When Elizabeth and I got home this afternoon, she jumped from the car and headed inside. I just sat there awhile. It was dark and quiet and kind of nice. I was tired. I really didn’t feel like cooking. So I just sat there, running through possible dinners in my head. I knew what I had in the refrigerator and in the pantry. I ran through several possibilities. After ten minutes, Christopher came outside to see why I hadn’t come in yet. I took a deep breath and exited the car.
Once inside, I stood in front of the open refrigerator and just looked. Christopher came and looked with me. As always, he suggested pizza.
No.
I came back to our office where Michael was still working and sat at my computer, checking email and Facebook. Christopher appeared in the doorway and announced that he was hungry.
I went back to the kitchen.
I saw ground turkey, got it out, and started browning it without having a plan at all. While it cooked, I went back to the pantry. There I found rice and some various packets that looked promising.
This was so quick and so delicious! Depending on how fast your turkey browns, you could have this on the table in 15 minutes! Perfect for a day when you really don’t want to cook.
15-Minute Skillet Supper
(or “What to Cook When You Really, Really, Really Don’t Want to Cook But Know You Should”)
- 3 pounds of ground turkey
- 1 packet of meatloaf seasoning
- 1 packet of ranch dressing mix
- 2 cups of water
- 2 packets of brown gravy mix
- 2 cups of instant rice
- 2 cups of water (yes, 2 more)
In a large skillet, brown the turkey. While it is cooking, add the meatloaf seasoning and ranch dressing mix. As soon as turkey is browned, add 2 cups of water and the gravy mix. Stir to combine and bring to a boil over high heat. When mixture boils and gravy starts to thicken, add the rice and 2 more cups of water. Allow to boil for 2-3 minutes while stirring. Cover and turn off the heat. Leave covered for 10 minutes – or until rice is tender.
Well Duh #1: If you’re using a gas cooktop, let the mixture boil for 5 minutes. If you’re using electric, just turn the heat off and the mixture will continue to cook for a few minutes while the burner cools.
Well Duh #2: I used Minute Rice Brown Rice. You can use whatever instant rice you like. But it has to be instant.
Well Duh #3: If you wanted a little stroganoff flavor, you could add a couple of dollops of sour cream after cooking.
This stuff was good! Even Christopher ate two bowls and didn’t mention pizza at all! There was a lot left over for tomorrow because it made a large skillet FULL! The brown gravy mix really gave it a rich flavor. It was nice to be able to put something on the table quickly so we could eat and I could go back to sitting on the couch!
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