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High Protein Ground Turkey Taco Bowls - A Simple, Satisfying Weeknight Meal

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground turkey (93% lean is ideal; 1 to 1.25 pounds)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil
  • Yellow onion, diced
  • Garlic, minced (3–4 cloves)
  • Tomato paste (2 tablespoons)
  • Low-sodium chicken broth or water (1/3 cup)
  • Black beans, drained and rinsed (1 can)
  • Corn kernels (frozen, fresh, or canned)
  • Cooked rice (brown rice, white rice, or cauliflower rice)
  • Romaine or shredded lettuce
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Avocado or guacamole
  • Plain Greek yogurt (as a high-protein sour cream swap)
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • Lime (for wedges and zest)
  • Cilantro, chopped
  • Green onions, sliced (optional)
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Spices: chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, crushed red pepper or cayenne (optional), salt, and black pepper

Method
 

  1. Cook your base. Make rice according to package directions, or warm pre-cooked rice. For a lighter bowl, use cauliflower rice and sauté it in a little oil with salt and pepper for 3–4 minutes.
  2. Prep the toppings. Rinse and chop lettuce, halve cherry tomatoes, slice green onions, chop cilantro, and cube the avocado. Set out black beans, corn, cheese, salsa, and Greek yogurt.
  3. Mix the taco seasoning. In a small bowl, combine 1.5 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if you like heat.
  4. Sauté aromatics. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Brown the turkey. Add ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. If excess liquid accumulates, let it cook off so the meat can brown.
  6. Season and simmer. Stir in the spice blend and 2 tablespoons tomato paste. Cook 1 minute to toast the spices. Add 1/3 cup broth (or water) and simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring, until saucy and well-coated. Taste and adjust salt or heat.
  7. Warm beans and corn. Stir black beans and corn into the turkey mixture and heat 2 minutes. Squeeze in half a lime and toss with a handful of chopped cilantro.
  8. Assemble bowls. Add a scoop of rice, a layer of lettuce, and a generous spoonful of turkey. Top with tomatoes, avocado, cheese, salsa, green onions, more cilantro, and a dollop of Greek yogurt. Finish with a lime wedge.
  9. Make it your own. Add pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, shredded cabbage, or sliced radishes. If meal prepping, portion into containers and keep fresh toppings separate until serving.