Turkey Taco Bowl (Printable)

Fluffy rice topped with seasoned turkey and fresh taco fixings for a quick, vibrant meal.

# What You 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

→ 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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Cook rice according to package directions, or use precooked rice to expedite preparation.
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 additional.
04 - Sprinkle taco seasoning blend over turkey and vegetables, mixing thoroughly. Cook for 2 minutes. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons water if needed to distribute seasoning evenly.
05 - Divide cooked rice evenly 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 - Serve bowls immediately with lime wedges on the side for flavor enhancement.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than takeout, yet tastes like you actually put thought into dinner.
  • Everything is customizable—your picky eater can skip the cilantro, someone else loads it with jalapeños, and everyone's happy.
  • Ground turkey absorbs flavor beautifully when seasoned this way, proving it doesn't need to be boring.
02 -
  • Don't skip the lime—it's not optional garnish, it's the ingredient that transforms every other component and makes the bowl taste intentional.
  • If your ground turkey seems bland after seasoning, you probably need more salt than you think—taste it and trust your instincts.
03 -
  • Make your taco seasoning in bulk and store it in a small jar—you'll reach for it constantly once you start, and it's always fresher than packets.
  • If you prep components ahead of time, keep the avocado separate and add it right before eating so it doesn't oxidize and turn brown.
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