Turkey Taco Bowl (Printable Version)

Seasoned ground turkey over rice with fresh vegetables and classic toppings

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 1 pound lean ground turkey

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 small onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1 cup shredded lettuce
07 - 1 avocado, diced
08 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Rice

09 - 2 cups cooked white or brown rice

→ Taco Seasoning

10 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional for heat

→ Toppings

17 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
18 - 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
19 - 1/4 cup salsa
20 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

# Directions:

01 - Cook rice according to package instructions or use precooked rice to save time.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and nearly cooked through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes.
03 - Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
04 - Sprinkle taco seasoning over the turkey and vegetables. Mix well and cook for 2 minutes. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons water to help the seasoning coat the meat evenly.
05 - Divide cooked rice among four serving bowls. Top each with the seasoned turkey mixture.
06 - Arrange lettuce, cherry tomatoes, avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, and cilantro over each bowl as desired.
07 - Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for garnish and flavor enhancement.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in 35 minutes flat, so weeknight dinners stop feeling like a chore.
  • Everyone at the table can customize their bowl exactly how they like it, which somehow makes even picky eaters happy.
  • The seasoning tastes like restaurant-quality, but costs a fraction of the price and uses ingredients you probably already have.
02 -
  • Don't skip the two minutes of seasoning blooming in the pan—it transforms raw spices into something cohesive and delicious, which I discovered after rushing through this step once and tasting harsh, unblended flavors.
  • Add fresh toppings just before serving rather than mixing them in, because wilted lettuce and warm avocado lose their appeal quickly—temperature contrast is what makes this bowl sing.
03 -
  • Make your taco seasoning in bulk and store it in a small jar—I label mine and keep it ready for any occasion, which saves time and ensures consistency across different meals.
  • Dice your avocado directly into the bowl rather than preparing it ahead, because exposure to air turns it brown and unappetizing within minutes.
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