This Turkey Meatball Rice Pilaf is a one-pot comfort dish that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. It's hearty, filling and delicious!
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time40 minutesmins
Total Time1 hourhr
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Dinner, Meatballs, One Pot Meal, Rice, Turkey
Servings: 6
Author: Jonathan Melendez
Equipment
Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Pot
Ingredients
Meatballs:
1poundground turkey
1large egg
1/2cupbread crumbs
1/4cupgrated parmesan
2tablespoonschopped fresh parsley
Kosher salt and coarse black pepper
1/4teaspooncrushed red pepper flakes
Rice Pilaf:
2tablespoonsolive oil
3tablespoonsunsalted butter
1small oniondiced
2ribs of celerychopped
2garlic clovesminced
1poundsliced mushrooms
2cupslong grain rice
1cupdried cranberries
1/3cuppine nuts
4cupschicken stock
2tablespoonsfresh parsleychopped
2tablespoonsfresh basilchopped
1tablespoonfresh oreganochopped
1tablespoonfresh thyme leaveschopped
Instructions
To make the meatballs, in a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, egg, bread crumbs, parmesan, parsley, a large pinch of salt and pepper and crushed red pepper flakes until evenly combined. Roll into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on a plate or baking sheet.
Set a large pot over moderate heat with the oil. Once hot, brown the meatballs in batches. We're not looking to cook them fully at this point, just looking to get color on all sides. Transfer to a plate and continue browning the rest. Once all are done, set to the side.
Add butter to the skillet and add the onion and celery. Cook until just beginning to softened. Stir in the garlic and mushrooms and cook until the mushrooms have begun to brown, about 5 to 8 minutes. Stir in the rice, cranberries and pine nuts. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook long enough to toast the rice slightly.
Add the chicken stock and then return the meatballs to the pot. Give it all a big stir and bring up to a simmer. Cover, lower the heat to the lowest setting, and cook until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and has softened, about 20 to 25 minutes. Uncover and stir in the fresh herbs. Serve immediately and enjoy!