for ground turkey?
Yes, ground beef or ground chicken can be used as a protein substitute in this recipe.
How long does it take to brown the turkey?
Browning ground turkey typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes over medium heat until no pink remains.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, this dish uses affordable ingredients like Rice-A-Roni and frozen peas, making it very economical.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, this recipe is designed to be prepared in a single large skillet, simplifying both cooking and cleanup.
Can I use a different flavor of Rice-A-Roni?
While Chicken Rice-A-Roni is recommended, other savory flavors like Herb and Butter may also work.
What is the purpose of covering the skillet with a lid?
Covering the skillet ensures even heating for the turkey and peas when they are added to the rice.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the ingredients, this recipe typically serves 4 to 6 people.
Is this dish suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as a kid-friendly favorite due to its comforting flavors and simple ingredients.
What should I do after the rice finishes cooking?
Remove the skillet from the heat and give the mixture a good stir before serving it warm.
Can I add extra vegetables to this bake?
Yes, vegetables like diced carrots or corn can be added along with the peas for extra nutrition.
What size bag of frozen peas is needed?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce bag of frozen peas.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas can be used, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are tender.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You could use a vegetarian rice mix, vegetable broth base, and a meat substitute or extra vegetables.
What size box of Rice-A-Roni is used?
The recipe uses a standard 6.5-ounce box of Chicken Rice-A-Roni.
Does this recipe require any special equipment?
No, you only need a large skillet with a lid and a spatula.
How much chicken soup base is required?
The recipe requires one teaspoon of chicken soup base.
Can I use canned peas?
Canned peas can be used if drained, but frozen peas are preferred for their texture and color.
When do I put the turkey back in the pan?
Add the cooked turkey back into the skillet during the last five minutes of the rice cooking time.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, it is designed for busy weeknights and can be prepared in roughly 30 minutes.
Do I need to season the turkey?
The Rice-A-Roni seasoning and chicken soup base provide most of the flavor, but you can add salt and pepper to taste.
Can I use a slow cooker for this?
This specific recipe is optimized for a skillet, though ingredients could be adapted for a slow cooker with different liquid ratios.
What makes this a 'hearty' meal?
The combination of protein-rich turkey, filling rice, and fiber-packed peas creates a satisfying and dense meal.
Is there a lot of cleanup involved?
No, since it is a one-dish meal, cleanup is minimal with only one primary skillet to wash.