Mushroom Rice Recipe With Ground Beef Or Turkey
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This Mushroom Rice Recipe with Ground Beef or Turkey is the ultimate quick and easy one-pan meal! With just three main ingredients—ground meat, mushrooms, and rice—you can whip up a satisfying dish in no time. Perfect for busy nights or as a creative way to use leftover rice, this dish is packed with flavor and comes together in just 10 minutes.
Why You’ll Love Mushroom Rice Recipe With Ground Beef Or Turkey
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes if you have pre-cooked rice, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Minimal Ingredients: With only three main ingredients, this recipe is simple yet packed with flavor.
- Versatile: Use ground beef, turkey, chicken, or pork to customize the dish to your taste preferences.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with everyday pantry staples, it’s a cost-effective meal for the whole family.
- Hearty and Filling: The combination of ground meat, mushrooms, and rice makes this dish satisfying and comforting.
This easy mushroom rice recipe has rice mixed with ground meat and fried mushrooms. For this recipe, you can use any kind of ground meat – I have made this mushroom rice with ground beef and ground turkey and they were both really tasty. You can also make this rice recipe with ground chicken or pork, I’m sure it will be just as good!
This mushroom rice recipe is a great way to use up leftover rice. If you have cooked rice on hand, just transform it into a new meal with this recipe, or you can always cook new rice – the easy way to cook rice is to use a rice cooker :)
Another great thing about this tasty mushroom rice recipe is that it only uses three ingredients – rice, mushrooms and ground meat! To make this super easy rice main dish, first cook the mushrooms on a frying pan in a little oil, then add the meat and cook until ready, and then mix in the cooked rice – that’s all there is to it! Meat and mushrooms are very filling, so this easy rice dish will really fill out up – a little goes a long way :)
If your rice is already cooked, this recipe only takes 10 minutes to make from start to finish – that’s a super fast way to put dinner on the table! This mushroom rice recipe is perfect for busy cooks, and it’s really tasty!
Mushroom Rice Recipe With Ground Beef Or Turkey
Cooking time: 10 minute(s)
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice – Perfect for using up leftovers; adds a fluffy texture to the dish.
- 1 package (8 oz) mushrooms, sliced – Bring a rich, earthy flavor; sliced for even cooking.
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey – Adds protein and heartiness; choose your favorite or use what you have on hand.
- 1 tsp salt – Enhances the overall flavor and brings out the taste of the ingredients.
- 1/4 tsp pepper – Adds a mild heat and subtle depth to the dish.
- 1 tsp oil – Used to sauté the mushrooms and ground meat for added flavor and texture.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Mushroom Rice Recipe With Ground Beef Or Turkey
- Non-stick frying pan – For cooking the mushrooms and ground meat without sticking.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – To stir and combine the ingredients evenly.
- Measuring spoons – To measure the salt, pepper, and oil accurately.
Instructions How To Make Mushroom Rice
- Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring periodically, for 4 minutes.
- Add ground meat, salt and pepper. Mix with the mushrooms. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until the ground meat is completely cooked through (no longer pink).
- Add the cooked rice and mix thoroughly, until everything is combined and the rice is heated through.
For more easy rice recipes, check out Cajun dirty rice with ground beef, shrimp fried rice, chicken broccoli fried rice and vegetarian fried rice. All these rice recipes are a great way to use up leftover rice, so don’t be afraid to cook a lot of rice at once – you can always make another meal out of it :)
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this mushroom rice as a standalone meal for a quick and satisfying dinner.
- Pair it with a Fresh Garden Salad with Parmesan and Tomatoes or Quick Steamed Carrots for added nutrition.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
- Add a dollop of Creamy Onion and Sour Cream or a sprinkle of Shredded Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese on top for extra richness.
- Serve alongside Cheesy Garlic Bread or crusty Perfectly Cooked Frozen Rolls for a complete meal.
Tips For Success
- Use leftover rice: Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and absorbs flavors better. If you’re using freshly cooked rice, let it cool and dry slightly before adding it to the pan.
- Slice mushrooms evenly: Ensure the mushrooms are sliced uniformly so they cook evenly and don’t burn.
- Cook the meat thoroughly: Make sure the ground beef or turkey is completely cooked (no pink remaining) to ensure safety and flavor.
- Season gradually: Start with the recommended amount of salt and pepper, and adjust to taste once the dish is fully mixed. This way, you won’t over-season.
- Add extra veggies: If you want more variety, toss in diced onions, bell peppers, or zucchini when cooking the mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrition.
- Use a large pan: A spacious non-stick frying pan will make it easier to stir and combine the ingredients without spilling.
- Reheat carefully: If reheating leftovers, use a microwave or stovetop with a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out.
Variations And Substitutions
- Switch up the meat: While ground beef or turkey is great, you can also use ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian twist. Each option brings a unique flavor profile to the dish.
- Try different mushrooms: Use white button mushrooms, cremini, or shiitake for variety. Each type adds a slightly different taste and texture.
- Use different grains: Swap the rice for quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb or nutrient-packed option. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the grain.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, chili powder, or your favorite hot sauce to give the dish a spicy kick.
- Add herbs and seasonings: Experiment with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, or paprika for extra depth of flavor. Fresh parsley or cilantro also make great finishing touches.
- Make it cheesy: Stir in shredded cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan at the end for a creamy, gooey texture.
- Boost the veggies: Include additional vegetables such as carrots, spinach, peas, or bell peppers to make the dish more colorful and nutrient-dense.
Storage And Reheating
- Storage: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain its quality.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Pack it in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, pressing out excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date for easy tracking.
- Reheating (Microwave): Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and sprinkle a little water on top. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or wrap and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
- Reheating (Stovetop): Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add the leftovers with a splash of water or broth. Stir occasionally until the dish is evenly heated.
- Reheating (Oven): For larger portions, transfer the dish to an oven-safe container, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh rice instead of leftover rice?
Yes, you can use freshly cooked rice. However, it’s best to let it cool slightly and dry out before adding it to the pan. This prevents the dish from becoming too sticky.
What type of mushrooms work best for this recipe?
White button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are great options because they cook quickly and have a mild flavor. Shiitake mushrooms can also be used for a bolder taste.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground meat and substitute it with plant-based meat alternatives, extra mushrooms, or diced vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes, chili powder, or cayenne pepper. You can also drizzle on your favorite hot sauce before serving.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it using one of the methods outlined in the “Storage and Reheating” section.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Pack the dish in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What other proteins can I use?
If ground beef or turkey isn’t your preference, try ground chicken, pork, or even crumbled tofu for a protein boost.
How do I avoid overcooking the mushrooms?
Cook the mushrooms over medium-high heat and stir frequently. This prevents burning and ensures they cook evenly while retaining their texture.
Other Easy Mushroom Recipes
Vegetarian Mushroom Stroganoff Recipe – A creamy and hearty dish loaded with tender mushrooms and a savory sauce, perfect for a comforting meatless meal.
Portobello Mushroom Baked Eggs – A protein-packed breakfast or brunch featuring eggs baked inside juicy, flavorful portobello mushrooms.
Instant Pot Sweet Potato and Mushroom Soup – A warm and velvety soup combining sweet potatoes and mushrooms, made effortlessly in the Instant Pot.
Other Easy Rice Recipes
Healthy Carrot Rice Recipe – A quick and nutritious side dish blending fluffy rice with sweet, vibrant carrots.
Mango Fried Rice with a Twist – A tropical-inspired fried rice dish bursting with sweet mango and savory flavors.
Creamy Avocado Rice Side Dish – A rich and creamy rice dish infused with fresh avocado for a unique and delicious twist.
Microwave Rice Crispy Treats Recipe – A no-bake classic dessert made quick and easy in the microwave for gooey, crispy perfection.
Mushroom Rice Recipe With Ground Beef Or Turkey
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 package mushrooms 8 oz, sliced
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp oil
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Non-stick Frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
- Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes, until softened.
- Add ground beef or turkey, salt, and pepper. Mix well with the mushrooms.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until the meat is fully cooked (no longer pink).
- Add cooked rice to the pan and mix thoroughly until the rice is heated through and evenly combined.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with a plant-based ground meat alternative or additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Leftover rice works best for this recipe, as it’s less sticky and absorbs flavors well.
- This recipe can be made with white or brown rice for different textures and flavors.
I’m really excited to try making this!
First time seeing this recipe. It’s a great way to use up leftover rice.
I don’t usually cook with mushrooms, but this recipe was straightforward and delicious.