Go Back

Lean Ground Turkey Taco Bowls - Simple, Flavor-Packed Meal Prep

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey (93% or 99% lean, your choice)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste (or 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes)
  • 1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4–1/2 tsp cayenne (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice (or use mixed greens)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen, fresh, or canned and drained)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Greek yogurt or light sour cream (optional)
  • Shredded lettuce (optional for extra crunch)
  • Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack (optional)

Method
 

  1. Prep your base: Cook brown rice or warm cauliflower rice. If you prefer a lighter bowl, prep a bed of mixed greens and shredded lettuce. Set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Add onion and a pinch of salt; cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and jalapeño and cook 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant.
  3. Brown the turkey: Add ground turkey. Break it up with a spatula and cook 5–7 minutes, until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper as it cooks.
  4. Bloom the spices: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Cook 30–45 seconds to wake up the spices.
  5. Add moisture: Mix in tomato paste and cook 1 minute, then pour in broth. Simmer 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the mixture is saucy but not wet. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and heat.
  6. Warm the add-ins: Stir in corn and black beans just to heat through, 1–2 minutes. If you’d rather keep them separate for meal prep, skip this and add them to bowls later.
  7. Assemble the bowls: Divide rice (or greens) among bowls. Top with turkey mixture. Add tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and any extras like cheese or yogurt. Finish with a squeeze of lime.
  8. Serve: Enjoy immediately, or portion into containers for the week.