Turkey and Rice in the Instant Pot: Two Delicious Recipes for Leftovers or a Quick Meal

A few weeks ago, I hosted a Cajun Friendsgiving for some of my favorite Dallas peeps. You can’t have #Friendsgiving without a turkey, so last week I shared a recipe for the best turkey ever. This week, I’m sharing my recipe for Dirty Turkey Rice made with Honeysuckle White Mild Italian Turkey Sausage. My favorite thing about this dish? You can make it in an Instant Pot in under 30 minutes!.

I don’t know about you, but I’m obsessed with making dishes in my Instant Pot. Basically, this recipe only requires a few additional steps and your Instant Pot and a spoon to complete; all you have to do is toss the ingredients in and let them cook!

The question, “Why did you decide to use turkey instead of beef or pork for this recipe?” is understandable given that, although I enjoy a good traditional dirty rice dish, I’m currently attempting to take better care of my health. I’ve been eating leaner meats that are easier for my body to digest because I’m working with a nutritionist. Turkey is one of my favorites because it has tons of protein without a gamey taste. I choose Honeysuckle White for my turkey dishes because they’re a brand I can trust. Honeysuckle White uses family farms that raise their turkeys with care.

This year, @honeysucklewhite and @shadybrookfarms have partnered with @nokidhungry and are making it easy for anyone to host a fun Friendsgiving get-together! This is another reason I’m encouraging everyone to choose Honeysuckle White for their holiday parties. Visit https://www. honeysucklewhite. com/friendsgiving/ for recipes, tips and information on how we’re working to end childhood hunger. #goodfeedsgood.

This is a recipe I modified from one I saw on My Forking Life, and it’s really good! Although they made theirs look like real dirty rice, I didn’t include the liver because I find it so gross. Also, I made mine with all turkey products so it would be a bit healthier.

The Instant Pot is a kitchen game-changer, and these two recipes for turkey and rice are perfect examples of why. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover turkey or just want a quick and easy meal, these recipes have you covered.

1 Instant Pot Ground Turkey and Rice Taco Bowls

This recipe from Six Sisters’ Stuff is a fun and healthy family dinner option It’s packed with flavor and comes together in just 34 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 diced onion
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
  • 16 ounces salsa
  • 15 ounces canned corn, undrained
  • 4 ounces canned green chilies, undrained
  • 15 ounces canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 ounce taco seasoning mix
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

Instructions:

  1. Press the SAUTE button on your Instant Pot.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and brown the ground turkey and onion for 5 minutes.
  3. Add the rice and remaining olive oil, and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Dump in the salsa, corn, green chilies, black beans, and taco seasoning mix. Don’t stir yet.
  5. Pour the chicken broth over the mixture, making sure the rice is covered.
  6. Seal the lid and set the timer for 8 minutes on MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK.
  7. Do a quick release by turning the valve to the VENTING position.
  8. Fluff the rice, mix everything together, and sprinkle with cheese. Let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
  9. Serve in bowls and top with your favorite taco toppings.

2. Turkey Rice Casserole (Instant Pot)

This recipe from Instant Pot Eats is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty casserole that’s perfect for using up leftover turkey or chicken. It’s also a great option for a potluck or a simple weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 cups white rice, long-grain, uncooked
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 carrots, finely diced
  • 1 celery rib, finely diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely diced
  • 3.5 cups chicken stock (turkey or vegetable stock are fine too)
  • 3 cups diced turkey meat, cooked
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • ½ cup frozen corn
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh)
  • ⅔ cup heavy cream (or half and half)
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1.5 tablespoon lemon juice (juice of ½ lemon)
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1-2 tablespoons parsley, for garnish

For the buttery crumbs:

  • 10 Ritz crackers (about ½ cup)
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs (like Panko)
  • 2 tablespoon butter, melted
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Turn the Instant Pot on SAUTE and add the olive oil, butter, onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
  2. Add the garlic, stir, and press Cancel.
  3. Rinse the uncooked rice under cold water 2-3 times to remove some starch. Add the rinsed rice to the pot.
  4. Add the chicken stock, turkey, frozen peas, corn, and rosemary, and stir through. Scrape the bottom of the pot with a spatula to remove any stuck bits.
  5. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 5 minutes. Once the timer is done, quick release the pressure as soon as possible to prevent the rice from overcooking.
  6. Open the lid and stir the contents. Add the cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and pepper. Stir to melt the cheese and create a creamy texture. Taste for seasoning.
  7. To make the buttery crumbs: Pulse the crackers in a food processor until fine. Melt the butter in a small pan, add the cracker crumbs and breadcrumbs, and stir until golden brown and aromatic. You can add a little dried rosemary or garlic powder for extra flavor.
  8. Transfer the casserole to a serving dish (optional). Top with the buttery crumb topping and fresh parsley.

Tips:

  • For both recipes, be sure to use cooked turkey and uncooked rice.
  • You can use store-bought seasoned crumbs instead of making your own, or serve the casserole without any crumbs.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge and gently reheated the next day.
  • For the Turkey Rice Casserole, brown rice can be used instead of white rice. Increase the cooking time to 20-22 minutes with natural pressure release. Note that vegetables will be much softer due to the longer cooking time.

Additional Resources:

These two turkey and rice recipes are perfect for busy weeknights or using up leftover turkey. They’re both easy to make and packed with flavor. So grab your Instant Pot and get cooking!

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  • Ginger Marie

A few weeks ago, I hosted a Cajun Friendsgiving for some of my favorite Dallas peeps. You can’t have #Friendsgiving without a turkey, so last week I shared a recipe for the best turkey ever. This week, I’m sharing my recipe for Dirty Turkey Rice made with Honeysuckle White Mild Italian Turkey Sausage. My favorite thing about this dish? You can make it in an Instant Pot in under 30 minutes!.

turkey and rice instant pot

I don’t know about you, but I’m obsessed with making dishes in my Instant Pot. Basically, this recipe only requires a few additional steps and your Instant Pot and a spoon to complete; all you have to do is toss the ingredients in and let them cook!

turkey and rice instant pot

You may be wondering, “Why did you decide to use turkey instead of beef or pork for this recipe?” Well truth be told, while I love a good traditional dirty rice, I’m trying to get my health in order. I’ve been working with a nutritionist who has me eating leaner meats that are easier for my body to digest. Turkey is one of my favorites because it has tons of protein without a gamey taste. I choose Honeysuckle White for my turkey dishes because they’re a brand I can trust. Honeysuckle White uses family farms that raise their turkeys with care.

turkey and rice instant pot

Another reason I’m encouraging everyone to choose Honeysuckle White for their holiday parties is because they’re making it easy to give back to No Kid Hungry! This year, @honeysucklewhite and @shadybrookfarms have teamed up with @nokidhungry and are making it easy for anyone to host a fun Friendsgiving get-together. Visit https://www.honeysucklewhite.com/friendsgiving/ for recipes, tips and information on how we’re working to end childhood hunger. #goodfeedsgood

I adapted this recipe from one I found on My Forking Life and it is so delicious! While they made theirs like a true dirty rice, I’m totally grossed out by liver so I skipped that bit. Also, I made mine with all turkey products so it would be a bit healthier.

turkey and rice instant pot

Instapot Ground Turkey Rice #3| Instant Pot Quick Meal Recipes I #chefbbs | Rice Meals

FAQ

Can you cook rice and meat at the same time in Instant Pot?

Excellent results in about 8 minutes. 1/3 cup rice, I like Ben’s parboiled, + the same amount of water or broth plus a little extra. Place the breast on top. Set the inner pot on the trivet above 1 cup of water to generate the steam required for cooking.

Is it safe to cook rice in an Instant Pot?

Ever since I got my Instant Pot a few years ago, I’ve stopped making rice any other way! It’s such a simple, basic method, and you never have to worry about it getting gummy or a pot boiling over on the stove. Every time I make rice, I achieve the same results: separate grains, with a pleasing, chewy texture.

Why is my rice in Instant Pot too hard?

Why is the rice hard? If your Instant Pot rice is too hard or undercooked, you didn’t cook it for long enough. Make sure you’re using the right amount of cooking time followed by a natural pressure release.

Why rinse rice for Instant Pot?

Rinsing rice removes any dirt and excess starch that can make the rice sticky, and, I’ve found, makes the rice taste better. According to Instant Pot’s manual, rinsing the rice also makes up for the small amount of moisture lost in evaporation during the cooking process.

How long to cook cooked turkey in Instant Pot?

If you are using leftover cooked turkey that isn’t frozen don’t add it yet. Put the lid on, lock it and put it on the Manual setting. Set the time for 5 minutes for white rice, 12 minutes for wild rice or 25 minutes for brown rice. When the Instant Pot is finished let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.

How long does it take to cook rice in Instant Pot?

Set the time for 5 minutes for white rice, 12 minutes for wild rice or 25 minutes for brown rice. When the Instant Pot is finished let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. Then manually release the pressure. Add the coconut milk and shredded cooked turkey to the pot, and stir.

How do you cook a Turkey Soup in an Instant Pot?

Add the cooked turkey, vegetable stock, bay leaves, herbs de Provence, uncooked rice, salt, and pepper. Set Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook/Manual Mode’ for 10 minutes. Once the timer has finished, allow the soup to naturally release for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.

How do you Pressure Cook Rice in an Instant Pot?

Pressure cook – Put the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the sealing ring is in place and the pressure valve is closed. Set it for Manual, High Pressure for 5 minutes. If you aren’t using white rice check the timing here. Release pressure – Once the Instant Pot is done cooking allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.

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