Sage Butter Turkey and Wild Rice Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Sage Butter Turkey & Wild Rice Skillet is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender ground turkey, earthy wild rice, and fragrant herbs creates a wholesome and satisfying dish that comes together easily.

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 with 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes until the rice is tender. Drain any excess liquid and set the rice aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter until melted. 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 the heat to medium-high and add the ground turkey to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, fresh sage, and thyme. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until the turkey is 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 the heat to low and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Stir gently until melted and evenly coats the mixture. If desired, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, try adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the onions and garlic.
• Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green texture.
• Use dried sage if fresh isn’t available; reduce quantity to 1 teaspoon.
• Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for a crunchy finish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth can help maintain moisture when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute wild rice with brown rice or a rice blend you prefer. Cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground turkey with plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Sage Butter Turkey and Wild Rice Skillet Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 149 reviews

This Sage Butter Turkey & Wild Rice Skillet is a hearty, flavorful one-pan meal combining lean ground turkey, nutty wild rice, fresh herbs, and sautéed spinach, all finished with a rich sage-infused butter and optional Parmesan cheese for an extra depth of flavor. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein & Grain

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

Liquids & Fats

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

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
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Optional

• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Wild Rice: Rinse the wild rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed wild rice with 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring it 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. Sauté the Aromatics: 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 another 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the Turkey: Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground turkey to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, fresh sage, and thyme. Cook, breaking apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
4. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked wild rice and chopped spinach. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
5. Finish with Sage Butter: Reduce heat to low. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and stir gently until melted and the mixture is evenly coated. Optionally, add grated Parmesan cheese and stir to combine.
6. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

• Wild rice can be replaced with a wild rice and brown rice blend for a different texture.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground turkey with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
• Adding Parmesan cheese is optional but enhances the savory flavors.

Keywords: turkey skillet, wild rice recipe, sage butter dish, healthy weeknight meal, one-pan dinner