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Easy Ground Turkey Burrito Bowls - A Quick, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Meal

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground turkey (93% lean works well)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth or water
  • Juice of 1/2 lime
  • 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, fresh, or canned and drained)
  • 1 cup pico de gallo or your favorite salsa
  • 1 avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or cotija (optional)
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Method
 

  1. Cook your base: Prepare rice according to package directions, or warm any pre-cooked rice you have on hand. Keep it covered so it stays fluffy.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Brown the turkey: Add the ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes.
  4. Season well: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to coat the turkey evenly.
  5. Add richness: Stir in tomato paste and cook 1 minute to toast it. Pour in broth and simmer 2–3 minutes, scraping the pan, until slightly thickened and saucy.
  6. Finish with lime: Squeeze in lime juice and adjust salt to taste. The mixture should be juicy but not soupy.
  7. Warm the sides: Heat black beans and corn in a small saucepan or the microwave with a pinch of salt until hot.
  8. Assemble bowls: Spoon rice into bowls. Top with turkey mixture, black beans, corn, salsa, avocado, cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream if you like. Finish with cilantro and an extra lime wedge.
  9. Serve immediately: Mix and match toppings at the table. Add hot sauce for spice lovers.