Turkey Taco Bowl (Printable Version)

Seasoned ground turkey served 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

→ 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 Make It:

01 - Cook rice according to package instructions or use precooked rice to expedite preparation.
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 minute additional.
04 - Sprinkle taco seasoning blend over the turkey and vegetables. Mix thoroughly and cook for 2 minutes. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons water if needed to distribute seasoning evenly.
05 - Divide cooked rice among four serving bowls. Top each portion with the prepared turkey mixture.
06 - Arrange lettuce, cherry tomatoes, avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, and cilantro over each bowl according to preference.
07 - Serve immediately with lime wedges positioned on the side for garnish and flavor enhancement.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in about 35 minutes, which means you can have dinner on the table before you've even thought twice about ordering takeout.
  • The beauty is in the customization—everyone at the table builds their own bowl exactly how they like it, no compromises.
02 -
  • Don't add the avocado until right before eating, or it will turn an unappetizing shade of brown and lose its creamy appeal.
  • The seasoning actually needs a minute or two to toast in the pan after you add it; rushing past this step means you lose the flavor complexity and end up with something that tastes one-dimensional.
03 -
  • Taste the turkey mixture right after adding the spices and adjust the seasoning before it goes into bowls—it's much easier than trying to fix it later.
  • The difference between a mediocre taco bowl and an exceptional one is letting the seasoning toast in the pan for those extra two minutes instead of rushing to the next step.
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