Turkey Taco Bowl (Printable Version)

Seasoned ground turkey over rice with fresh taco toppings

# Components:

→ 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

→ 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

# Method Steps:

01 - Prepare rice according to package instructions, or use precooked rice to expedite assembly.
02 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it apart 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 additional minute.
04 - Sprinkle taco seasoning over the turkey and vegetables. Mix thoroughly and cook for 2 minutes. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons water if desired to help distribute seasoning evenly.
05 - Divide cooked rice among four serving bowls. Top each portion with the seasoned turkey mixture.
06 - Arrange lettuce, cherry tomatoes, avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, and cilantro over each bowl according to preference.
07 - Present immediately with lime wedges on the side for added brightness and flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one skillet while the rice does its own thing, so cleanup is almost laughable.
  • You can pile on whatever toppings you actually have instead of running to the store for one missing ingredient.
  • The turkey stays juicy and flavorful without needing a marinade or hours of prep.
  • It reheats beautifully, so lunch the next day tastes just as good as dinner did.
02 -
  • Do not skip the lime wedges, even if you think you do not need them, because that bright acidity pulls everything together in a way that is hard to explain until you try it.
  • If your turkey looks dry while cooking, add a splash of water with the seasoning instead of more oil, which keeps it moist without making it greasy.
  • Dice your avocado last so it does not brown while you are cooking everything else.
03 -
  • Toast your spices in the dry skillet for thirty seconds before adding the turkey, and the flavor will deepen in a way that feels almost professional.
  • Keep a bag of pre-shredded cheese and pre-washed lettuce in the fridge so you can throw this together without any chopping on especially tired nights.
  • Double the turkey mixture and freeze half for a night when even this feels like too much work.
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